Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Orthotics, Not Just For Oldies

Alright, when you hear the word orthotics what comes to mind?  At one time for me, the older population.  Both of my grandmas had orthotics while I was growing up.  I just figured it was something that people needed as they aged.  I did not realize that orthotics were associated with plantar fasciitis.  Heck, I did not even know what plantar fasciitis was when I was younger. 

So what is plantar fasciitis?  There is a lot of scientific jargon when it comes to medical problems, but I will give you the easy-to-understand version instead. We have a tendon that runs along the bottom of our foot.  That tendon is attached to our heel bone.  When that tendon gets irritated and inflamed (where it attaches at the heel bone), then it can cause considerable pain.  About 1 in 6 people experience heel pain. 

Usually the most painful part of the day, when you have plantar fasciitis, is in the morning.  Those first steps of the day can be excruciating until the tendon has had a chance to warm up and stretch out.  Most plantar fasciitis pain can be resolved with medical treatment- icing, ibuprofen, stretching.  But if the issue is not resolved then heel spurs (calcium deposits) form a the connection point of the heel point and tendon.  Which is even more painful, like stepping on sharp pins or nails.  

I am special enough to have a more chronic form of plantar fasciitis, so I have had the cortisone shots into my heels to reduce the inflammation and have specially designed orthotics to lessen the strain on the tendon.  I am pretty sure at this point that I probably have the heel spurs too.  

I had no idea that I too (like my grandmas) would fall victim to this medical condition, during my 30s none the less, but I do know that this condition is more common than most people think.  So if you are experiencing heel pain, don't dismiss it like I did at first, go talk to your doctor and maybe you can head off the heel spurs before they start to form.

Anyway, around mid-April one of my orthotics broke (orange), so I had to go back to the podiatrist to get molded for new ones.  I could of just replaced the broken one, which would of been cheaper.  But there were several factors to consider: 1) My shoe size had increased since I first got my orthotics, so they were border-line of not being usable. 2) They had a new type of orthotic that had better arch support, had better flexibility and had some cushioning to them.   So the nice ladies at the office duct taped my broken orthotic back together as a temporary fix until the new ones came in.


Well, I just picked up my new orthotics (black) on Friday.  They are heavenly!  They are amazing!  I had a spring to my step and felt like I was walking on cushions instead of hard plastic.  I am so-so happy that I decided to bite the bullet and spend the money to do a total replace.  Hopefully these new inserts lessen the effects of the plantar fasciitis even more than my first pair.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day


In memory of all of those that have served their country:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae, 1872-1918

Sunday, May 26, 2013

School's Out For The Summer


Pumpkin had his last day of kindergarten on Thursday.  I think that he was definitely ready for the summer to start.

We have had some rocky moments through this kindergarten year, but the last few weeks he did such a great job listening to the teacher and teaching assistant.  We are very proud of him! 

He has had quite a few changes throughout the school year.  He is more knowledgeable about how things work.  His socialization skills have increased.  He has learned the basics of reading.  Yay!  I am looking forward to having him read some books to me this summer during the summer reading program at the local library.  He is even trying his hand at spelling out words that he is sounding out.  The spellings can be quite funny at times, but at least he is trying and that is what counts.

One of his favorite field trips during the school year was to the apple orchard in the fall.  He talked about it for weeks and sometimes still does.  He told us about how the bees pollinate the apple blossoms and about how apple cider was made.  He loves the hands-on, nature experiences and we are grateful that his school encourages children in all areas of the educational experience not just inside the classroom.

During teacher appreciation week, we send both his teacher and the teaching assistant little gifts daily.  We also send them a note telling them how much we have appreciated them both working with us during the school year to help Pumpkin be the best student and little boy that he could be.  Here is the note that the teaching assistant wrote us:

___________________________________________

Jenny- 

Please don't think that (Pumpkin) misbehaves all the time.  He does have some very good qualities that sometimes gets overlooked.  

1.  He plays well with the kids at recess.  
2.  He takes pride in his cutting skills.  
3.  He glues things on in a very neat and orderly fashion.  
4.  He never complains about a time out or that his snack has been taken away.  
5.  His backpack is always organized and ready to go at the end of the day.  
6.  He loves to make the kids laugh.  
7.  He shares.  
8.  He does not tattle.  
9.  He doesn't complain when he's not feeling well.  
10.  Always wanting to be a helper.  
11.  He is a good listener when books are being read to the class.  

We could go on but I think you get the idea.  

Mrs. B

Thanks for the sticky notes. :-)
___________________________________________
 
That note was sooooooo sweet and I am so appreciative that Mrs. B took the time to write down Pumpkin's good qualities while he was in kindergarten.  Definitely something that I want to frame.  

Pumpkin is now officially a first grader.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Well . . .

. . . It has definitely been a bit since my last post.  When I think about a post, the computer is either off or I am no where near a computer.  Plus I have been under the weather since Sunday.  I think the plants are making up for last years drought by an over abundance of pollen this year.  My car is coated in a layer of pollen thick enough that I could write "Wash Me" on my car.  Ha ha ha ha!  Now if I could just kick this darn cough that keeps me from a full night's sleep, I think I will have turned the corner.

Now, it is apparent to me that I will need to schedule a series of posts to play catch up.  Events like the last day of school, my new orthotics, and our new dandelion legend probably need their own post devoted to them.  So watch in the coming days for these posts and more.

For today, we have not accomplished much.  The family reunion pool party was canceled due to the weather, so the only time the kids and I have left the house was for grocery shopping.  There are more family reunion activities tomorrow, so we will probably catch some of it then.   

The kids helped me make rice crispie treats this evening.



Earlier in the day I also made fruit salad. 

