35 YEARS!

I don't think I've mentioned lately how thankful I am for my sweet husband.  His birthday might just be the perfect time. He's celebrating 35 years of life and I'm so glad he's part of mine. I am blessed to be his wife and our boys are blessed to have him as their daddy.

For his birthday celebration we all had lunch together at Cheddars after church (our family + Mom and Dad + Keith and Paula). Then Manny, Elijah, and I went bowling. It was Elijah's first time ever! We kept it a surprise from Manny, which Elijah loved. He was so adorable and excited to do something fun together. We had a wonderful time. I loved watching him try so hard to roll the ball, then celebrate when he knocked down even one pin. :) After the bowling we went to my mom's and had birthday cake. Good times. Happy birthday Manny. xoxox

Advancing ?

This weekend Manny and I attended a wonderful couples' advance with our church at New Harmony Inn. (I had never been there and it's lovely.) We had a great time of fellowship and hearing some much-needed refreshing teaching on marriage! I am hopeful that he will receive (at least) some of what he heard and apply it to his heart. I'm pretty much ready to see some changes in a positive direction. Of course, I know we both need to learn and change. I'm just growing weary of the way things have been for the past... oh, 5 years. I'm tired. I'm out of ideas. And out of energy. I am ready to have a good, fruitful, enjoyable marriage in stead of this stale, tiresome, lonely one. We need the Grace of God to help us, that's for sure. But if there's one thing I learned this weekend its that ANY marriage can be improved. There is ALWAYS hope. I'm not giving up.

Compare

Mom's Day: 6:30am - 10:30pm

Wake up
shower
dress
pack lunch
pack diaper bag
gather items for the day
wake children
dress children
administer sippy cups to children
make coffee
let dog out to potty
carry bags/purse/lunch/coats/school folder, etc to car
put children in car/ fasten seat belts
drop children off at baby sitter's (Mom)
drive to work
work 8:00-2:30
leave work
pick up child from preschool
"quick" trip to grocery store
pick up child from baby sitter's
drive home
unload children/bags/coats/junk, etc. carry into house
let dog out to potty
give snacks to children
tidy up living room/ dining room
start load of laundry
change diaper
put baby down for nap
carry another basket of laundry downstairs
play cars/blocks/trains, etc.
tidy up bedrooms
put child down for nap
hang laundry on line
feed dog and cats
check email/ reply to messages
work on editing photos
baby wakes up, change diaper
refill sippy cup
entertain baby
clean up kitchen
wash some dishes
retrieve baby from stairs/dog's water/trashcan/toilet (x20)
make supper (usually with baby on hip)
boy wakes up from nap
refill another cup
take laundry off line, fold, carry basket upstairs
act as referee: tell children not to take toys away/hit/push/throw (x12)
carry trash out
clear off kitchen table
let dog out to potty
greet husband home from work
finish supper
ask everyone to sit at table
serve children's food
ask children to sit at table again
serve my own food
ask children to sit again, or else
refill cups again
feed baby
threaten to spank child if he doesn't eat
get up to get napkins
eat cold supper
clear table
wipe children's faces/hands
wipe down table
wash dishes
clean up messes that children made while I was doing the kitchen
run bath water
strip clothes off children
bathe children
retrieve pjs
drain tub, pick up bath toys
dry children
dry off bathroom floor
chase down children with pjs - force their wiggling bodies into pjs
play blocks/cars/Lincoln logs/firetrucks
ask husband to come help with teeth-brushing and bedtime
tidy up children's bedrooms
locate lost "little duck", which is vital for bedtime
escort child back to bathroom to brush teeth and potty
read books with baby
rock baby
sing to baby
kiss cheeks and put baby to bed
tuck in, pray with, and kiss other child goodnight
work on Bible Study homework
put on my pjs
let dog out to potty
brush teeth, etc.
gather up stuff for tomorrow by back door
wipe down kitchen counters
put randomly located sippy cups away
lock up house
turn off lights
trip over firetruck in stairway
put a few toys away
pick up clothes from bedroom floor
collapse in exhaustion!

