We were all very Blessed this Christmas! Taylor and Katie both got everything on their wish list. I am very thankful for a loving husband who worked extra long hours to make it happen. He is truly and awesome and devoted father and husband.
Although Ian had to work on Christmas Eve, our family gathering was timed late enough for him to enjoy the fun with us. I was so glad he got off work in time. The holidays are no fun unless your whole family is there! ;)
Christmas Day was a different story. We all had to wake up at 3am to enjoy what Santa brought everyone because Ian had to leave for work at 6am. Man, that was a long day but I managed to take a nap for a few hours so it helped a little.
The girls and I went over to my aunts house around noon to have Christmas dinner. That was the best food I have eaten the entire holiday season!
We are very fortunate to be surrounded by such loving, honest, caring family. I thank God every day for my family!
Now it's time to think about the New Year. I wonder what it will have in store for me and my family? Good things I hope. :)
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Oh, Christmas Goodies
We've been busy making all kinds of goodies to hand out on Christmas! Red velvet cake balls, super cute Hershey kiss jars, slow cooker chocolate candy, snowman poop, and peanut brittle. YUM-O!!
I found these adorable Hershey Kiss jars on Pinterest. I love Pinterest because it helps us "idea-challenged" folks look extra crafty! :)
Anyway, here's the LINK to the original website to get the printables used. I used jelly size mason jars, but any size can be used depending on how much candy you want to buy. Three regular sized bags of kisses filled these four jars.
The peanut brittle was an epic fail. HAHA! When the recipe suggests a food thermometer, GET ONE! Thank goodness I only wasted about $4.00. I won't be trying that one again. It just wasn't a "fun" recipe to make.
This recipe is so good and so easy to make! This is a recipe by Trisha Yearwood. Here's a few tips: 1. Ignore the bad reviews. These people are morons. 2. Three hours and 25 minutes is way too long. I suggest checking it every 30 minutes. When it can be easily stirred and all of the chocolate is melted, then it's done.
My batch was ready in an hour. I spooned mine in mini cupcake liners, but you can also just spoon "globs" onto wax paper. Either way works just fine! Then put in the refrigerator to cool and harden.
I bought a pack of 100 mini cupcake liners and used all of them with a little left over for about 5 more, so it makes a lot but it's so worth it! :)
Hershey Kiss Jars
Anyway, here's the LINK to the original website to get the printables used. I used jelly size mason jars, but any size can be used depending on how much candy you want to buy. Three regular sized bags of kisses filled these four jars.
The peanut brittle was an epic fail. HAHA! When the recipe suggests a food thermometer, GET ONE! Thank goodness I only wasted about $4.00. I won't be trying that one again. It just wasn't a "fun" recipe to make.
Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy
My batch was ready in an hour. I spooned mine in mini cupcake liners, but you can also just spoon "globs" onto wax paper. Either way works just fine! Then put in the refrigerator to cool and harden.
I bought a pack of 100 mini cupcake liners and used all of them with a little left over for about 5 more, so it makes a lot but it's so worth it! :)
Snowman Poop
This one is a simple as it looks, and the kids (as well as some adults) will get a kick out it too! Put mini marshmallows in bags and make a cute bag topper. That's it! Super easy!
Cake balls will be posted tomorrow....I'm saving the best for last! :)
Here's the cake pops! So I got busy with the holiday madness and forgot to take a picture of the finished product. Grrr! Oh well, I'm making more for Valentine's Day so I will be sure to get a picture then.
Cake Pops
Here's the cake pops! So I got busy with the holiday madness and forgot to take a picture of the finished product. Grrr! Oh well, I'm making more for Valentine's Day so I will be sure to get a picture then.
Cake Pops
I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas! We did! :)
Friday, December 7, 2012
BRCA
Today I went back to the doctor for the BRCA test. EASIEST TEST EVER! The test doesn't require blood anymore, so all I had to do was swish some mouthwash around in my mouth and spit it out into this tube. I'm not scared of needles, but it was still a relief.
So here's a little information about the testing that will be done for those of you that aren't familiar with BRCA. It's called Comprehensive BRACAnalysis Testing. It's a genetic test that confirms the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation which is responsible for most of the hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The comprehensive test is done if no one else in the family have been tested. They look at everything since there is nothing to compare it too. But now that I have been tested, my family can be tested without needing the full panel because there will be something to compare.
