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Saturday, May 28, 2016

PReeclampsia

Finding out I was pregnant was always a time to celebrate. I did worry quite a bit as both my husbands mother and my own had lost their own babies. During my first pregnancy I did find myself with really high blood pressure and toxemia. Preeclampsia was very possible and worried me quite a bit. Our baby was born and is now 28 years old. Education is what helped the most knowing what the danger was and what to do. It is my hopes that if you are reading this that you will retain the knowledge I share if you shall ever need it. 

Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy. It occurs during the postpartum period and affects both mother and unborn child. An average of 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies will be affected. Preeclampsia progresses rapidly. A high blood pressure and presence of protein in urine are both signs of trouble. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches, changes in vision are all symptoms as well. There are women who suffer preeclampsia but have few symptoms. 

Preeclampsia normally occurs in the 2nd to 3rd trimester. Prenatal care is very important to help diagnose and manage symptoms of preeclampsia Terms of the past no longer used were PIH and toxemia. Preeclampsia disorder of pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. The disorder is responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year.



Pet Cancer Awareness


I can remember when our first neighbor got the devestating news. The vet called and told her that her beloved dog of 15 years had cancer. It was a terrible day very devastating to her. I myself was very unaware that our pets could get cancer. However, I was very wrong. Each year there are six million pets that will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Pet cancer, is the #1 disease related killer of our beloved pets. 


Early Detection is Key.

If cancer is detected early it can be treated more effectively, so it's important to check your pet regularly for the 10 Early Warning Signs as recommended by the Veterinary Cancer Society.
  1. Swollen lymph nodes
  2. An enlarging or changing lump
  3. Abdominal distension
  4. Chronic weight loss
  5. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
  1. Unexplained bleeding
  2. Cough
  3. Lameness
  4. Straining to urinate
  5. Oral odor
If your pet has any of these early warning signs, you should take him or her to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a more complete examination. In addition, you should keep your pet away from environmental toxins like lawn fertilizers and surface and rug cleaners that have warning labels relative to children and pets. Many veterinarians see a link between environmental toxins and cancer.

Hamburger Day how do you like yours

This year National Hamburger Day is part of Memorial Day weekend. That is because today, May 28th is national hamburger day. As we celebrate the unofficial start of summer we can also celebrate grilling and best of all the hamburger. It seems that big juicy hamburgers and cheeseburgers find their ways to many outdoor barbq's. Not only delicious but also part of the American life the hamburger is a natural part of life. 

The hamburger originates from Hamburger Germany where it was first created. The bun started in America in Seymour Wisconsin. Each year to celebrate the burger the good people of Seymour Wisconsin celebrate the burger in a burger fest. In 2001 the festival created the largest hamburger weighing in at 8,266. 

How do you like your hamburger?? We love our burger served with one or more of these:


Another great choice for hamburger day is to try a new recipe like this one "

Mexican Hamburgers



ground beef1 pound
ground pork1/4 pound
chopped fresh cilantro1/4 cup
garlic , minced: 2 cloves
salt1/2 teaspoon
pepper1/2 teaspoon
oregano1/4 teaspoon
grated cheddar cheese1/4 cup
canned diced green chilies, drained: 3 tablespoons
cornmeal1/4 cup
salsa1/2 cup

Mix all together in bowl, do not over handle. Shape into patties and grill or pan fry to your liking


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The Sounds Of Jazz



The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend is also International Jazz Day. In 1991 D. Michael Denny a musician and bandleader created the day. Denny was on the board of directors of New Jersey Jazz Society. Congress declared the day to celebrate jazz music and history of the music as well. Jazz was developed in the 1800s. The unique American music known as jazz has become a highly celebrated art form. It is recognized and appreciated around the world. 



Recently the local high school jazz band was able to travel to Kings Island, a local amusement park, to participate in a jazz band contest. They were awarded first place in their class. What a wonderful job these young men and women did to keep jazz music alive.