Dad's Day 7:30am - 11:30 pm
Wake up
shower & dress
walk out door
work 9-5
drive home from work
sit down at table, eat supper
move to computer, do "Lord only knows what" on there
assist with teeth-brushing
tuck in child
move back to computer to again do "Lord only knows what"
throw clothes on floor
go to bed
--------------------------------
Does something not quite seem fair about this to anyone else?

realizing goals

I mentioned before how my husband is doing P90X. He's one month into it and has lost 13 pounds, and 2 inches around the tummy. (which is 33% of the way to his goal) I'm so proud of him! He's been working so hard at eating right and exercising. Go Manny! His hand continues to improve too. He is slowly gaining strength and mobility in it.

And as for me, I ordered a new lens yesterday... 50mm f/1.8. It's not too expensive, but I've read good things about it. And I cannot wait to get it and start practicing. I have 2 shoots this weekend and maybe I'll be practiced enough by then to use it! Oh, I hope! And I ordered 3 filters too: a UV, a Polarized, and a Fluorescent. Fun stuff.

Next on my wish-list: a tripod (not a huge deal), the 85mm f/1.8, and the designated lens hood for my 50mm.

Our 12th

My sweet husband took me out on Saturday for an anniversary date. We dropped our boys off with my parents, got back in the car and just sat there for a second, relishing in the silence and peace. What a glorious 3 hours we had to ourselves! We dined on pasta, lobster, salad, fish and couscous. We took our sweet time and enjoyed conversation which was not once interrupted with the words "Mommy, I need..." or "Zeke, get off that..." or "Can somebody help me...".
We strolled lazily along the aisles of Target and TJ Maxx, where Manny bought me a new purse and a HUMONGOUS bag of s.bucks coffee! It's the little things, you know. Our alone time is so rare these days. I have come to really appreciate something as simple as a drive in the car without chatter or whining from the back seat.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY KIDS. But I also love grown-up time with my husband every once in a while. I'm so thankful we had the opportunity to celebrate the 12 years of marriage we've endured enjoyed. ha ha. It makes me all the more recharged and ready to go another round with those crazy boys of mine. :0)

Hitched

12 years ago today Manny and I said our vows and promised to be united together as husband and wife until death do us part. No matter what.

And I'll be the first to say that these 12 years have not all been roses and sunshine. No, we've had our share of trouble, fights, tears, regrets, and pain. But we love each other. We are committed to sticking beside one another even when it hurts, as we made a covenant that day with each other, and more importantly, with our Lord.

There have also been times of tremendous overwhelming joy... like the arrival of each of our precious sons. And the day to day companionship of having someone by your side whom you know you can trust without a shadow of a doubt is priceless. There is a sweetness that grows over the years, even if they seem monotonous and mundane. There is a sense of stability and belonging. And there is always a sense of love, even in the midst of the hardest days.

Even as I look back on all our mistakes and hardship, I can't regret choosing to spend my life with him. I am so thankful for my lifelong partner, companion, and friend. I know having Manny in my life is a gift from God.

I look forward to watching how we will grow closer as the years continue to pass --a sweet, steady pace of aging and learning to love.

{August 14, 1999}

BIG weekend!

We had a busy weekend so I have tons of stuff to talk about this morning. Here goes.

I'm working on getting Elijah enrolled for Pre-K at Sacred Heart (A little late? yes!). It will start in September, which I much prefer over this craziness of starting in the middle of the Summer! He can't wait! He keeps asking if its September yet.

Yesterday Elijah turned 4!!!!!!! That's another post in itself.

Ezekiel cut 2 more teeth yesterday... the bottom left lateral incisor, and the upper left lateral incisor. The bottom right lateral incisor peeked out on 7/28. That makes 8 now.

Manny is starting back to work today after being gone since April. (Hallelujah!!!)

