Things For Which I Am Thankful For Today

Since the beginning of November I have not been feeling well or doing well emotionally due to my partial molar pregnancy. However, today I am rejoicing that I seem to be feeling better and doing better emotionally. My hcg numbers are going down. I take it one day at a time not knowing what the next day will bring and try to rejoice because this IS the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. In fact, scripture teaches that no matter what my contentment should be in Christ alone. So many times I try to place my contentment in my circumstances or in things and I get sad or frustrated. Circumstances always change and things quickly fade away. God is UNCHANGING and is FOREVER!!! This is where I should always be placing my eyes. .
Just as I sit at my computer and type this blog post this evening, I look out my window and see movement. I get up and see 5 deer wandering across my lawn and try to take a picture so you, too, can see how beautiful they are. As I look at these animals, I think of what an amazing God we have. He is more beautiful than these 5 deer and worthy of our worship and praise!
There are many things for which I can thank God for today: I got up at 6:15 and had a nice breakfast pizza on the table for our family this morning. Everyone was downstairs by 7:45 and chores were completed very early with no complaint. Family worship was over before 8:30 and Don was able to get out the door and over to the office to study the scriptures for sermon preparation early this morning. We finished home school by noon. I did not lose my temper today. While I was teaching school, I was listening to music and I looked up to see my sweet 2 (almost 3)year old having fun dancing to a song another blogger had on her play list. Later, he and his sister danced nicely. I got a short nap while my children watched Signing Time. I had an enjoyable day with 2 of our boys and our baby girl hanging out and following me around (tomato staking) all day. After lunch, we enjoyed cooking and baking together (4 children while baby slept). We all enjoyed delicious macaroon kiss cookies with our dinner. My crock pot has been most helpful as it has been used daily lately. My wonderful husband persevered through prayer meeting (even though we (7) were the only ones present tonight). He is a faithful teacher and leader in our family! He loves God and His word and has a passion for teaching it to his family. I have a warm house in the midst of this frigid cold weather.

Recent Snow Storm

I do have to admit that even though we live in a snow belt and receive an average of 200 + inches of snow a year, I was amazed to hear how much snow we received over a 3 day period last week. We received 24 inches of snow!!! It was definitely a workout to shovel, as it was a heavy snow. It was lake effect. I thought someone might like to see a few pictures.

Cranberry Sauce and Creamy Cranberry Dip

I love this time of year when my favorite fruits and vegetables are on sale (pumpkin, winter squashes, root vegetables, and cranberries). I have been able to stock-up on cranberries lately. Aldi's has been selling them for $0.99 a bag. So, I am sharing 2 recipes that my family has loved.

In a crock pot, add 1-1/2 bags of cranberries, 1/2 cup of orange juice (I squeezed a fresh orange and processed the pulp), 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours (stirring hourly and popping the berries). Finally remove the lid and continue to cook 35-45 more minutes. The delicious fragrance will fill your home.

After you have had your share of cranberry sauce, use the leftovers to make a delectable creamy cranberry dip. Pour the remaining sauce in the crock pot with 1 8oz package of cream cheese and 1-2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook on low until fully melted (about 1 hour). Cool and enjoy with crackers or fresh fruit (such as apples).

HCG Numbers

My HCG numbers when I first found out I had a partial molar pregnancy were 375,000. Since then I have had to go in for weekly HCG tests. My numbers are coming down each week. Two weeks after my d&c my numbers were 3,900. Week 3 they were 1,200. Week 4 they were 369. Week 5 they were 115. Now they are 46!!! I will continue to go in for weekly blood draws until my numbers hit 0 and then monthly till January 2011. After that we will be free to try for another pregnancy. My genetics also came in yesterday and revealed that genetically everything was fine and that it was indeed a partial molar pregnancy.

Please Pray For Esther

Please pray for Esther. She is a 6 year old girl who is the daughter of some friends we went to college with 10 years ago, Daniel and Lydia, and the niece of a friend, Jennifer, we have. Her parents are missionaries to Mongolia, through BBF, and have 3 other young children. They had to quickly come back to the states because Esther became very sick and needed surgery right away. She had tumors in her kidneys removed and they were found to be cancerous. The type of cancer is still to be determined. So, they moved her to the cancer floor to a regular room as her recovery has been going smoothly. Since then, she has had a C/T scan that has revealed cancer nodes in both of her lungs. She will have a needle biopsy on Monday and hopefully the results will be in by next Friday. One of the top pathologists in the nations is looking over her case. Please pray for Esther. Currently, she is laughing and playing with her siblings as her recovery from surgery is going smoothly. One year ago she was a happy, healthy little girl and now she is sick with cancer. Her parents and siblings look forward to running, hugging, and playing with her again.

More Birthday Pictures

Kara had a great day. Upon waking up Aaron graced her with the birthday song. Everyone else joined in. It was our Utica day, so we decided that we would all go and have pizza at Venice Pizzaria. The children all loved it. Since we were going to be home late, I decided not to make a cake and instead purchase one. After arriving home, Kara opened her gifts and ate cake and ice cream. Then she opened her gifts from her aunt Jessica, Grandma, and Nanny and Papa.

Kara's 7th Birthday Pictures

This top picture is a beautiful pillow that her great-grandma embroidered. Kara loves purses and dolls. Plus we are greatly enjoying The Little House books. She received the last 2.