tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79275456347504599742024-03-13T03:52:48.152-04:00All About JillzyThe hub of everything I doAll About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-62350318514619569132019-01-26T17:23:00.001-05:002019-01-27T09:02:06.347-05:00These sayings should be outlawed My Accutane JourneyPeople have good intentions. They really do, but sometimes people say things without thinking that can really make matters worse. I am no angel. I've said things in my life that I've put my foot in my mouth but these sayings have been said to me through my lifetime that caused me to simmer over a delayed response that I never got to say.<br />
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"She's in a better place." At my grandmother's funeral. Yes she's in a good place but the better place was here with me.<br />
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"Just have fun with it." When trying to get pregnant for almost a year.<br />
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"You need a hobby." Sure, I'll get right on that.<br />
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"I woke up with this huge zit on my chin!" Says the woman with perfect skin, perfect hair and perfect teeth. I sat there with my jaw on the floor staring at her with one of my worst breakouts trying extremely hard to keep my mouth shut.<br />
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"Maybe it's allergies." Yeah, I'll stop eating everything except lettuce and water.<br />
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"Are you okay? You look like you don't feel well." No, I'm fine. I just didn't put on any makeup today. That phrase many years ago confirmed that I look horrible without makeup, and sadly it was the last time I ever left the house without makeup on.<br />
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"It'll get worse before it gets better." This should never be said to anyone no matter the situation. It's downright cruel and deserves a throat punch.<br />
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We are our own worst critic.<br />
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Everybody has a battle to fight and to me, my battle with acne is my worst battle right now. Just like that movie, "She's All That". It's amazing how confident someone can feel on the inside when they're feeling confident on the outside. My Accutane journey is going to "She's All That" me and I can't be any more excited!All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-75143261224261232812019-01-19T17:29:00.001-05:002019-01-19T17:29:59.825-05:00My Accutane JourneyI was fortunate growing up not knowing the feeling of wanting to lock myself in the bathroom when I was a teenager when a breakout threatened to ruin my day. I rarely had a bad breakout and thank goodness I'm a girl that allows me to wear makeup and cover up any flaw that I wanted to hide.<br />
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Until now...<br />
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I'm 42 years old and I've been battling acne for years. I blame my children for screwing up my hormones, among other items on my list that I blame my kids for: droopy boobs, bigger-than-acceptable butt and a stomach with train tracks that I'll never be able to wear a two-piece bathing suit for the rest of my life. My battle with hormones has been endless with mood swings so high and so low, that sometimes even I don't want to be around myself.<br />
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I have tried just about every product on the market for my acne. EVERYTHING makes me break out. That is no exaggeration. I started making a list of ingredients that were potential enemies of my skin and although avoiding certain ones seemed to make my skin look better, I would end up breaking out again a couple days later. After eliminating ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, any and all kinds of exfoliants, any of the acids such as salicylic acid, parabens, mineral oil, and fragrance, any kind of positive results proved null and void. It didn't matter what I used. I even started making a list of foods that I suspected of breakouts:<br />
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Chocolate<br />
Wheat/Gluten<br />
Cinnamon<br />
Sugar<br />
Dairy<br />
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Then I moved on to cosmetics. Cheap makeup made my skin worse (shocker!) all the way to the $30+ foundations and concealers. I even tried the expensive overnight serums. Again, nothing worked.<br />
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My lowest day was when I thought a spray tan would even out my skin tone and hide some of my acne. For the first time in my life, I wanted to lock myself in the bathroom and never come out. I was stupid enough to get that spray tan on a workday and had to go to work looking like a got a bad spray tan on top of horrific acne.<br />
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I am too old for this crap. <br />
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This process has taken me years to get to this point and reaching my lowest day finally made me realize I needed help. I visited my doctor who had given me hormonal birth control pills and a low-dose antibiotic. Yup, you guessed it... that didn't work either. The antibiotics interfered with the birth control pills so once I stopped taking those, which gave me the world's worse heartburn anyway, I started noticing some improvement after three months of birth control.<br />
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But I was STILL breaking out. <br />
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I went to a dermatologist and after prescribing me more antibiotics (and more heartburn agony) did she recommend me taking Accutane.<br />
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Because I am a woman of childbearing age, I've had to jump over obstacles and basically sign my life away because the side effects of accutane are incredible if I should get pregnant. I must take every precaution to not get pregnant (already there!) and I am required to be on two forms of birth control (done and done!) and I must have blood work done each month before I can get my next refill.<br />
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This is all because my dermatologist said this is the only thing that is going to get rid of my acne. <br />
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It has nothing to do with the products I'm using, the food I eat or the air I breathe. It's just the way I am. Lucky me.<br />
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I am going to blog about my journey with accutane because acne has been such a huge part of my life, I hope I can help someone else out there who also struggles with acne. This is one of the questions I will ask God someday... why? why? why? Life is unfair and cruel on this earth, why do we have to deal with ickyness on our FACE (and mosquitos)???<br />
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I am not going to post pictures yet. I have my worst day picture but because it has taken such a huge chunk of my self confidence away, I'm not ready to share that photo yet. To me, it is that bad.<br />
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We are our own worst critic.<br />
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Thank you for taking this journey with me. I am looking forward to be rid of acne permanently, gain confidence back and maybe even stabilize my dreadful hormones.All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-21755024335046804602018-07-26T08:46:00.001-04:002018-07-30T10:35:23.008-04:00Victor Part 2<br />
I can't thank friends and family enough for your condolences about our beloved Victor. Many of you had sent prayers and good wishes and we've felt them all. In case you missed it, you can read <a href="http://allaboutjillzy.blogspot.com/2018/07/victors-story.html?m=1" target="_blank">Victor’s Story here.</a> I'm generally a positive person, but it has taken everything in me not to be mad at God for taking Victor away from us so soon. I've been pretty quiet around the house and in doing so, I've imagined Victor in his usual spots and I still see his shadow greeting me at the door when I come home. But since I'm a verbal thinker, friends have allowed me to come to a conclusion about this sad chapter in our family:<br />
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The days before we left for our trip, Victor was a happy, playing, eating, drinking and pooping kind of dog. Nothing out of the ordinary. Whenever he saw the suitcases come out, you would see the most depressed dog! Usually, he would mope around and give us sad puppy eyes whenever he got the chance but usually after a couple days of us being gone, he would perk up.<br />
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This time was different...<br />
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Victor was such an intelligent dog, that I believe he knew he was sick but didn't want us to know. I think that since he knew we were going to be gone for a while, he was going to let himself be sick after we left to spare us the agony of watching him die. I am so thankful for our neighbor who took such good care of him for us while we were gone. We have the most tremendous amount of guilt for putting them through this agony with Victor, but we are so thankful that since they loved Victor so much, they were there for him through the end for us. Victor didn't want us to see his pain but he loved our neighbor and trusted them enough to let himself go in their care.<br />