Friday, May 27, 2016

Protect Yourself From The Sun and Enjoy a Cool Smooth Dessert



May 27th is a great time to help educate all on sun safety and the use of sun screen. Awareness of the use of sunscreen is important to educate not only ones self but also all those that we love. UV rays from the sun are very dangerous and harmful to our health. Right now is the perfect time before summer gets in full swing and vacation and visits to the beaches and swimming pools start up.

UV or ultraviolet rays from the sun are a serious risk one that we must be ready for. Overexposure to the sun can cause a number of health problems.Skin cancer as well as sunspots cam result in premature aging of your skin. Sunscreen is the protection that doctors and medical professionals recomend. The sun screen helps guard against health problems and the higher the number of skin protection factor (SPF) the more sun protection is offered. A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more is most often recommended.

Sunscreen should be used during all outdoor activities. Swimming is an activity that also requires a sunscreen that was water safety. Some may think that sunscreen is not needed on cloudy days but this is actually not true as UV rays are also present on cloudy days as they can penetrate through the clouds.

No better day to share a dessert that seems to be sunshine itself. Yummy!!! This Lemony "sunshine" dessert will please your taste buds if you love cheesecake and lemon flavor



• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 whole crackers processed in food processor)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch salt
• Pinch cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ingredients (Filling):
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened at room temp
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Sweet Vanilla Bean Sour Cream (recipe below)
• Lemon Curd (recipe below, or you can use store bought)
• Edible gold “dust”, for garnish, if desired


-Preheat the oven to 350°, and line a 11 x 7 x 1 ½” baking dish (or even a 9 x 9”) with enough foil so that there is an overhang (makes for easier lifting/removing of the cooled bars), and mist lightly with cooking spray.
-To prepare your crust, add all of the crust ingredients to a bowl, and using your fingers or a fork, combine until all the crumbs are well coated in the melted butter; pour the crumb mixture into the prepared foil-lined baking dish, and press them using the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer of crust; set aside.
-To prepare your filling, add the softened cream cheese, along with the lemon zest and juice, into the bowl of a food processor, and process until smooth; add the sugar, the eggs and the vanilla, and process again until completely blended and smooth; pour the filling over the prepared crust, and smooth out the top.
-Bake the cheesecake bar mixture for about 30-35 minutes, or just until the center of it still slightly jiggles; remove from oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.
-Place into the fridge and allow to completely chill for at least 3 hours (or even overnight, ideally) to set.
-Once cooled and set, lift the cheesecake out with the overhanging foil; spread the Sweet Vanilla Bean Sour Cream over the top, then cut into 12 equal bars. (You can let the sour cream “set” just a bit in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting into bars, if desired.)
-To finish, drizzle/pipe some of the Lemon Curd over the top of the bars decoratively, and sprinkle with a little edible gold “dust”, if desired.
-Serve bars cold.
Sweet Vanilla Bean Sour Cream Ingredients:
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ vanilla bean (alternately, you can substitute about ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Preparation:

-Add the sour cream to a bowl; next, split the vanilla bean pod down the center, and scrape the paste out of it; add it to the sour cream.
-Add in the powdered sugar, and gently whisk the ingredients together just until blended; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Lemon Curd Ingredients:
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 whole eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 2/3 cups fresh lemon juice
Preparation:

-In a medium-size bowl, combine the sugar with the lemon zest, and using your fingers, work the zest into the sugar.
-Add the whole eggs, the yolks and the juice, and gently whisk to combine.
-Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), and using a spatula, carefully and continually stir the mixture for about 6-8 minutes, scraping the sides and the bottom of the bowl to prevent scrambling (it’s alright if you have a little scrambling), or until it becomes thickened and has a pudding-like consistency.
-Strain the curd into a clean bowl, then cover with plastic wrap directly touching the curd, and cool completely in the fridge. (This recipe makes enough curd for the bars plus lots extra to enjoy swirled into plain Greek yogurt, spread on toast, spooned onto ice cream, etc. So delicious!! Keeps for about 2 weeks in fridge when covered.)
recipe source here 



