Good Eats

Disclaimer: Those of you who know me know I am not much of a cook. I have a couple of recipes that I have been asked to share over the years, but even those are not my own. I enjoy the idea of cooking something delicious for my family and friends, but don't care for the process: shopping, preparing, cleaning up afterwards, especially cleaning up afterwards!! It's all very time consuming. If I were a wealthy woman the first person I would hire would be a chef.

With all of that being said, here are a couple of good eats from my kitchen.

I made this salad for a luncheon at my school last year and was asked by a sweet teacher friend of mine to make again this year. We have a winter soup and salad luncheon each year so I made it for that a couple of weeks ago. This is a super easy and yummy salad for spring.

Easy Ham Layered Salad

1 pkg (10 oz) mixed salad greens

6 plum tomatoes, chopped

8 kosher dill pickles, chopped

4 hard cooked eggs, chopped

2 cups cubed ham

1 small red onion, chopped

1 bottle (8 oz) Kraft Peppercorn Ranch Dressing

Layer in order and spread the dressing over the top.

I also made taco soup for the luncheon, but I'm sure everybody has their favorite recipe for that. I make mine pretty much the traditional way, but I put Velveeta in it so it's really cheesy.

Of course pizza is a favorite in our house. Especially with the little man. I found some small pizza crusts with the pizza sauces at Wal-Mart. The came 3 to a pkg. One night when Scottie was out, Henry and I made our own pizzas. I put sauteed veggies on mine and Henry had mini pepperonis on his. He got to make it himself - something he loves to do! They turned out very yummy! Henry's pizza:

I'm so excited to see green things starting to sprout in my flower bed! I think I will get out there later and pull the dead stuff to make room for more green stuff!! Yea spring!!

3 Years Ago

3 years ago today, my life changed forever.

3 years ago today, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear.

You have cancer.

I remember that day like it was today.

In January 2007, Scottie and I decided we were ready to have another child so I went to my OB/GYN for a check-up to make sure we were good to go. During the routine exam, he noticed an enlarged lymph node above my right collar bone. He thought it could be enlarged from an infection and put me on high-powered antibiotics. He told me to return in 2 weeks and we would go from there depending on whether or not the size of the node changed. The very same day, I saw my regular doctor because I had developed seriously itchy skin and would break out in hives at night on my arms and legs. My OB/GYN said I should mention the lymph node to him, which I did, but he didn't think the two were related. We would find out in a few short weeks they were.

After 2 weeks on the antibiotics, there was no change in the lymph node. My OB/GYN was alarmed. He sent me from his office to meet with a surgeon to plan the biopsy. The surgeon and his nurse both assured me "99% of the time, it's nothing" over and over...until the biopsy was performed. My surgeon told my mom and husband "we will have to wait for the results, but I think it's just the tip of the iceberg." Not good news.

My biopsy was on a Friday and I had to wait for the results.
Saturday.
Sunday.
Monday.
Finally, I heard back from my surgeon on Tuesday, February 13th.
It was 4:00 in the afternoon and I had just come home from school with Henry.
I remember I was standing in my bedroom when he called.
I remember exactly what I was wearing. I haven't worn that outfit in 3 years.
He told me he wished he had better news and that he didn't want to have to tell me over the phone. He said, "you have lymphoma." I didn't even know what that was, but I knew it was cancer. I dropped to my knees. Literally. I began crying, scared to death that I was facing death. He told me my prognosis was good and that this was "the good kind of cancer." I hate to think of there being a "good" cancer, but at that moment, those words provided comfort. He told me I would be meeting with an oncologist and would go through chemotherapy. He told me I would lose my hair.

Henry was sitting happily in front of the TV with a roll of Lifesavers during this whole time. He knew nothing of what I had just learned. God was definitely keeping his attention occupied while I was hearing the worst news of my life. I am so thankful for that.

When we hung up, I had some calls to make. I called Scottie first. I called my mom and then I called Leah. I remember Janet Jenkins coming over with Laura to take Henry to their house for a while and she brought with her a medical textbook so we could look up information about lymphoma. We didn't have a computer at the house yet so that information was all we had. My parents came. Evan and Leah brought pizza so I didn't have to think about what to fix for dinner. We all cried and laughed and were together. In that one evening, Evan and Leah and the Jenkins became family to me. They were the first ones on the scene (with my family) to comfort, to help, to just be with me. That speaks more to me about love than anything I can think of. When you face a prognosis like cancer, words are meaningless. They don't help because people don't know what to do with a cancer diagnosis. They don't really know what to say. It is so scary. But I didn't want words. I just wanted my family and my close friends with me. To just be.