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Maybe this is just another one of my bullshit theories but it beats being mad at God for taking Victor away from us. I imagine him running around with Koda Bear and her puppies and it makes me smile. Staying busy is the key to not losing my mind during the day but not seeing him laying in his bed at night still chokes me up.<br />
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I tell my girls that time heals all wounds...<br />
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Victor was truly that perfect dog I always wanted. He rarely barked, he wasn't overly active but was always eager to take advantage of a walk, he didn't shed a lot and that dog could hold his pee for more than 12 hours!<br />
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Victor had the most softest fur. He was beautiful and people would stop and ask to buy him from us. Teaching him tricks was a breeze. And did I mention his soft fur?<br />
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Time heals all wounds...<br />
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<br />All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-64597102524719961182018-07-23T15:03:00.000-04:002018-07-23T15:03:00.268-04:00Victor's StoryI don't blog anymore. I do cherish all my posts and I have more material to write about that could last me for years, but until I'm ready to blog again, this story is worth writing about. We once had the "perfect dog". You can read about<a href="http://allaboutjillzy.blogspot.com/search?q=koda" target="_blank"> Koda Bear's Story here</a>...<br />
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...Until Victor came into our lives.<br />
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After Koda died, it didn't take long for Victor to find us. He was 7 months old when he was ready for a new home. He was bred to be a drug sniffing police dog but since he didn't have the ball drive, he ended up in our home. People giggled when we told them that because he really didn't have any ball drive. Victor was the most laid back and easy going dog of all, and we liked that!<br />
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I don't know what I did to make Victor imprint on me so hard. He would follow me around everywhere I went, wait for me outside the bathroom door and when I went around the corner, he was peeking around to make sure I didn't disappear. He was protective of all of us and showed his love all the time. I've been told that when I left the house, Victor would mope around and wait by the door and not even treats would get him away from the door until I got home.<br />
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Victor was the softest dog to pet. He knew it too. He expected everyone to pet him. Everyone loved Victor, even none-dog people. There was just something about him that everyone loved.<br />
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Victor loved the snow, he loved being bathed and loved to swim. He was just a happy dog no matter what we were doing.<br />
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Victor could smell an egg and a piece of cheese a mile away and he would come running!<br />
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...And he had the strangest way of stretching. Doggie yoga.<br />
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We believe that by the time Victor was born and when Koda Bear died, her soul found Victor about the time he was ready to leave his mother. A few months later, Victor joined our family. Victor had every personality trait Koda had and more. We saw Koda in Victor all the time. We truly were the real story of A Dog's Purpose.<br />
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But God had other plans for Victor...<br />
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We were on vacation when our neighbor called and said Victor was acting very sick. She took him into the vet to find out that he had pancreatitis and an infection that was affecting his liver. The disease hit him so hard and so fast, that there wasn't anything anyone could've done. He was in so much pain that the vet said she couldn't wait for us to get home that night from our vacation. We were only part way home when God took Victor to heaven.<br />
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For the first time ever, I didn't want to come home from a vacation knowing he wouldn't be there to greet us at the door. The 8-hour drive could've taken 18 hours and I wouldn't have cared. It was the hardest homecoming we ever had.<br />
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We were blessed to have Victor for six years. He truly was the "perfect dog".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WCwZQXLvWO0gi42aKFSlz-PFKDnjyTEPAubvLCU0iU-qD52f9l0R3pAiuYpPlP-jPhoR2kS-dq0yFUnjthbemnGs8JB2tRIqNFKSYL2jd5bRXlIh5DV1Cbwi6NX9auXzyAbkQb-r/s1600/IMG_6384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WCwZQXLvWO0gi42aKFSlz-PFKDnjyTEPAubvLCU0iU-qD52f9l0R3pAiuYpPlP-jPhoR2kS-dq0yFUnjthbemnGs8JB2tRIqNFKSYL2jd5bRXlIh5DV1Cbwi6NX9auXzyAbkQb-r/s320/IMG_6384.JPG" width="179" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Victor <br />March 15, 2012 - July 22, 2018</span></b></div>
<br />All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-76261336151590601182017-01-27T23:43:00.000-05:002017-01-27T23:43:28.591-05:00Protein Power Overnight Oatmeal<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This is a fantastic breakfast you can make before you go to bed and it's ready when you wake up. It's made to eat cold but I'm not a big fan of cold oatmeal so I pop it in the microwave for 45 seconds to take the chill off. It's not too bad cold, though! This recipe was adapted from MyFitnessPal blog. I was able to save almost 100 calories and cut down on the fat. It's also loaded with potassium, calcium and iron. What helped save calories and fat? I used Premium Chocolate Peanut Butter (PB2). It's powdered peanut butter that you add a little water to and you've got yourself some peanut butter with a lot less fat. It's terrific in smoothies too!<br />
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<br />
<b><br />What you need:</b><br />
<br />
2 TB Premium Chocolate Peanut Butter (PB2)<br />
1/2 cup oatmeal<br />
1/3 cup Kefir Lifeway yogurt, plain (or any flavor you have)<br />
1/3 cup Cashew Milk<br />
1/3 cup apple slices, chopped (smaller the better)<br />
1/4 cup walnuts<br />
1/4 tsp. (or more!) apple pie spice and/or cinnamon<br />
<br />
<b>What to do:</b><br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar and stir well. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight. Grab a spoon when you're on the run!<br />
<br />
Calories: 378, Fat: 14g, Carbs: 50g, Protein: 14g, Sugar: 17g. <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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<br />All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-9556886913622163862016-11-06T00:22:00.000-04:002016-11-11T09:26:36.637-05:00No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip BitesThese little power balls are amazing! I adapted this recipe from Skinny Ms. Her recipe is 203 calories per energy ball but I was able to get the calories down to 178 calories per ball and 11 grams of fat to 9 grams of fat. With 5 grams of protein and 19 grams of carbs, you'll never know what hit ya! Maybe it was just in my head but not only could I not eat just one, but if I ate a couple in the late evening, I couldn't get to sleep right away. And of course, they are gluten free!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>No-Bake Energy Bites</b><br />
<br />
1/2 cup dark or bittersweet chocolate chips<br />
1 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter<br />
2 cup oats<br />
1/4 cup oat flour<br />
1 medium banana, smashed<br />
1 tsp vanilla (or more. I always add more!)<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
3 TB chia seeds<br />
1/3 cup honey<br />
1 TB cocoa powder<br />
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>What to do:</b><br />
<br />
In a large bowl, combine oats, oat flour, chia seeds, salt, cocoa powder and coconut.<br />
<br />
In another bowl, combine the smashed banana, peanut/almond butter, honey, vanilla and chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
Combine both bowls together. <br />
<br />
Using your hands, make small balls and place them in a parchment-line container. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Makes roughly 20-23 energy bites. Freezes well. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
Per energy bite:<br />
178 calories, 9 g fat, 19 g carbs, 6 g proteinAll About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-46386693322646062282016-09-24T15:01:00.000-04:002016-09-24T15:01:44.371-04:00Summer Recap 2016My dad used to say, "The easiest thing in the world to do is to turn off your alarm clock and go back to sleep." He's right. But one of the hardest things in the world to do is to take time out for yourself. My new saying since this Summer has been:<br />
<br />
"My life has been like going off the rails of the crazy train."<br />
<br />
I love to write but it has been put on the way back burner for a long time because everything and everyone else has been more important. I'm not asking for a pity party. I've had free time here and there and I really can't complain. What I do complain about is that I'm using that free time all wrong. Iphone... games... TV.... need I say more?<br />
<br />
Lately, I've noticed views on my blog through Facebook and it has inspired me to get back to writing again. <br />
<br />
Thank you to whoever is visiting me! <br />
<br />