I did a "photo shoot" for a friend and her family on Saturday. So much fun! It was a birthday gift for her mother-in-law. I'm very pleased with how the photos turned out. More importantly, they are all thrilled with them so that makes me feel really good. I'll post a couple shots later.

I'm planning a very special top secret anniversary gift for Manny. We'll be celebrating 12 years on Sunday. I bet you would never guess what it is in a million years! I can't even believe it myself!

Does anyone still read my blog? I know it's just for me anyway, but I just wonder.

Surgery for Manny

On Friday my husband got sliced and diced. Ok, not really but I like how that sounds. The operation took only about 1 hour and I got to take him home that same morning. He's recovering pretty well so far. His injured hand may or may not be fixed now. The orthopedic surgeon was great and everyone at the surgery center was very nice.

Dr. Johnson told me that when he went to look with the scope he didn't find anything torn or broken (GREAT news!), but there was some inflamed tissue around the bones in the wrist. So he removed that tissue, attached a bionic arm, stitched him back up, and sent him on his way. Ok, he didn't get a bionic arm either. But wouldn't that be cool? In stead, he got a big ol' cast (which has since been taken off).

The unfortunate part is that the procedure didn't necessarily guarantee that he'll be pain-free now. His medical opinion is that the inflamed tissue was the cause, but there is no way to be sure until it heals. So we wait. Poor Manny. I know he's sick of being broken and ready to get on with life and back to work.

{I took a picture of Manny in the OR but it's on my phone and I have no idea how to get it off of there. I'm technologically challenged.}

that figures

My husband is scheduled for surgery (orthoscopic on the right hand and wrist) on Friday morning. I was reading the paperwork last night about what to do and not do prior to surgery, you know to be prepared. They talk about taking medications, what to wear, not to eat after midnight, etc. And guess what's on the top of the list... DON'T GET A COLD. Well, it doesn't exactly say not to get a cold. It just says "Contact your doctor immediately if you get a cold or cough." Evidently it can affect the anesthesia process.

So wouldn't you know who came down with not just any cold, but a MAN COLD. The dreaded MAN COLD, which can debilitate them at a moment's notice. Which can render them completely helpless and in need of their Mommies. Oh yes. The MAN COLD, which causes all ability to care for one's self to cease and diciest. You're right if you guessed Manny.

Super. Just perfect timing.

God's provision by way of my husband's laziness.

Manny got hurt at work a couple of weeks ago. His wrist this time. I know, right? You're thinking "Again?! He's always getting hurt!" And you'd be correct. But this time he's covered under workman's comp, thank goodness! He's gone a few times to the doctor and they put him in a brace and gave him some steroid medicine.

I don't know what the medicine is supposed to do. But I can tell you what it is doing. It's making him a growly bear! He's awful to be around. I flat-out don't like him when he's taking this stuff. He's introverted, grumpy, rude, snaps at us for no reason, drowsy, dizzy, and just plain unpleasant. I think he took his last pill for this round of treatment last night. I'll be glad when its out of his system. And I'm sure if he feels as bad as he's acting, he hasn't enjoyed it either. I hope he recovers soon. Poor thing is stuck doing boring stuff at work, which he hates. He has a 5 pound weight limit. That means he can't really pick up Zeke or help me with much around the house either. Joy, joy. Count it all joy.

Also we came home yesterday afternoon to discover the upstairs toilet had been running all day. The bathroom floor was flooded and the water had come through the ceiling into the laundry room downstairs. Praise the Lord that nothing was damaged... that we know of... yet.

For once I'm thankful for my husband's laziness. He had left his towels on the bathroom floor after his shower, which is what kept the water from making it all the way over to the carpeted area. So that's what I'm dwelling on, in stead of being upset right now.

See? God's provision reaches me even in the midst of my husband's messiness. He's good to me and I know it!

So He'll take care of Manny's wrist, and the house, and my frazzled nerves. He always does. :)

Manny's birthday party

There were yellow streamers,

baloons, pretty plates and cups,

a lovely homemade chocolate cake,

party hats,

and a very happy little boy sitting next
to his Daddy.