So, what does it mean if I test positive? Well one of two things can be done. I can choose to have mastectomies, or I can choose to just monitor myself with frequent mammograms and ultrasounds.
If my results are negative then the surgeries won't be necessary, but I will still need to closely monitor myself with frequent exams. Even though tests results are negative, I will always be at a high risk of developing cancer due to my family history of breast cancer.
Like I said before, the waiting game is on. It will take approximately 4-6 weeks to get the results back. Praying for negative!!
I will keep you all updated! :)
So here's a little information about the testing that will be done for those of you that aren't familiar with BRCA. It's called Comprehensive BRACAnalysis Testing. It's a genetic test that confirms the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation which is responsible for most of the hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The comprehensive test is done if no one else in the family have been tested. They look at everything since there is nothing to compare it too. But now that I have been tested, my family can be tested without needing the full panel because there will be something to compare.
So, what does it mean if I test positive? Well one of two things can be done. I can choose to have mastectomies, or I can choose to just monitor myself with frequent mammograms and ultrasounds.
If my results are negative then the surgeries won't be necessary, but I will still need to closely monitor myself with frequent exams. Even though tests results are negative, I will always be at a high risk of developing cancer due to my family history of breast cancer.
Like I said before, the waiting game is on. It will take approximately 4-6 weeks to get the results back. Praying for negative!!
I will keep you all updated! :)
Monday, December 3, 2012
Doctors, and More Doctors
Today, I went in for the annual exam (You know, the one all women dread.) except I haven't been in 4 years so I got a good lecture. Ok, Ok....I deserved it....moving on!
Well the topic of this visit is breast pain and testing for the BRCA gene.
I have been so concerned here lately with some pain and discomfort that I've been feeling. Of course my immediate thought jumps to "OMG, it's cancer!", but more than likely (after being reassured by my doctor, who by the way is AMAZING!) it's more than likely due to the fluctuating hormones. Praying that it is! Plus with my family history of breast cancer, I am scheduled for my very first mammogram in mid January to make sure everything is ok. Then I will need an ultrasound of my breasts since I have a lot of scar tissue from breast reduction surgery many years ago.
Then coming up on Friday I have to come back for the BRCA test.Which that in itself is a whole other stress level for me. I have a close friend who tested positive and had surgeries, so my thoughts are "what if I have to go through all of that?". Yes, I am scared almost to the point to where I can't eat because my nerves are so bad. I just have to keep telling myself that everything will be ok.
I have also been referred to an Endocrinologist to get some help controlling the hormonal issues due to PCOS. Hair loss, unwanted hair, abdominal weight gain...yes, it's fabulous! NOT! So, it appears that I will be busy hopping from one doc to another over the next few months.
As always, I will update when I have something worth sharing. In the meantime, please send a little prayer up for me. :)
Well the topic of this visit is breast pain and testing for the BRCA gene.
I have been so concerned here lately with some pain and discomfort that I've been feeling. Of course my immediate thought jumps to "OMG, it's cancer!", but more than likely (after being reassured by my doctor, who by the way is AMAZING!) it's more than likely due to the fluctuating hormones. Praying that it is! Plus with my family history of breast cancer, I am scheduled for my very first mammogram in mid January to make sure everything is ok. Then I will need an ultrasound of my breasts since I have a lot of scar tissue from breast reduction surgery many years ago.
Then coming up on Friday I have to come back for the BRCA test.Which that in itself is a whole other stress level for me. I have a close friend who tested positive and had surgeries, so my thoughts are "what if I have to go through all of that?". Yes, I am scared almost to the point to where I can't eat because my nerves are so bad. I just have to keep telling myself that everything will be ok.
I have also been referred to an Endocrinologist to get some help controlling the hormonal issues due to PCOS. Hair loss, unwanted hair, abdominal weight gain...yes, it's fabulous! NOT! So, it appears that I will be busy hopping from one doc to another over the next few months.
As always, I will update when I have something worth sharing. In the meantime, please send a little prayer up for me. :)
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