In the past, I'd write on a regular basis but it seemed that no one was ever reading my posts. No comments, no views and it got lonely and discouraging as a writer. To me, it seemed that most people who were writing blogs had hundreds of followers and tons of comments. And me? 7 followers, whom 5 I didn't even know and no comments on any of my posts. I had to bring myself back to the real reason why I started a blog in the first place. <br />
<br />
For me.<br />
<br />
In my latest post, <a href="http://allaboutjillzy.blogspot.com/2016/01/reading-my-past.html" target="_blank">Reading My Past</a> I wrote about all 30 years' worth of my journals that I found. Back then, I wrote because I liked to. I didn't write to catch fame. I wrote so I would remember the crazy stuff I did as a kid, the places I went and the friends I had. That was satisfying enough to write just for me. So when I started All About Jillzy, it was easy to get caught up in the eagerness of "fame" and get as many followers as I could. But I guess God had a different plan for my writing. He kept it grounded for me.<br />
<br />
So those handful of views I've gotten lately, Thank You! You've inspired me to get back to the keyboard and get back to work!<br />
<br />
So, with the promise of my Summer Recap, here you go!<br />
<br />
We moved! Our landlord decided to sell our condo and off we went to new adventures. It wasn't a big move, but big enough where my daughters had to change school districts. It has been an adjustment, needless to say, but my girls have adjusted to their new schools and I've adjusted pretty well to a bigger house, a basement and an attached garage! With that being said, our Summer wasn't that super fun, although my girls had way more fun than I did. They got to go on a couple small trips, swim with friends and sleep in and hang out. Me? I cleaned out and organized my house and I must say it feels good to have gotten rid of so much stuff!!!<br />
<br />
At times, we all get down on the fact that we had to move. We were so happy where we were. I miss meeting my friends at the bus stop every morning, the fact that my girls were old enough to run out the door and play with friends pretty much any time they wanted and I didn't have to worry about them. They could ride their bikes and there was always someone to play with. Our neighborhood was truly "It takes a village to raise a child" kind of environment. I knew one of my neighbor friends would be around if I didn't get back in time for the school bus in the afternoon, or knowing that they would be okay if they had to be home alone for a while. <br />
<br />
I tell my girls that God has a plan for us. We may not know what that plan is (or why we had to move) but in God's way and in His own time, we'll know what that plan is for us... and it will be Good. We just have to be patient. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'm enjoying a bigger house, a really nice neighborhood, friendly neighbors, really good schools for my girls, loving my part-time job and enjoying all my grandchildren. God is good! In a couple of weeks, we start painting!!! I'm looking forward to looking at color in my house rather plain white walls!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-80318042380323001192016-01-16T17:42:00.001-05:002016-01-16T17:42:08.171-05:00Reading My Past<span style="font-size: large;">I recently came across a couple of large keepsake boxes that I've kept for years. Unfortunately, the hard rain of this past summer had gotten to the boxes and made almost everything inside moldy and musty smelling. It was heartbreaking to see some of my childhood items, accomplishments and memories ruined, but oddly enough it didn't seem to bother me as much as I thought when I first saw the dampened boxes. Lately, I've been going through corners of my house and getting rid of stuff that I either haven't used or have forgotten about. I'm getting tired of pushing things around that I really don't need and frankly, I'm starting to feel claustrophobic in my house. These two large boxes were no exception that I had to go through them and decide what to keep or... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">PURGE</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I hate that word. PUUUUURGE!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The fact remains that I can't take this stuff with me, I haven't enjoyed any of the contents for years and my kids aren't going to care about most of it anyway. So I had to make a decision.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What am I going to do with all this stuff???</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I found my high school and college diplomas, photos of people I haven't seen since I was a kid, books I didn't even know I had, prom and homecoming corsages, plaques, and awards... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzSWx8NsouTIyW1ZpET0ATcyPKOxVpMAqODr1SMIHgp28gwClQqB7rImS5lXFpNIiKyHywgJG-DbErSM_1xKHaL9f70RRN5Io343VavsN6VcWjOZ6yaN8wp6ZOTR_t_DKc8vOlSbg/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzSWx8NsouTIyW1ZpET0ATcyPKOxVpMAqODr1SMIHgp28gwClQqB7rImS5lXFpNIiKyHywgJG-DbErSM_1xKHaL9f70RRN5Io343VavsN6VcWjOZ6yaN8wp6ZOTR_t_DKc8vOlSbg/s320/IMG_2678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">...But most importantly, the box on top wasn't ruined (just really musty smelling) and it contained all my journals.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I have been writing journals since I was 8 years old. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iCY8qcUlfnKhA49P8xirAhUPyT4f-lYrd32Mkk9t7U0a-P_nNKl_WCJ-VKQw61SwssGk3t-Z4xhr-mQwldJ5taUYMdj_0GiDpSIZ25RwN6mlfgrhqB2MTzsu_ViiMudpu40SFsNi/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iCY8qcUlfnKhA49P8xirAhUPyT4f-lYrd32Mkk9t7U0a-P_nNKl_WCJ-VKQw61SwssGk3t-Z4xhr-mQwldJ5taUYMdj_0GiDpSIZ25RwN6mlfgrhqB2MTzsu_ViiMudpu40SFsNi/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">What a blast I had reading through all those journals and the different phases of my life. I read about memories I had forgotten about, friends I used to hang out with and the things we did, and thoughts about anything and everything. 30 years of my life written down, how my handwriting had changed, ticket stubs and receipts I've kept, even brochures of camps and activities I did. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember that word that I hate? Purge. That's exactly what I did to most of my journals. I threw them all away. Why? Because not only will my kids not care about friends and boyfriends I used to have (because there's a reason why I'm not friends with or dating them anymore) but I don't want them to know the first time I smoked a cigarette, the first time I got trashed at a party or sneaked out of a friend's house when I slept over and the potty mouth I once had. I was appalled at myself and so thankful that I no longer know that girl I once was. Sure, it would've been nice for my daughters to read some of those journals someday. They could've learned a little about me and maybe even relate to me when they become a teenager someday. My girls will learn more about me reading my blog and my current journals that I did keep. I kept the journal when Jeff and I were planning our wedding and what we went through those couple of years. They'll learn about what it was like when I was pregnant with them and the first years of their life as their mom. Those are the journals they'll be more interested in reading and those are the ones I've kept.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Although it was nice reading those old journals, it actually felt good to throw them out. Those bad memories are gone forever and the good ones that were worth keeping are still in my heart. I can't take it with me when I go someday and it's refreshing to simplify my life with a little (ok a lot) less clutter. My only regret throwing away all my journals: I didn't take a picture of how many notebooks I wrote over the years. </span>All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-45181072552933756772015-12-18T11:19:00.000-05:002015-12-18T11:21:32.448-05:00Blueberry Banana Protein Power Muffins with Walnuts (Gluten Free)I don't always want to drink my breakfast with smoothies so I found this recipe from Barbara Bolotte at bodybuilding.com and adapted it to make it gluten free. You'd be surprised how good these muffins are! They are high in protein, packed with antioxidants, rich in potassium and heart healthy. I swapped out Stevia that the original recipe called for and replaced it with regular sugar, which in turn made the muffins not as sweet and they didn't trigger my sweet tooth. If you'd like to increase the sweetness to a half-cup of sugar, that would be up to you or use Stevia.<br />
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<br />
<b>What you need:</b><br />
<br />
1/4 c. sugar<br />
2 egg whites<br />
1 c. applesauce (yup, I used regular applesauce. If you'd like to use unsweetened applesauce, they won't be as sweet unless you use Stevia)<br />
3 bananas<br />
1/3 c. almond milk<br />
1 1/2 c. gluten-free all-purpose flour<br />
2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1 tsp. xanthan gum<br />
1 scoop protein powder (I use Jay Robb egg white protein powder)<br />
1 c. walnuts<br />
1 c. blueberries<br />
Vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<b>What to do:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In one bowl, add sugar, egg whites and applesauce until smooth and frothy with a hand mixer. Add bananas and mix well. Add milk and mix well.<br />
<br />
In another bowl, add all dry ingredients and mix well.<br />
<br />
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix well. Fold in blueberries, walnuts and vanilla extract.<br />
