Rotten gallbladder

So, most of you who read our blog (or follow me on facebook) probably already know that I have been having problems with my gallbladder lately. But, I thought I would put it out there just in case you didn't know yet. I know...it's a whole post without pictures of my kiddos...who knew I could just type some words out?! Okay, so I digress (at 2:22 in the morning).

Anyway...you guessed it from the time, I am up having one last attack. This gallbladder evidently didn't just want to go out quietly, and had to throw one more middle-of-the-night "party" inside me. I did have a few blog posts to catch up on, so I at least feel like I used my time "wisely" while I've been awake tonight.

Okay...I really need to stick to the point. Today I go to Beaumont for surgery with Dr. Peel. I feel like I'm in great hands, partially because this surgeon is booked (he MUST be good, right?). But, also because he's worked at John Hopkin's as well as Mayo. Now those are some wicked-awesome places to have worked if you are in the medical field, right?!

I thank all of you in advance who have been praying for me. I really feel at ease, and I know it's because of all the prayers lifted up for me and my family. I have a new babysitter (Whitney) coming around noon, check into the hospital at 1pm, and will be in surgery by 3pm. From what I have read, it appears that they will monitor me afterwards for about two hours and make sure that I can keep down some fluids, and then they'll release me to go home. Sounds pretty easy, right?

Lastly, I would appreciate prayers for safe travels on Saturday for my mom who is driving from Nebraska, flying out of Wichita, and getting picked up by Nick in Houston. I'm excited to have her here, especially since I don't know exactly what to expect post-surgery. And, I'm not supposed to pick up anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 weeks!!! Really, can't I just fudge a little? Benjamin's only 14 pounds!!!

Okay...well enough rambling from me. I think I really could get used to the idea of blogging without pictures from time to time! What do you think?

Creamy Pasta Primavera

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups penne pasta, uncooked 2 T low-fat zesty Italian dressing 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded 2 zucchini, peeled and cut into chunks 1 1/2 cups cut fresh asparagus (1 inchpieces) ½ cup pepper (red, yellow, or red), chopped 1 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth 8 oz. light cream cheese spread 1/4 cup light Parmesan grated cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Cook pasta as directed on package.
2.	Meanwhile, heat dressing in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken and vegetables; cook 10 to 12 min. or until chicken is cooked through, stirring frequently. Add broth and cream cheese spread; cook 2 min. or until cream cheese is melted, stirring constantly. Add Parmesan cheese; mix well.
3.	Drain pasta; return to pot. Add chicken and vegetable mixture; toss lightly. Cook 1 min. or until heated through. (Sauce will thicken upon standing.)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2010 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 7/16/2010

These are a few of my favorite things...

One of my new favorite pictures!!!

My CVS purchases this week. I only spent $10.82 (originally worth $99.65) and even got $5 in Register Rewards to spend next time!!! I went in to buy the diapers and floss, and just happen to find some great deals on toys and books while I was there.

And, my Target purchases for the week. I only spent $13.93 when I would have paid $58.70 for the full price! Can I just say how much I love, love, love couponing, saving our family money, and getting what I would have bought anyway (especially at Target)?!!!

Another Lowe's project

I was enjoying a ladies-retreat weekend with some friends the other weekend (for about 24 hours), and was SO proud that Nick ventured out of the house with both kiddos. Friday night they went to McDonald's while Saturday they made the project at Lowe's as well as Dora's 10th Birthday party at Walmart.

Gabrielle and her hammer...a little fuzzy.

Gabrielle saw one of her friends there, Kaylee, from church and MOPS. Who knew two girly-girls would be there using hammers and nails to build bug boxes? :)

Trying new things

So, our pediatrician encouraged us to start feeding Benjamin food (even though I wasn't ready...he's still a baby, right?) So, I looked back on when we started Gabrielle, and it was about the same time that we tried cereal a few times, but didn't seriously start spoon-feeding her until after she was 6 months old.

Getting ready to give him his first bite ever.