And after the cake and ice cream,

we tried to take a family snap-shot.

Tried being the operative word.

But I love those three people

more than anything in the world.

The End.

Manny's birthday and stuff

Today is my husband's 33rd birthday. Happy birthday Manny! I heart you. Elijah and I decorated with yellow streamers and balloons yesterday. He was spinning with excitement. This afternoon we'll have lunch as a family, then Elijah and I will bake a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and top it with yellow "Thomas" decorations.

Last night I had a dream that my mom drove my car off the edge of a wall in a parking lot on Green River Rd and totally broke off the front end. And I was so mad that I cussed.... in my dream... not in real life. Because I don't cuss in real life.

I've had a cold for 2 weeks. It's crappy because I can't take antihistamines (milk supply) and I can't breath. Blech. Can I just be healthy for a minute?

Elijah was watching me get ready yesterday morning. He said "Mom I want to be a daddy when I grow up. Yeah! And I'm going to find myself a good woman! And she's going to have two babies named Elijah. And you and Daddy are going to be our kids. And I'm going to be the Daddy."

Before bed last night we were talking about how he can practice obedience. I asked if he understood and he said, "Yeah, like if you say 'Elijah, don't eat that cake right now.' I won't eat it."

This morning Elijah and Manny were playing some sort of shoot-em-up game and Elijah pretend shot Manny. He said "Daddy, I shot you so much and now you're dead!" And Manny said we don't shoot people, even for pretend. And Elijah said (in his most whiney voice) "But Daddy, Heaven is a beautiful place!"


I've lost 5 pounds in the last 3 weeks. Not on purpose. Maybe because I've been sick. Maybe because of nursing. Or the new medicine I'm taking kind of makes me nauseated so I'm not as hungry. I'm not complaining though.


I'm soooooooooo ready for Spring! We've had snow snow and more snow. Nothing too heavy, but just day after day of waking up to grey skies and a layer of the white stuff covering the ground. I'm over it.

Thankful for: my husband

My husband, who washed all this...


And then kept me warm here...

last night. :)

weekly newsletter

I feel like life moves so fast lately, whirling around me like a fog, that I can't even grasp what's happening until it's over. It seems Summer has ended totally without my permission (again!) and I'm not sure what happened to the month of October yet. But I know I have some major catching up to do. Let me point out some highlights... (I feel like all I write are weekly "newsletters" these days! ugh!)

- My Mom had a birthday. I took her and my Grandma to dinner at that yummy Mediterranean place where Manny took me for my birthday. Man, that place is delish! If you live in the Evansville area, you should go. Really. Also my Grandma and I worked for several days making her a beautiful fall wreath (if I do say so myself - and I do) with pretty foliage, gourds, and stuff. I love how it turned out and it looks so pretty hanging on her back door. :)

- Elijah is learning to read. He's getting better and better all the time. Recognizing letters, sounds, and some small words. I'm proud of him.

- He's also surprising me all the time with how much he learns. Sometimes I don't even know I'm teaching him. Just the other day he quoted a scripture verse to Ezekiel that I didn't even know he memorized. I had just been telling him "Put away all falsehood and speak the truth to each other" as part of our daily conversations (he was having a hard time telling the truth for a few days.) and he just picked it up. It's a good reminder that these little minds are constantly soaking up everything around them! Mommies, don't forget that!!

- And Zeke... oh my sweet, snuggly, chubby, adorable Zeke. There's not really much to report at his age. He's 15 weeks old now. His recent milestones include: locating and devouring his fists, working on some teeth (yes, already!), drooling like a faucet, cooing, giggling, and making all sorts of other awesome baby sounds- especially when we talk to him, sleeping about 11 hours at night, eating (8 oz.) every 3 hours in the daytime. And strong - oh this kid is really strong! When I lift him by the hands from a laying position, he pushes up to his feet to a standing position on his own! I'm telling you, I'm afraid he's going to be an early mover! He's just so wonderful - a true blessing! I can't say enough how much I love him and how happy I am to be Mommy to this amazing little guy!