<br />
Line 20 muffin cups with cupcake liners. Spray each with non-stick cooking spray. Add batter almost to the top of the muffin cup. <br />
350 degrees for 20 minutes. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Can you believe each of these muffins are only 125 calories?!? 3 grams of fat, 21 carbs and 5 grams of protein, 9 grams of sugar and they're loaded with vitamins C!All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-31848882928878037912015-06-27T20:27:00.002-04:002015-06-27T20:27:41.533-04:00Turkey Lettuce Wraps - RecipeHere's another tasty and so easy recipe! My family loves these lettuce wraps and it only takes about 10-15 minutes to make!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Turkey Lettuce Wraps</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 head of iceberg lettuce, sliced into large pieces</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 pound ground turkey</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 TB sesame oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 green onions</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 TB ground ginger </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can water chestnuts, roughly chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 TB gluten free soy sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped</div>
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Chopped mint leaves and/or chopped peanuts (optional)</div>
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Brown turkey in a large skillet, drain. Add remaining ingredients and stir until heated through. Top with mint leaves or chopped peanuts, if desired. </div>
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Place about 1/4 cup of mixture into a large lettuce leaf, wrap and enjoy!</div>
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<i>Variations:</i></div>
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Use warm corn tortillas instead of the lettuce leaves or use the turkey mixture as a salad topping. Substitute ground turkey for ground beef.</div>
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Enjoy! </div>
All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-20069229123473447862015-06-27T20:08:00.000-04:002015-06-27T20:08:05.808-04:00Jillzy's Mexican Rice - RecipeI have always wanted to go to culinary school. I don't necessarily want to work in a restaurant but mostly that I love to cook and want to learn how to cook a more variety of meals and make them better. I've always wanted to learn to make my own recipes from scratch. Well, time and money prevents me from going to culinary school for the time being but time and money won't keep me from learning new recipes! I am officially addicted to the Food Network and Cooking Channels! My husband gets frustrated with my crazy and all-of-a-sudden new items on my grocery lists and he has to call home and ask what the new item is and where to find it. Tee hee!!! However, no one is complaining when I make a killer dish for dinner!<br />
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I love making my Mexican rice dish for a quick go-to meal. Most of the time I already have my rice steamed up from another day and all the other ingredients are as easy as opening a can, but this time I've made it even better and more exciting!<br />
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<b><u>Jillzy's Mexican Rice</u></b></div>
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2 cups brown rice, steamed</div>
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1 can unseasoned black beans, drained and rinsed</div>
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2 Roma tomatoes, diced (or use a can of Ro-tel diced tomatoes and chilies with juice)</div>
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1 Jalapeno pepper, diced (more if you choose)</div>
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1 Baby red onion, diced</div>
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Ground cumin</div>
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Chili Powder</div>
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1 lime, juiced and zested</div>
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Salt & Pepper</div>
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Cilantro</div>
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Sour Cream</div>
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Red pepper, optional</div>
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Steam rice according to directions. Once rice is done, add the tomato, pepper and onion. Add juice of the lime and zest. I eyeballed how much seasonings I wanted which was about a 1/2 tsp of ground cumin, 1/2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste and a dash of red pepper, 'cause I like it hot! I added about 2 spoonfuls of sour cream. Stir and enjoy!</div>
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Makes 4 servings as a side dish or 2 servings as a main dish.</div>
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Additional add-ons:</div>
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Ground beef, corn, green pepper</div>
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This picture shows with the Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies and ground beef. The fun thing about my rice dish is that you can add whatever you want and season to your own liking. It's the easiest go-to dish, it's filling and of course, gluten free! Enjoy!</div>
All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-35599180214543261752015-06-27T19:29:00.000-04:002015-06-27T19:36:01.801-04:00Kale Chips - A Healthy SnackEver notice the junky green leafy stuff under a vegetable tray? That's called kale. No one wants to eat it but nowadays, kale is no longer considered a "garnish". <br />
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<span style="color: red;">Kale is a SUPERFOOD!</span><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></strong>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">Vitamin A:</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">206% of the RDA (from beta-carotene)</span><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">Vitamin K:</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">684% of the RDA</span><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">Vitamin C:</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">134% of the RDA</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><span style="color: #191919;">It's loaded with antioxidants, lowers cholesterol, contains good stuff to fight cancer and it can help you lose weight. If I haven't convinced you to try kale, check out the </span><a href="http://allaboutjillzy.blogspot.com/2012/05/health-kick-kickstart.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Banana Mango Smoothie</span></a><span style="color: #191919;"> (with hidden kale) and a killer</span> <a href="http://allaboutjillzy.blogspot.com/2012/05/health-kick-kickstart-part-2.html" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">Messaged Kale and Currant Salad</a>. I promise you, you'll love kale!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">My next recipe is lighter and crispier than potato chips. Super easy to make and so surprisingly good!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><b>Kale Chips</b></span></span></span></div>
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2 big bunches of kale, washed and pat dry</div>
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Olive oil</div>
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Salt</div>
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Place kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt over the kale. Massage the oil and salt into the kale and place in an even layer on a baking sheet with parchment paper.</div>
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350 degrees for 10-15 minutes</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-63573175882153183812015-05-29T20:05:00.000-04:002015-05-30T12:05:47.710-04:00Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Banana BreadI ended up with a lot of very overripe bananas. I love when that happens. That means BAKING!!! I love to bake. Although I try not to bake a lot since I'm usually the one eating it all, but sometimes life just calls for a little extra treat, and my neighbors usually benefit as well. I need help eating all the treats sometimes!<br />
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I adapted this recipe from Lisa at <a href="http://healthynibblesandbits.com/?s=gluten+free+banana+bread+chocolate+swirl" target="_blank">Healthy Nibbles and Bits</a>. She's got some great recipes so I had to give this one a try. It was fantastic and so was my adaptation. I'd love to know what you thought of this yummy chocolate banana bread!!!<br />
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<b><u>Gluten-Free Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread</u></b><br />
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2 eggs<br />
5 TB butter, softened<br />
1/4 c. sugar<br />
1/4 c. brown sugar (or 1/2 cup sugar total)<br />
2 TB plain Greek yogurt<br />
3 very ripe bananas<br />
1 c. Brown rice flour plus extra for pan<br />
1 c. oat flour<br />
1 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
1 tsp. nutmeg<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 TB vanilla extract<br />
1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional)<br />
1/2 - 1 c. nuts (optional)<br />
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Cream eggs, sugars and butter until creamy. Add yogurt, mix well. Add bananas, mix well.<br />