Looks like he's thinking, "Hmm...wonder what this is all about?!"

Making the spoon "zoom" to his mouth, which he thought was pretty funny (he smiled, so that gave me an easy "in"!).

"This rice cereal doesn't taste that great at all!"

Here's a picture at the end.

"Really, what's all the hype about food?"

Picture of Gabrielle at 4 months playing in the bouncer.

Benjamin lovin' the same bouncer!

He fell asleep in the swing for the first time the other day. Normally he'd only be in there for a matter of minutes before he'd want out...good to know he'll take a little "cat-nap" in there now!

Spring pictures...

Can you tell why I was a little upset about her school pictures this year? On top of it not being a very great picture, I spent $45 on two 8x10, two 5x7, and a page of wallets. Seemed a little steep to me. So, I finally contacted the lady and got my money back!

Children's Museum

One of Nick's days off we headed to Lake Charles, Louisiana (about an hour away) to check out the Children's Museum (a smaller version of Exploration Place for those of you in Wichita).

We got there at 10am--just as a bus-load of kids from a day care got there too...which made Gabrielle act a little "shy". So, I was thankful that the museum is three stories tall, and we headed to a not-quite-so-busy area upstairs.

Enjoying the morning from his car seat/stroller.

Starting off the morning on the swinging rope.

Nick trying out one of the pulley exhibits.

Dressing up in all the princess dresses was mandatory!

The kiddos and I...Benjamin needed his mid-morning bottle, and Gabrielle was still VERY busy trying on all the princess dresses.

Gabrielle concentrating really hard (and doing a great job, I might add) while painting her birdhouse-wind chime craft.

Painting the roof red.

I added a few extra stars for decoration.

Gabrielle ran around this display following the golf ball as it spun around and around. Fun!

Walking through the exhibit with all the swim noodles is what I would imagine it would feel like to walk through a car wash.

Still smiling although I felt claustrophobic.

Nick's turn to go through with Gabrielle.

Gabrielle jamin' on the drums while I take over the mic.

My little singer...it was much cuter in person!

Trying to pull the bubble up around us.

Brushing the ginormous teeth...

Rock climbing wall with daddy...in a dress!

Nick and Gabrielle playing with the boats in the water exhibit. Looked like a lot of fun even though she got water all over!

One of Gabrielle's favorite parts...the grocery store and kitchen area. She didn't want to leave, but after over two and a half hours, we were getting hungry.

Still smiling after a long morning together.

Our stay-cation

So, Nick had a couple of vacation days left to take off from work, and we really wanted to go somewhere. But, alas, we stayed home and still had lots of fun together...for free!

Nick and his two kiddos.

Checking out the playground at Fudruckers.

My smiley little man.

Climbing...one of Gabrielle's favorite things to do. Luckily this time it wasn't on any of the furniture in our house! :)

Sibling love.

Enjoying the last little sip of strawberry-blueberry smoothie that we made one afternoon.

Daddy joined us for some fun at the splash park.

Gabrielle and her friend, Emmalyn.

Sibling Love

One morning this week I was getting dressed, and the kiddos were laying on the bed. Benjamin started getting a little grumpy, so I laid him on his tummy (sometimes helps get out a burp that is stuck way down in there).

Then I saw a "Kodak moment", and am so glad I ran to get the camera before I missed their cute smiles to each other.

Gabrielle showing him her toothbrush.

This is my new favorite picture. Just melts my heart how much Gabrielle LOVES Benjamin...I just hope that they will always get along this well!!!

Havin' some tummy time together.

My 'favorite daughter' and my 'favorite son' smiling SO big first thing in the morning was a great way to start my day!!! :)

This heat calls for some...

SWIMMING!!!

So hot and humid here that our camera fogged over when I stepped outside...really!

Gabrielle enjoying some pool time on a hot afternoon...luckily I found a spot in semi-shade in our backyard.

Kicking and splashing.

More kicking...this is how to "swim"! :)