All in all he's healthy, thriving, and gaining weight like crazy! I don't know his weight right now since we haven't been to the Dr. in over a month. At the risk of oversharing, we have an appointment with a pediatric urologist to check about that undescended testicle in February. I wondered why they would wait so long to see him. 3 reasons: 1) that's the earliest available appointment because this Dr. only comes down from Riley every few months. 2) they want to see if it descends on its own. 3) if he does need surgery, they want him to be 6 months old first. It's not a huge deal, but I'm slightly concerned. As any mom would be.

- Manny interviewed for another position at his company yesterday. He said it went very well and he feels like he impressed them. They asked him to have a 2nd interview today with the next higher manager. I'm hopeful because I know he's qualified for the job, plus the pay would be more than double and the hours would be consistently 9:00-6:00 on weekdays. It would be so nice to add some order to our lives! The Lord knows what we need and I trust that He will do what's best for us.

- We've been having full-on Fall loveliness here. Leaves a hundred brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. We're enjoying the cooler weather and lower humidity. Elijah has been spending tons of time outdoors - making the most of the sunshine before winter (my tummy hurts just saying it) hits us full force.

Ok. Enough of the babbling. I'm outta here... taking the boys to spend the afternoon with my Grandma on this gorgeous perfect Fall day!

(photos of our recent fall activities soon to come!)

a birthday redeemed

Today is my 32nd birthday. AND I CANNOT BELIEVE I'M SO OLD!

Truly, I can't imagine where my twenties went. What have I been doing? Where has half my life gone?

Yesterday Manny and I both had the day off work. So after my Bible study at church and his taking Elijah to the doctor for a check-up, we had the afternoon together.

A quick aside: Elijah's dr. visit went fine. He's healthy and perfect, 31.5 pounds, 38 inches (which is 60th percentile). The doctor made several comments about him being way above average intelligence wise. So that's cool. She gave him 2 books and asked if he wanted to be a neurosurgeon when he grows up because he's smart enough to be one. Yeah buddy! Set lofty goals and support Mommy and Daddy's retirement fund!! :)

Anyway, my mom offered to watch the boys so Manny and I could enjoy an evening out. That hasn't happened in forever! So away we went. We had a YUMMY-licious dinner at an adorable Moroccan cafe on the river in old historic Newburgh. The weather was perfect - right at sunset, warm and breezy. The food was sooo good -the curry was to die for! The location was ideal - quaint outdoor cafe setting surrounded by gardens , a brick patio underfoot, lit by twinkling white lights and colorful lanterns. And most importantly the company was sweet - Manny and I don't get enough time together like that.

After stuffing ourselves on Tandoori chicken, beef ka bobs with dill yogurt sauce, and zucchini cakes, we headed to a bookstore to pick up my birthday gift. (A book about photography that I've been wanting.) We capped off the night with a decaf Americano from star.bucks and made our way back home in time for me to feed the baby.

As another sweet surprise I came home yesterday afternoon to find that my mom had decorated my back porch with a card, the world's most gigantic yellow mum, a variety of pumpkins, a fresh bouquet of flowers, and a little scarecrow with a happy birthday sign around his neck.

So now I'm about to leave work and spend my birthday afternoon with my favorite boys! It seems that the string of horrible birthdays I've had over the past several years has finally come to an end. I haven't even cried once.

P.S. Yesterday as I was hanging laundry out on the line I reached into the basket to find a SNAKE had slithered in between the holes of the basket and was hanging out among the wet clothes! I almost puked on the spot. I felt so violated and grossed out! I get the heebie-jeebies every time I think about it! A snake, people! A real live SNAKE... IN MY LAUNDRY BASKET!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!

settling in

We're settling in nicely with Ezekiel. For the time being I'm staying at my Mom's house since I need help with Elijah during the day. I know, I'm spoiled, right? It's just easier for us to be here than for her to come stay with us.