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In a separate bowl, mix brown rice flour, oat flour, xanthan gum, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda. Slowly add to mixer. Add vanilla extract.<br />
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Spray bread pan and coat with brown rice flour, set aside.<br />
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Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high 1 minute. Stir and add another 30 seconds if needed. Chocolate doesn't need to be super runny, just soft enough to mix through the batter.<br />
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Spread half the batter in the bread pan, add a few large dollops of chocolate. Use a butter knife to swirl the chocolate through the batter. Add last half of batter and repeat with remaining melted chocolate on top.<br />
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Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour<br />
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All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-39959750000917586252015-04-09T15:47:00.000-04:002015-04-09T15:47:51.718-04:00Back to "Normal"I don't know if you call what I've been doing "normal" but that's what we slid into when we got home from the hospital. Our "vacation" at Children's Hospital was almost 3 weeks long and when the doctors said Ellen could go home, I panicked. <br />
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"What do you mean she can go home tomorrow??? Don't you want to observe her for another day or two?"<br />
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Her x-rays looked good and they convinced us she would do more healing at home than at the hospital. And right they were! We can't keep our little Ellen down. Luckily we went right into Spring Break when we got home so she had all week to rest up and build up energy. After that, Ellen went back to school full days without a blink of an eye. She was nervous of course. She was worried that her friends would "mob" her and the boys would want to hug her. I don't blame her, although when I was her age, I would've loved the attention. My oldest daughter had made a welcome sign for her at school so when the kids got there, they all saw it. Ellen loved it. For as much as my daughters fight with each other, Ellen's illness was a blessing in disguise. They started getting along and Marcella has been very understanding and supportive of Ellen. I could just cry when my girls get along. They can be so sweet to each other!<br />
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Ellen can start tumbling and she is so excited about that! Just in time for cheer tryouts, too!<br />
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We have been home for 3 weeks and it's so hard to believe all we've been through. In one eye, the time dragged on forever when I think about how long Ellen was sick (almost 8 weeks!) but in the other eye, it flew by so fast, it feels like she was never sick at all.<br />
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Surreal.<br />
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God is good. He really does hear us when we pray. It has been so overwhelming of the love and support from so many people. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. </i></blockquote>
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<i>- James 1:12</i></blockquote>
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All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-47989754418974506442015-03-21T20:20:00.000-04:002015-03-21T20:20:13.690-04:00Being Heard <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'm sitting in Children's Hospital and I don't feel God's presence here very much. There's nothing religious here except for the chapel. The chapel is a quiet place but it makes me uncomfortable to sit there and meditate on the cross. I've never felt uncomfortable near a cross, but here I do because it's surrounded by all the other religious gods and symbols. I feel I'm betraying my Lord by meditating in front of those as well. Because I don't know those symbols or what those religions are symbolizing, I can't stop staring at them while I'm there. I've tried kneeling down in front of the cross but then I feel I'm worshiping the others too. I have a mental block in this chapel. I ask God to be with me but I just don't feel Him there. I give up and walk out. The only way I have time with God is in the wee hours of the morning when the nurses come in for vitals and medicine</span>. I read some devotions and hope to fall back to sleep. I love when my devotions hit me right where I'm hurting. I would feel encouraged and reassured that I'm not alone and God IS listening. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1alfdwY7P4QlSj4vBRvYv9rc3aPGrbkNA329wJyFQy1gMxx845yMItcPwzfk3miZ2kmOkO4a19GmiaYfNky0KPsHmJzVaqv5veO5-mXBZfgbam5vjLCD0i7SAi88zPweYmQ4BYNk/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1alfdwY7P4QlSj4vBRvYv9rc3aPGrbkNA329wJyFQy1gMxx845yMItcPwzfk3miZ2kmOkO4a19GmiaYfNky0KPsHmJzVaqv5veO5-mXBZfgbam5vjLCD0i7SAi88zPweYmQ4BYNk/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the lonely nights when I feel alone I think of all the people who have commented on my Facebook posts. So many people are praying for my little girl, and then when I feel even lonelier, someone will tell me they put Ellen on their prayer chain at their church. So far I've counted about five prayer chains that I know of. Begging God to hear me is unnecessary because all I have to do is think about all the people praying for Ellen. I know my miracle will happen. Being patient is the hardest thing to do sometimes.</span><br />
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All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-16335492771281471932015-03-08T00:51:00.001-05:002015-03-08T00:57:03.573-05:00What Is a Mother's Job?<span style="font-size: small;">What is my job as a mother? I assume it's the same as all mothers:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">To love our children, provide for them, take care of them, protect them and do whatever it takes to make them happy. Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">When Ellen was admitted into the hospital for pneumonia I went through different stages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Fear and confusion: When urgent care told me to go straight to the ER and quickly. Even then I still had no idea how sick she really was. One of the most hardest things in life for me is to hold back tears of sadness and tears of fear in front of my children. When I couldn't stop the tears, my daughter got scared and started crying too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children to be strong but it's still okay to cry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Mission Mode: Swing by the house (even though we weren't supposed to) and gathered up clothes, toothbrush and pajamas because I knew Ellen wasn't coming home for a while. Listen to the doctors, do what they say, answer their million questions, fill out forms. This also goes into the Fear and Confusion Mode. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children to always be prepared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(No) Sleep Mode. <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">4 am</a> with being awake for almost 24 hours and still million more questions running through my mind, I finally fall into slumber only to be woken every half hour by nurses, doctors and noises all around. More questions and overload of orientation info.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children to be patient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Whatever It Takes Mode: Whatever it took to get my daughter to cooperate, comfort her, get her better. The look in her eyes when I allowed these doctors to hurt her by inserting an IV and stick her finger for blood tests. I'm her mother. My job is to protect her, kiss the boo boos away and I'm allowing these doctors to give her pain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children that sometimes pain can be a good thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Prayer Mode: Praying and more praying. Not demanding answers but asking for protection and successful surgery. Guidance for the doctors and begging for super strength to get through this. Strength for my daughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children the power of prayer and to believe in miracles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Crying Mode: While Ellen was in surgery, promising her I would not ever leave her side, the surgeon kicked me out once she was asleep so they can do their job. Then when I found my way through the hospital maze, I found the chapel. Kneeling down in front of the cross I couldn't even pray because I was crying so hard, wanting to hurry up and cry as fast as I can before someone came in and saw me. I'm supposed to be strong, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children that it's okay to cry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hunger Mode: I'd never felt so hungry. Almost 24 hours without eating anything, I scarfed my food down so I could get back to the surgery waiting room in case Ellen got done early. I promised her I'd be the first thing she'll see when she woke up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children to keep their promises.