That was the beginning of a very difficult road for me. One which I still travel everyday and one which I will continue to travel each and every day. I began chemotherapy for Hodgkin's Lymphoma on March 8, 2007. That day, before my first treatment, a central line was inserted on the right side below my collarbone where I would receive chemo and where they would take blood each visit. This line protected my veins from painful chemotherapy drugs. I couldn't get it wet and was at risk of infection around the site, so I was very careful about keeping dry and clean. Glad Press and Seal is the best stuff in the world - perfect for keeping it dry during my showers. I received chemo every other Thursday for 6 months. 12 treatments total. The standard treatment for Hodgkin's is a combination of drugs Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), Bleomycin, Vinblastine and Dacarbazine. 2 were given in a drip, 2 were pushed. Adriamycin was the worst. It was a bright red color and I would have to chew on ice chips to keep ulcers from forming inside my mouth from it. It was hardcore. I could taste that one, too, as it was going in. Not a good taste. But it has been referred to by other chemo patients as "the blood of the lamb" and "the scarlet savior" so I guess I shouldn't complain about it.

My 6th months of chemo were the hardest of my life. I have no idea how I managed during those months. I would take off from school on the Thursday of my treatment and be right back at school the following day teaching. My principal put a couch in my office at school for me to use when I needed to rest. I took a few naps on that couch! I team-taught with another teacher at my school. She frequently took my classes so I could rest on that couch. My church family stepped in and provided meals and house cleaning for us during my treatment weeks. They blessed us so much. They can never know just how much. The women of the church gave me a Hat Party where I received some beautiful hats and scarves. The church also did a fundraiser to help with expenses. The teachers at my school turned one faculty meeting into a fashion show where they modeled and then gave me even more hats - complete with a slide show of bald women! It was hysterical. I laughed so hard I cried. I was definitely ministered to during that time beyond what I can express to you.

Which brings me to the best part. For a long time, I questioned 'why me?' as anyone would during any trial. But during that time I cannot put into words the blessings I received, the comfort, the peace and joy that God poured out on me. He kept me going. On my own, I don't know that I could have made it. He kept me strong and gave me grace sufficient for each day. I remember the day that, while praying, I was able to thank God for my cancer. Because without it, I would not have known those blessings and that comfort, peace or joy. I cried because it was hard to say, but I do thank God for bringing me down this path. I know him better as a result and I know that I am stronger for having gone through what I have gone through.

Today I still struggle with several side effects from my chemo. Joint pain has been very intense this winter and a daily reminder of 3 years ago. Fatigue is still an issue. And my skin is splotchy in places from the chemo. Those are very minor compared to being alive today. I will gladly take them each day as a reminder to live each day to the fullest.

I don't know what the future holds. I don't know if Scottie and I will be able to have any more children because infertility is a possible side effect from the chemo. I had a miscarriage later the same year. Another heartbreaking trial. But I am 2 1/2 years cancer free. I will take that. I do know that I see things differently now. I am reminded every day that each day is a gift. Nothing is to be taken for granted because we are all one phone call away from news that rocks us to the core. I know that God is in control and I am not. I can rest in Him and trust because He holds my future. I discovered who my true friends were and my church family became my family. People rallied around me some of whom I didn't even know. People all over the state prayed for me.

3 years ago was (what I now refer to as) a "growing year." I am glad to be on the other side of it, but thankful today that it happened.

Snowy Days

Winter struck again.

All day last Thursday we anticipated what the forecasters were calling the 'sequel' to last year's terrible ice storm. We braced ourselves and prepared for the worst. Luckily it wasn't as bad as last year's storm, but we did get some ice and a whole lot of snow!! School was cancelled for 2 days and church was cancelled on Sunday. I am not looking forward to making up 7 snow days (and counting - it's just now February), but I have enjoyed not having to get out in the cold. We have had some great fun together as a family and eaten lots of junk!!

Saturday we ventured out to Slim's for lunch and Henry and Scottie built a snowman when we got home.

Maggie wasn't too sure about it all. She kept getting in her kennel in the garage.

I think she got cold!

Rolley was heading down the street...

but was rescued!!

Our neighbors had the best idea!!

A perfect snowman!!