Manny has been wonderful. Such a good daddy to his boys. I so much appreciate his help with Elijah - picking up the slack where I can't do what I normally would. Plus he's cleaned house, done laundry and the shopping for me without my even having to ask! I'm so thankful for him.

I think the hormones are starting to settle down a bit now. I'm not quite as emotional, but still more than normal.

Nursing is going well. For several days I've been VERY sore. Blistered and bleeding sore. But the milk has come in now so Zeke doesn't have to give it so much gumption to get his meals. This makes for a much more comfortable Mommy. Speaking of milk coming in... at the risk of sharing too much information... the "ladies" are HUGE. I mean melon size guys! I'm not even kidding. You've never seen the likes of me aside from someone in an adult film. (Which, by the way, I've never seen. But I've heard, you know?) But these are all me and boy do they hurt. I'm looking forward to getting the supply leveled out so they go back to a manageable size.

As for the other recovery, I feel good. My abdominal muscles are sore. So is my lower back. But everything else is healing perfectly. I hope to be back up and more active in a day or two. I can't stand sitting around so much.

I'm getting some sleep - thanks mostly to my mom's help and Zeke's feeding "schedule". He has been eating twice at night. Once around 1 am, then around 4 am. After that he gives me a good 5-6 hour stretch to rest. We're not actually working on the babywise schedule yet, this is just the way things are working out. I just know I'm happy to sleep for any length of time longer than 2 hours. So this morning when I had to wake him at 10:30 am I was elated! (SORE, but elated.)

So that's the scoop. I'm loving this babymoon phase and trying to enjoy it while it lasts because I know how quickly the time will go. I'm just in love with Ezekiel. And having him makes me fall in love with my Elijah all over again. I sure am blessed to have all my guys in my life.

other stuff going on

Manny may have a job as soon as next week. I'm not one to count unhatched chickens, so I'll hold back my excitement until it really happens. But he had a really good interview on Monday, then they called him today to schedule his drug test for tomorrow morning. He'll pass. It's nothing extravagant, just Lowe's, but we'd be so thankful for any job at all. It's been over 7 months since he's had one. Gosh, I can't believe we've gone that long!! God truly has provided for us.

Today a very sweet girl I barely know gave me a baby swing and infant carseat. Since my Mom will be babysitting we need 2 sets of everything this time around. So it's a huge blessing!

Mom and Dad came over to our house for dinner tonight. Today was the first day my Dad has worked a "whole" day since the onset of his... whatever you call it... sickness. I say "whole" lightly because Mom reported that he took 2 pretty long naps in the recliner, but he was there all day. And that's quite an accomplishment! So the fact that he came over and ate, then played with Elijah outside while measuring and figuring out how to build him a play area in our side yard is a huge thing. Normally he crashes as soon as he walks in the door, and that's after something as simple as a trip to Rural King or 2 hours at the office. No, things aren't improving, but I think he's learning how to cope a little better. Or at least push through the pain more.

Anyway, all day today the weather was outstanding! No humidity and I think the high got up to 81 or so. Just perfect for sitting on the porch. However not so perfect for swimming, which I want to do more of before baby boy arrives. Oh my hips hurt so bad! The only relief I get is in the water. Speaking of... I think I'll go run a warm bath before bed.

Decisions decisions: Rethought

Well, here we are today - a mere 12 days until this baby boy's due date and one of my biggest stresses is that we have yet to decide on his name. So last night Manny and I had a discussion. We weeded out some of our less favorite names and talked about what each of the remaining ones mean. Then we went to bed still with no decision.

But, I woke up this morning and the first thought that came to mind (after having to pee - again) was the name I just knew we needed to choose. I thought about it over and over and found myself smiling each time. I decided not to mention it to Manny until he approached me.