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Panic Mode: Surgery took an extra 15 minutes expected because she lost two teeth and they couldn't find one of them and had to do extra X-rays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children that surprises happen and to learn to roll with the punches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Relief... for now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Irritated Mode: Leave us alone! Let us sleep. Stop talking so loud. Make your pager thing stop beeping every 5 seconds. Make that G-D IV beeping stop. Seriously? X-rays <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 4:45am</a>???? Let her sleep!!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children that kindness goes a long way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Anger Mode: How could this have happened? Why? Why couldn't I have seen the signs? Why didn't I demand an x-ray at the first doctor's appointment?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children that life is full of unanswered questions and learn to accept that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then back to prayer mode, where I will stay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">*** </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My little girl's lung was nearly completely full of fluid from pneumonia. The doctors are amazed how well she looked and how well she was functioning on only one lung. She was still going to cheer practice and we had no idea. Ellen had no idea she was sick. I had no idea she was THIS sick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thank God 7-year-olds don't know what "failure" means because that's how I feel. The doctors assured me that we did everything right. We made the right phone calls at the right time. Ellen has such a high tolerance for pain and didn't show any other symptoms that even the doctors are amazed. She was functioning on one lung and she's still so strong and brave!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Worried Mode: My baby doesn't want to see her friends. She doesn't want visitors. She's bored out of her mind. She has enough activities, books, crafts and games to keep her occupied for a month and her eyes look so blank. Children need fresh air. They need sunlight. Cabin fever has set in for all of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Teach my children that it's okay to feel like crap when you don't feel good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As I lay awake in the wee hours of the morning listening to all the hospital sounds, including my stomach growling, I wonder: Why did God let this happen? What am I supposed to learn from this? How is this supposed to teach me to be a better mother? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I keep telling Ellen we have to take this journey day by day and do our best to be patient. We have to trust God and know that He will heal my baby and we will rise above this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">That's what I'm teaching my children.</span></div>
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All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-42772615868158980952015-02-11T21:00:00.002-05:002015-02-11T21:00:27.376-05:00Happiness Project - Crochet Part 2I was warned...<br />
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AFTER I learned to crochet that crocheting is addicting. I really thought I'd stop after a scarf and hat until I found a link with Spring and Summer scarf patterns. I've always hated Youtube. I can rewind and rewind again, over and over when something doesn't make sense but the video doesn't change. I can't ask questions to make sure I'm doing it right. Somehow, I ended up with this love/hate relationship with Youtube and all of a sudden I have saved videos of crochet projects I want to do. After all the frustrating hours of learning the basics of crocheting, it finally clicked for me. <br />
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I get it!<br />
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Now I can't stop crocheting!<br />
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So, here are my next two projects:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCx8_EW1IkwWtN6O9LE1xusHJ22GifYvEIn3xfYalbUmIhDcoC0gFQq7gwFiZJemP_uVT9J3gjFxUc1AJBdZM7rlV-fDC_gOc2JXvSG0UOYVdILRXlZ475izQEqT4SxKOFckbfW0P/s1600/IMG_20150206_230711446_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCx8_EW1IkwWtN6O9LE1xusHJ22GifYvEIn3xfYalbUmIhDcoC0gFQq7gwFiZJemP_uVT9J3gjFxUc1AJBdZM7rlV-fDC_gOc2JXvSG0UOYVdILRXlZ475izQEqT4SxKOFckbfW0P/s1600/IMG_20150206_230711446_HDR.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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My hat turned out really big. So big, I can't wear it. Michael's craft store has become my second home. I'm addicted to the yarn aisle. So I went back, got more yarn and I'm planning on doing this hat again. At least not until I figure out how to make this hat a lot smaller... and with different colors. It looks like a mushroom on my head. No foolin'! (and no, you won't see a picture!)<br />
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Next, my new scarf:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJemZviTIjj4-O_yhlOLJHQclT0ePquuqQZRMAe8SE8fcsRkuV1Z0Z7F7wdDkvkXM3UIXNze1FsdsZFqL-Y5RnjYkdpFTy7m9awza8xKWucNAIP5uEIpNDrVOssU8HAYdLIcJvu9YB/s1600/IMG_20150211_185848423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJemZviTIjj4-O_yhlOLJHQclT0ePquuqQZRMAe8SE8fcsRkuV1Z0Z7F7wdDkvkXM3UIXNze1FsdsZFqL-Y5RnjYkdpFTy7m9awza8xKWucNAIP5uEIpNDrVOssU8HAYdLIcJvu9YB/s1600/IMG_20150211_185848423.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a great project to use up scrap yarn. Even though I don't really have much scrap yarn yet, I went and bought "scrap" yarn. Now I have tons of it! But this scarf turned out perfect! I love it and it's so fun. It's way too long, but I won't complain when I'm turning into a Popsicle at the bus stop and I can wrap it around my head 'one more time'. I learned that my scarves are more successful when I work on them horizontally instead of vertically.<br />
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I told my husband I have to go get more yarn. His reply: "Really? Ok..." That really shocked me, especially when my big bag of yarn spilling over the top was sitting right next to him. <br />
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Yes, I need more yarn!All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-72817383425341812012015-01-30T14:45:00.001-05:002015-01-30T14:45:58.376-05:00Happiness Project - SewingI was the Karate Kid only with sewing. <br />
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Wax on, wax off...<br />
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Actually, it was sew line, turn... sew line, turn... a million times.<br />
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Then blind stitch in... out, blind stitch in... out.... a million times.<br />
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I made hand warmers as my little "giveaway" gifts for Christmas. I didn't intend for that to happen. I was "helping" a good friend of mine make mermaid tails for my daughters for Christmas from their grandparents. When Laurie came over, she fixed my sewing machine and viola! It became a sewing machine again.<br />
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I really wanted to make something so I stopped at Joann's to get a couple remnants and make my own hand warmers. Simple enough, right? I ended up with a lot more fabric than I thought so I kept making more. Actually, I kept making more because each one would turn out a little better than the last. Then I realized these would make great gifts.<br />
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Sew line, turn... sew line, turn...<br />
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This process didn't make my sewing machine like me any more, really. I think it still hates me, but I ended up with usable hand warmers. I filled the little buggers with rice and lavender and they work great.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB55FYxA3xyxPbHTGsoaG4KR6bInOLnL7Rm4txAhoVlacWTzJ2U-4bV7EqBLAFTTjTMTs_uX1ak1xi89jXOPwNG8KxAaITk9SBLCLM5KhxHjcJbSZjOg0uYdGBYdxwtlzd0Sl-vx4c/s1600/IMG_20150130_141506929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB55FYxA3xyxPbHTGsoaG4KR6bInOLnL7Rm4txAhoVlacWTzJ2U-4bV7EqBLAFTTjTMTs_uX1ak1xi89jXOPwNG8KxAaITk9SBLCLM5KhxHjcJbSZjOg0uYdGBYdxwtlzd0Sl-vx4c/s1600/IMG_20150130_141506929.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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I added a little poem and a piece of yarn...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHbJOUYUQbY380P3o0e4FvlG00YqUyO6JDlbInsV51b5Esk9-AxblF362qeWtD8GsYREKjcqRonZ3aB_SrosuX_kF9nmaujVhWMcIfcmoGZf8Pc9RTJyC7WwpD0qcHOd1ROFo5s2y/s1600/IMG_20150130_141340669_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHbJOUYUQbY380P3o0e4FvlG00YqUyO6JDlbInsV51b5Esk9-AxblF362qeWtD8GsYREKjcqRonZ3aB_SrosuX_kF9nmaujVhWMcIfcmoGZf8Pc9RTJyC7WwpD0qcHOd1ROFo5s2y/s1600/IMG_20150130_141340669_HDR.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the poem if you're interested. Feel free to use the poem if you want, but please give me some credit. <br />
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Want to see the mermaid tails? These babies will blow my sad little hand warmers out of the water! My friend Laurie was such a trooper through the whole thing. I owe her a really great dinner out very soon!!!<br />