Helping

Thursday morning we were busy getting ready to leave and watching the new and were horrified by the images of the destruction and the helpless victims from the earthquake in Haiti. Henry and Scottie laid on the bed together and watched as I left. Scottie called me a little while later to tell me that Henry had gone into his room, pulled out all of his tools, put on his tool belt and hard hat, and announced that he was ready to go to Haiti to help find survivors and clean up. This picture was taken then. What a sweetheart. I pray each day that God would instill virtues in my son, but seeing compassion come out in an unexpected way really touched me.

I trust we are all praying for the people of Haiti. I know we will hear miraculous stories of rescues and lives touched in the midst of tragedy. God is in the business of miracles, rescues and touching lives, after all. I am planning to take Henry to purchase some items to donate to the people of Haiti so he really can help. If you want to get involved, Victory Church in Springdale has partnered with Operation Compassion and is accepting donations. You can read more here http://www.klrc.com/Article.asp?id=1658573. There are also Christian organizations listed where you can donate financially.

I may not be able to do or give much, I can give and do something.

3 Christmas's

We had a wonderful holiday celebrating with family and friends. Here is a pictorial journey through the festivities.

Christmas #1: Christmas Morning at Our House

Henry wanted a Wii for Christmas and Santa did not disappoint!! We have had lots of fun playing.

I got a new camera that I LOVE. It's just a little Canon Powershot, but it is perfect for me. I had been having trouble with my old camera. I am excited to use my new one!

Our house Christmas morning. It is the first white Christmas I can remember! It was fun, but changed our plans a bit. Which takes us to....

Christmas #2: Christmas Lunch with Grama and Papa Plummer

My parents were set to come to our house for lunch and to check out the new Wii. With the icy roads, they weren't able to make it out of their neighborhood so we took Christmas to them! We loaded up Scottie's truck, put it in 4-wheel drive and headed to Rogers. My mom and I had a great time cooking in the kitchen. We enjoyed spending the afternoon with them and were so glad we got to be with them!

Everyone was busy in the kitchen!

Green bean bundles (I made them and they were delicious!).

Corn casserole (the Jenkins's family recipe - also delicious!)

We feasted on ham, turkey, my mom's fabulous dressing and sweet potato casserole, just to name a few. It was an amazing meal!

We bought Barney a new fleece which has come in really handy the last few days!!

On the way home we saw a mama and baby deer.

The day after Christmas we headed to Little Rock for...

Christmas #3: MeMe and Papaw's house

Scottie's parents opening their new video camera

Papaw

Henry and most of his cousins. Jeremy was working, but came later.

Scottie with his sister, Paula.

Scottie with his sister, Terri.

Scottie with his sisters.

The Johnson family.

Opening gifts. This year we played a white elephant game instead of purchasing gifts for each other. We each held our gift and sat in a big circle. Scottie's mom read a story and whenever she said the word 'right' we had to pass our gift to the right. Whenever she said 'left' we passed to the left. It was so much fun and so silly. It was a fun alternative to buying things for each other. I really enjoyed it.

The kids did exchange gifts. They drew names. Henry got 2 Wii games.

Scottie read the Christmas story and..

Henry and his cousins acted it out! It was so cute and fun.

Henry was a shepherd.

The Magi bringing their gifts!

We enjoyed spending time with our families so much. After Little Rock, Henry and I headed down to McGehee to visit the Day's. We had a great time letting them spoil us!

I hope everyone is having a happy new year so far!

Merry Christmas!

December has been a whirlwind of a month. It is officially my busy season and this year was particularly busy. There were more performances this year than in years past and just extra stuff in general. But it has been a great month. I have enjoyed it so much! From playing Secret Santa at school, to my students performing at school, Barnes and Noble and MAD Pizza, to our faculty Christmas Party - there has been a lot going on. My students did fabulous at each performance and had fun - the most important part. I'm looking forward to having a couple of weeks off to spend with my favorite reindeer!! Henry came by school on Friday (he was with my mom) to see me and show me his Rudolph outfit from his party at school. He was so funny.

He was in the bathroom a few days ago and obviously spent some time thinking while in there because he came out and asked, "Mom, how come his name is Santa Claus when he doesn't even have any claws???" Hilarous!

Here is one more picture to share. I just figured out how to use pictures I take with my phone, so I hope to share more of those. Henry (sometimes) likes to go with me to Wal-Mart, but lately wants me to "bury" him under the groceries. This was a couple of weeks ago. He is completely covered but was quick to point out that he could still talk to me. He was careful not to cover up his mouth. People walking by wouldn't see him at first and would crack up laughing when they saw him. I think he definitely has Scottie's sense of humor!

We are having a great Christmast time and look forward to spending time with family and friends!