Luscious Fruit Salad
 
 

Ingredients

1 pkg. vanilla pudding mix
1 12oz. can crushed pineapple
1 8oz. can mandarin oranges
Strawberries
Red grapes
Raspberries 

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix pudding mix with crushed pineapple (including juice).  Next add drained mandarin oranges, halved grapes, sliced strawberries, and whole raspberries.  Chill for at least 2 hours prior to serving. 

Note: Any variation of fruit can be substituted including apples, cherries, peaches, etc.  For variety marshmallows and nuts can be added.

Well I'm off . . . I need to head out into the rain and secure the garage can with the new bungee cord that I purchased today to detour the raccoons from their newly found nightly playground called our trash can.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Motherhood

Oh the joys of being a mother!  Sometimes it is marvelous and other time not so much so, but it is definitely an experience that I would never wish away.

This past week I have thought about my mom quite often:



~ When Pumpkin was a bit disorderly during the spring musical concert at school it brought back memories of when my brother made a similar spectacular event a long time ago when he was in grade school.  I wonder how mom handled it and what advice she would of had for me.  My brother has turned out well and is successful in the career of his choice, so I must have faith that Pumpkin will have as much success.  They both seem to have similar characteristics as young children: smart, caring, the class clown attitude, the love of nature, and an infinity of getting into playful mischief.


~ Princess was sick this past week.  And when I say sick, it is the sickest either of our children have ever been.  Princess had a REALLY bad stomach bug that started Monday evening and she slowly started to climb uphill starting on Thursday afternoon.  During the days of sickness and fever, she did not eat or drink much since she could not keep it down, so she dropped from weighing 35 pounds (15 kilograms) to 30 pounds (13 kilograms).  We even had a bag packed for the hospital if our pediatrician deemed that she should be admitted due to dehydration.  Thankfully though Princess did not have to spend any time in the hospital.  She really started to eat more yesterday, so hopefully she gains back some of the weight that she lost.  While Princess was sick it made me wonder about what mom went through and felt like when I was a baby and had rubella or when my sister was in and out of the hospital with asthma attacks as a young child.  It takes your breath away when your child is so sick and you wish that you could trade places with them so they could be well and not suffering.  I feel for those parents that have had to endure months and months, sometimes even years, of their child being sick.  Those moms really deserve the "Mother of the Century" award for their endurance, courage, and love.

~ I have wondered what my mom would of thought about my two little monkeys.  How she would of spoiled them.  What annoying, loud, and obnoxious toys she would have for them.  I am sure that she would of made her trademark cheesy potatoes on a day like today.  And if we had cherry pie, she was always the one to find the pit.  I would like to head out to the cemetery today to visit her grave and for a few moments of thankful silence for the wonderful mom that she was while I was growing up.

Blessings that I do have though are:

~ A wonderful, loving husband.  Two wonderful, smart, general healthy children.  A loving God.  A warm house.  A lovely pond.  A paying job.  A working car.  Plenty of food to eat.


~ We all got to sleep in until 8:00 a.m., a very rare occurrence in our house.  Today we are just hanging around the house to allow Princess's immune system to strengthen one more day.  So we did miss church, but we were there in spirit.  The kids have made Mother's Day cards for their Granny, Great Grandma A and Great Grandma R. Sometime today the Mother's Day packages will find their destination.  The kids have also created marble painting.  Oh and hubby brought home bagels and a smoothie this morning from a really good bagel shop in town.

~ My sister gave me a Mother's Day card yesterday, since she has to work today.  She wrote inside "I'm glad I could be your practice for the real thing :-)"    She is ten years younger than me, so she was in grade school when I was in college.  Sometimes my sister's dad and step-mom would let me come over and take her out for a few hours to visit and sometimes an over night or two at grandma and grandpa's house or my college dorm room.  When my sister was 15, My husband (then boyfriend) and I would take her out on the country roads to practice driving.  She would crack me up during these practice sessions.  Of course country roads do not have lines on them, so if she saw another car coming she would pull over to the side and stop until they past.  Of course, she does not do this now but it was so cute then.  When my sister finally has kids one of these days, she will be an amazing mom! :-)

~ My maternal grandma is my rock, my second mom.  She was so helpful this past week.  Besides getting Pumpkin to and from school (which thankfully she does each week for us), she called us, checked on us, brought food over, watched Princess one day so I could get a few hours in at work, she did some food shopping for us.  Grandma is my hero!

~ My mother-in-law has been really helpful too this past week.  She watch Princess one day so I could work a few hours at work.  She picked Pumpkin up yesterday and took him to his cousin's birthday party, while Princess stayed home with me.  She has been calling to check in with us daily.

Well I better get back to my regularly scheduled day.  I hope that everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day whether it be in person, over the phone, or cherish memories of those moms that are no longer with us!


Monday, May 6, 2013

Corn & Chicken Fed

We had one of my favorite dishes this evening, chicken cordon bleu with corn on the cob on the side.  I discovered this recipe a few years ago, it is super easy, and fell in love at first bite.  Enjoy!

Chicken Cordon Bleu

 

Ingredients:
1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
1/4 - 1/3 cup spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
4 thin slices deli ham
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves 
( I use boneless skinless chicken tenderloins)
4 slices swiss cheese

Directions:
On an ungreased baking sheet, separate dough into four rectangles; seal perforations.

 
Spread 1 tablespoon (I spread a touch more) cream cheese lengthwise down the center of each rectangle.


Place ham widthwise over dough.

 
Arrange chicken in center of each rectangle.  Wrap ham around chicken.


 
At each long end, pinch dough together around chicken, forming points.


 
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. 


Top with swiss cheese; baking 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and pastry is golden brown.  Makes 4 servings.


 
Don't forget to boil the corn!