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I also learned that I really want to like sewing but no matter how hard I try, sewing doesn't like me back. I've never been known to quit and I'll keep at something until I get good at it. I've had material for over a year now to make sundresses for my granddaughters and their doll babies. Yes, I shall conquer my sewing machine!!!All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-77505123475881620472015-01-28T23:50:00.002-05:002015-01-28T23:50:48.138-05:00Climbing Up the WallsBeing my daughter's gymnastics team Team Mom, my Team Mom partner and I set up a team bonding activity for the girls. We all went to <a href="http://www.kineticcolumbus.com/gym/" target="_blank">Kinetic Climbing</a>, which is an indoor rock climbing facility. Tony, the owner opened his facility exclusively for us on a holiday off from school and they spent the day climbing and doing team building exercises. The girls had so much fun, they are still talking about it! <br />
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Here, the girls had to create a squirrel out of Legos blindfolded. <br />
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One of the biggest hits that day was climbing up crates. The girls had to work on encouraging each other and not let anyone give up. They liked it so much, most of the girls did it more than once.<br />
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They even made me do it!<br />
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I'm always willing to try anything new. I was up for the challenge. I even surprised myself that day. I didn't think I'd get that high!<br />
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Tony's goal was to wear the girls out and that he did! Not only did they rock climb for 5 hours and do team bonding activities, he put them through conditioning too. Later that night, they still had to go to gymnastics practice. These girls are tough!<br />
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<br />All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-45047128875838033312015-01-28T23:12:00.000-05:002015-01-28T23:18:22.662-05:00Happiness Project - CrochetIt seems the older I get, the harder it is for me to learn something new. I'm not saying I'm old by any means. I've always said and I always will,<br />
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"I won't be old until I'm 92, and then I won't have to be old because I'll still walk to Bingo everyday."</blockquote>
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Part of my Happiness Project was to learn how to crochet. I wanted to make my own scarf and hat for this winter. I'm a little behind on my schedule but at least I got something accomplished. I asked a good friend of mine to come over and teach me how to crochet. I ran off to the store to buy all the yarn I needed, crochet hooks and a threading needle expecting to whip out at least a hat in one afternoon. Much to my dismay, I didn't get very far. It took all afternoon just to get a basic stitch down. My fingers didn't want to cooperate with me and I swore the yarn didn't like me either.<br />
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I wanted to give up. I almost did. But I don't give up. It's not in my nature. Besides quitting the track team in 7th grade because not only was I horrible at track,I hated it and I haven't given up on anything since. Ever.<br />
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I had a battle in my mind:<br />
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"Give it up! You'll never get it..."<br />
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"Don't you give up. You'll get it. Keep trying..."<br />
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"Forget it. I don't have time for this stupid crap. I should just pay someone to make a scarf for me...."<br />
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"This scarf will be great and you'll love it..."<br />
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"Don't let the girls see you give up on something..."<br />
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I was almost in tears a few times. I took huge chunks of my scarf out to re-do it several times. I knew it wasn't going to be perfect but I wanted it to be something I'd be proud to wear. I was about 3/4 of the way done when it finally clicked for me. You can see it in the photo:<br />
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But lo and behold! A scarf was born!<br />
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The scarf wears me but I don't care. It's warm and it hasn't fallen apart yet. Next step: a hat. <br />
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So I started looking up patterns to make a hat and all those frustrated feelings came back. I even tried Youtube, (which I hate) but since I've got a basic stitch down, I thought I could follow a simple youtube video on how to make a hat. <br />
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I can do this! I can!All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-18256692435136792672014-06-04T20:17:00.000-04:002014-06-04T20:17:14.147-04:00Double Berry PopsI found this fantastic treat recipe in the Gluten-Free Bible. <br />
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Double Berry Pops</span></u></b></div>
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2 cups plain yogurt (I used vanilla flavored)<br />
1 cup blueberries<br />
3 TB sugar<br />
6 5-oz Dixie cups (plastic or paper) or pop molds<br />
1 cup strawberries<br />
6 pop sticks<br />
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1. Combine 1 cup yogurt, blueberries and 1 1/2 TB sugar. Blend until smooth.<br />
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2. Pour mixture into cups and freeze one hour. After one hour, add the sticks.<br />
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3. Combine 1 cup yogurt, strawberries and 1 1/2 TB sugar. Blend until smooth.<br />
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4. Pour over blueberry layer. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Cover with foil if needed.<br />
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5. To serve, peel away paper cup or gently twist frozen pops out of the plastic cups or molds.<br />
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Tips: Try other flavors such as orange and lemon, using grated lemon and orange peels; key lime and orange, or make the berry pops all one flavor. <br />
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These were a huge hit with my kids. No artificial flavors or aspartame (if using original yogurt brands and not lite), low in sugar and healthy fruit.<br />
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Enjoy!!!<br />
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<br />All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-67221454366386244282014-06-04T20:16:00.002-04:002014-06-04T20:16:02.117-04:00Chore ChartsIt feels good to not have so much going on at once. It feels good to get caught up on sleep, to not have to be running around all over the place and actually finish up the million little projects around the house. Now with the kids out of school, I've made it clear that I will not be doing all the work around here by myself while everyone else gets to play all day. I wasn't very motivated to make yet another chart on the computer and have the kids put stickers on each chore and have them lose interest after a day or two. So I adopted an idea for chores off of Pinterest by <a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.com/">GingerSnapCrafts.com</a>.<br />
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Each child picks a color. Paint one-half of the Popsicle or craft stick and write the chore on the other. If your sticks are big enough, a small mason jar works perfectly but I had these little containers that worked better with Popsicle sticks. <br />
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Each child gets a container.<br />
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Then I put them in a larger container to keep them all together. A pretty basket would work great, too.<br />
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Once the child completes the chore, the Popsicle stick gets turned upside down. When all the colors are showing, he/she is free to go play.</div>
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I added a container for weekly chores such as clean bedroom, clean bathroom, sort and put away laundry, etc. Those sticks stay in the weekly container and once those sticks are color-side up, they stay that way until the week is done unless that chore needs done again before the week is up.</div>
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I added a "Good Deeds" container with golden sticks. If a child chooses to do a good deed, she gets to move that stick color-side up to her container. Good deeds are chores such as: help fold laundry, help make dinner, play a game with your sister, clean downstairs bathroom, pick up dog poop, etc.</div>
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Each child also has the option to do a chore for someone else. It's considered a good deed and they can move that stick to their own container, color-side up. </div>
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We have not really decided any incentives for these chore sticks. Right now, their incentives are being able to go play and not be pestered by Mom, but ideas were being kicked around that if all the chores are done each day for the week, we'll go out for ice cream or do something fun.</div>
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We are on day 2 and so far, it's been very successful. I would love ideas on how to keep the kids motivated to want to do their chores. We can't always afford to give allowances but when the kids need something or want to do something special, they usually get it because they've done chores. Any suggestions?</div>