So, later this morning he came upstairs and triumphantly said to me "Honey, I've decided what we're going to name the baby."
"Oh, you mean, you've decided the name you like and want to discuss with me?", I replied jokingly. To which he said something witty about me not wearing pants.

But when he did finally get around to telling me the name he prefers I was shocked to discover that it's the exact same one I had known we needed to use this morning when I woke up! So, it was decided! At last. I have to tell you, this is such a load off my mind. I think I've had a subconscious fear that he'd be born without a name and we'd have to make some rash decision at the hospital.

Now, would you like to know what it is?
Okay, okay.... without further adieu.

Ezekiel: Hebrew, meaning God will strengthen. Manny's paternal Grandfather's name.

James: Greek form of Jacob, which in Hebrew means supplanter. More importantly to me its one of my favorite books in the N.T. and my paternal Great-Grandfather's name.

-------------------------------------------------------
6/27/10
Ok, after some deliberation I think we've changed our minds on the middle name. I know, I know. All this time it took us to decide and now we've changed our minds already. But it's better to change now than after he's born.

Here's the thing, we find the meaning of names pretty significant. So, Ezekiel was easy -- God will strengthen is a great meaning. And fits this juncture of our lives perfectly too.

But James. It means supplanter. Which I googled and found it means "one who supplants". Oh gee, thanks. That clears it right up.
So I googled that and the definition is "usurper: one who wrongfully or illegally seizes and holds the place of another". In other words it means thief.

Not so great.

So at the risk of sounding fickle we're going with something more meaningful.

Joseph: Hebrew, meaning Jehovah will give increase. Plus it's my Dad's middle name. I'm much happier with this choice.

So there you have it. But let it be known that I reserve the right to change my mind at any time. We may take one look at him and decide he looks like a Melchizedek. Probably not though.

test results

Well, Manny's test results came in rather quickly today. I thought we'd have to wait several days. But the doctor actually called Manny back within a few hours of the procedures.

Turns out the problem is his gallbladder not working properly. According to the doctor, its not gallbladder disease. (Thank the Lord!) But it's just not working to capacity. The situation should be manageable by drastically changing his diet. Basically no fatty foods at all - ever, nothing processed, lots and lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, natural foods, and lean meats. In other words, no junk. Which is really how we all should be eating anyway. It won't be so hard for me because that's how I like to eat. (except for my love affair with chocolate malts, but no one needs to judge) I just bet Manny is going to struggle giving up cereal, pizza, white bread and flour tortillas.

I'm just hugely relieved that a) its not something terrible like cancer, and b) he doesn't need surgery. Because - hello - no health insurance here - can you imagine how much that would cost?

Now I'm just praying this diet stuff helps and that we don't need medicine.

Meanwhile, on the bad news front, Manny's cousin Daniel out in California (a few years older than we are) was just diagnosed with multiple types of cancer. Pancreatic, for one. But it has spread throughout the body and the prognosis is not good. Very sad for his family. So it's a pretty crappy time all around.

The end.

What else?

You guys, sometimes I seriously wonder if I could handle one more thing on my plate. I mean being TWO WEEKS FROM MY DUE DATE, with an unemployed husband, no paid maternity leave, a very active two-year-old who requires a LOT of energy, a sore and tired body, a very sick dad, a part-time job, housework, laundry, and other family stresses, oh - and did I mention being B.R.O.K.E.? Could this possibly be enough for one Momma to deal with?

Nah.

Let's go for all the gusto and have our truck's brakes go out with no money to fix it.

Oh, and while we're at it let's have the husband get very sick and need an upper GI, ultrasound of the abdomen, x-rays, and don't forget plenty of prescriptions. Oh yeah, and let's not forget the LACK OF MEDICAL INSURANCE for all the above-mentioned procedures!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds awesome, right?
I didn't think so either. If you think I sound a teeny bit overwhelmed, you guessed correctly.

P.S. Manny had to miss a job interview today because he was so sick. So that's also not cool.

On the up-side, we're having chicken ka-bobs and brown rice for supper. So... yum.