All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-55732446171779240582014-06-04T20:13:00.001-04:002014-06-04T20:13:06.182-04:00Just Gettin' Off This Crazy Ride!As I was walking up 79 stairs in my bare feet holding a foam mat to ride down the Dolphin Dash water slide at Zoombezi Bay for the third time, it dawned on me that now that I'm out of this humongous whirlwind of a life, I haven't even blogged since Spring Break. My schedule became so full, I broke out into hives from the stress of having to be in 3 different places at once. One Monday, my husband and I were sitting on the couch with no kids around and nothing to do, <i>someone</i> (meaning me, yes I'll admit) had the bright idea to go visit a gymnastics place. The girls had been begging us for a long time to go back to gymnastics but we just haven't been able to afford it. But this place offers fundraising so some or all of the cost could be relieved from out of pocket. We liked the place so much, we signed on that night. What little did we know, the month of May was going to be the most stressful month we've ever had! We had school, gymnastics, cheer, Girl Scouts, camping, horseback riding, violin lessons, appointments and year-end parties all scheduled during the month of May. Memorial Day weekend came and my schedule came to a screeching halt. The only thing we have going on now is gymnastics and cheerleading.<br />
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<b><i>Introducing the newest members of Rock Solid Academy:</i></b><br />
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Marcella is on the gymnastics team...<br />
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And Ellen is on the "mini" cheerleading team...<br />
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Mondays through Thursdays in the evenings have been spoken for the next year of our lives. <br />
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<b><i>My Happiness Project</i></b><br />
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My Happiness Project has taken the way-back burner. I foresee changes and new opportunities coming my way very soon, though. I signed my family up to help decorate the parade float for Rock Solid, I hope to join the parent team and compete in dance and I'm hoping to start a vegetable garden very soon. That always makes me happy. I finally nailed my front tuck on the trampoline, in which I had been a very big chicken over doing for years now. When someone told me I was too old to be doing "that kind of crap", I made it a point to JUST DO IT and one day, I did. I refuse to allow someone to call me too old to do anything and I won't let my children ever see me give up on something I'm too scared to do. I've been out there doing cartwheels and hand stands with my girls just to show them that Mom can still be "cool" and young.... at least young-at-heart. I probably look like a fool and I really have no business tumbling around on a mat but I don't care. I miss being a kid again.<br />
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<br />All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-78205729331986495162014-04-21T16:50:00.001-04:002014-04-21T16:50:36.540-04:00Ribbon Jell-O RecipeThis dessert is fantastic for picnics and parties. Keep in mind, though that it takes all day to make but the results are so worth it!<br />
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<b>What you need:</b><br />
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4 small boxes of jello - any flavor<br />
1 c. boiling water for each color until dissolved<br />
1/2 c cold water<br />
2 c. milk<br />
1 c. sugar<br />
2 pkg unflavored gelatin<br />
2 c. (16 oz) sour cream<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
Glass 13x9 cake pan<br />
Whipped cream (optional)<br />
Crushed nuts (optional)<br />
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<b>What to do:</b><br />
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Make sure refrigerator is leveled. If necessary, place a magazine or a thin book on the shelf so that the jello will set evenly in the pan.<br />
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Place first color of jello in a medium size bowl and add 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Then add 1/2 c. cold water. Stir. Pour in glass pan and place in refrigerator to set.<br />
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Meanwhile, make the white mixture:<br />
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In a large sauce pan, bring 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of sugar to a boil, stirring constantly until all sugar is completely dissolved. (Do not use a whisk to stir)<br />
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Place the 2 packages of unflavored gelatin in a cup and 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir. Then add to boiling milk mixture. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat.<br />
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Add 2 cups of sour cream and 2 tsp of vanilla to boiling milk mixture. Use hand mixer to mix very smooth.<br />
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Divide the white mixture in 3 separate bowls (about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups each). Set aside.<br />
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Once first color of jello is set, pour first bowl of white mixture on top of jello layer. Place dish back in the refrigerator to set. Continue making the next color of jello.<br />
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Repeat steps until all layers are added and set.<br />
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Add whipped topping and nuts if desired. <br />
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<b>TIPS:</b><br />
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*You can make all colors of jello at once and allow to sit at room temperature.<br />
*Try different jello colors for different occasions, such as blue and pink for a baby shower, red and blue for a Fourth of July picnic or pastel colors (lime, orange and lemon) for Easter.<br />
*Before adding next layer, touch the top layer to be sure it's not tacky and doesn't stick to your finger. If it's still tacky, place dish in the freezer for a few minutes to speed up setting.<br />
*You can spread whipped cream over the whole top to finish the jello dessert or use a squirt whipped cream to squirt a little "cloud" on each piece individually.<br />
*This dessert can take all day. Allow <i>at least</i> five hours or more to finish.All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927545634750459974.post-29807587520384400112014-04-15T22:53:00.002-04:002014-04-15T22:53:53.395-04:00What Did You Say?I've been saying that a lot lately. "Huh? What did you say?" Since we got back from our Old Man's Cave trip, I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off, and then it spins around like a top and it hasn't stopped since. <br />
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I've trained my eyes to focus on what I'm concentrating on and allowing my other eye to look at someone else who's trying to have a conversation with me while words to someone else is coming out of my mouth. All along I'm trying to complete the task at hand. Looking at two different things does nothing. The brain is only trained to focus on one thing at a time, but my brain won't accept that.<br />
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A good friend told me one day, "Hun, you can't multitask anymore because you're already multitasking a million other things right now and you can't add anything else." Oh, how I love her! You know who you are!<br />
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So for two weeks, I've been nonstop. So overwhelmed, I completely forgot about my Happiness Project. We somehow slipped into the exciting world of gymnastics, which has now been added to the schedule of Girl Scouts, violin lessons, Safety Patrol, and study groups. I'm now down to one free night a week, and that's if I'm lucky.<br />
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That's when it hit me, out of the blue and I thought to myself, "Hey! You were going to sign yourself up for tap lessons!" Just when I was trying to keep the schedule as simple as possible, we added one more thing and blew my little Happiness Project goal out of the water. Honestly, it's okay. Once school is over, we'll be down to two activities per week and maybe I can squeeze a tap lesson or two in there for me.<br />
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As if a crazy, busy schedule wasn't enough, I get to add the role of Referee to my list of duties. I can honestly tackle this schedule with success if I didn't have a child who cries over everything, one that complains about the child crying over everything, arguments every two minutes by fighting siblings and kids who can't do a one-minute task in one minute. It's that time of year where everyone is trying to squeeze everything in at once before school lets out and if I think too much about what's on my schedule, I will simply breakdown and cry. So I take it one day at a time, one minute at a time and try to avoid those conversations that start out with, "Hey Jill! You know what would be fun....?" "Hey Jill! You know what we should do...?" "Hey Jill! Let's sign our kids up together for...." "Hey Jill....." <br />
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Hang in there with me. I might need a rope to pull me out of this sinking schedule hole, but as I check To-Do's off my list, I'll find more time to write.All About Jillzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16943965969339195551noreply@blogger.com0