Thursday, May 26, 2016

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes


Crust:
  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 3 T white sugar
Cheesecake:
  • 2 bars of 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 t vanilla
  • 1/2 t fine salt
  • 1 21-oz can of blueberry pie filling/topping
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 175°C and line 3/4 oz mini muffin tins with paper cups.
  2. To make crust, combine until evenly blended the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
  3. Press around half a tablespoon of crumbs onto the bottoms of the muffin cups. Set aside.
  4. To make the cheesecake, with the lowest speed setting, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
  5. Gradually add sugar and salt while beating, scraping the sides of the bowl often.
  6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
  7. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream and mix well.
  8. Let the cheesecake batter rest for around 10 minutes to remove most of the air bubbles that were formed during the mixing process.
  9. Scoop cheesecake batter into prepared crusts and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until firm but the centers of the cheesecakes still a bit jiggly. 
  10. Remove from the oven and let coolthen refrigerate (a few hours or even overnight).
  11. Serve with chilled blueberries (with sauce) on top.
Yield: 72 mini cheesecakes
This is just for a basic cheesecake recipe. There are hundreds of toppings you can use to suit the flavor you want. Make one today

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

what do you think


We often see cardinals in our yard and recently I heard a short story of how when we see birds like these that it means there is an angel near by. I personally hope that there is a bit of truth to it since I could use all the angels that want to be near.

What do you think??

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wild bird wednesday

Missing Children's Day



May 25th is a day to remember Missing Children. Every year thousands of children are reported missing. The first National Missing Children's Day was established in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the day. The Department of Justice commemorates Missing Children's Day with a ceremony honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children. 

Missing children's day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and others concerned with the well being of children to make child safety a priority. It reminds us all to continue our efforts to find these missing children and bring them back to their families. 



It only takes a moment for a child to disappear. I have had the scare happen a time or two only to find our children in the store in the next aisle or so. There are a few things that you can do to help your child from going missing.



First, sit down and talk to your children about safety and what they should do. Find out more on how to have that discussion here  
Give your time to be an advocate. When I was a kid there were homes with blue stars on the windows. These homes were ones we could go to and be safe there. Today, you can invite friends, schools, community organizations and businesses to learn more about child safety issues and be there for the kids. Helping to remind individuals about the missing children by displaying their photos or volunteer to help with the searches.

Have no time or ability to help in that manner then you may choose to donate money to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's programs and services. Pat attention to amber alerts and stay aware.



Upcoming Wedding



June 11, 2016 will see my youngest son wed his beautiful bride. This is a very special day and one that is coming quickly but we are so ready for it. The girl my son will wed is one of his high school friends. They have known each other for some time. My son is now 24 and has been out of school for 6 years. After graduating my son took a job and stayed very busy. The young girl that will be his bride took a ride on a road of life that was not always easy.



She married right after getting out of school. She believed that she was in love and that together they would take on the world. It was not too long after that she found herself expecting a baby. The young man ended up deserting her and the baby and she returned home to her mother. She was broken, her heart was not the only thing damaged but her self esteem was as well. That was then and the story has changed.

Some how my son and the girl who will soon be his wife had their paths cross. My son had always been brought up to do the right thing. Taking part in the silver ring thing and staying true to himself. Not only did his reputation he have to uphold but also that of how he was raised. As he began to talk to this young lady that he had not seen for some time he found out more of what she had been going through in life. Having dated her in highschool but not for long he still had a place in her heart for her. He did not hold it against her for what had happened as he understands we all make mistakes. They began to spend more time together in the past two years building a relationship. My son accepts her son which never sees his real dad as I told you he walked out on them.



My son has had long talks with me and desires to have a Godly based marriage. As he has seen in our marriage that there are struggles but prayer helps through those issues. May he keep God first in his relationship and never forget the lessons he has learned as he watched not only his parents and grandparents but also those who demonstrated marriages in his life. May he one day have the opportunity to have his own marriage be immitated by those who desire to have a love as great as he does with his beautiful wife.

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Titus 2

Get Busy Out There

With the weather getting warm and in between the raindrops we all get the itching to get out side and have some fun. It is no surprise that May is National Physical fitness and Sports Month With the long winter of being inside now is a great time to renew your commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. The U.S department of health advises that youth get 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. For some this may be a problem because of where they live, learn and play. 

Physical activity not only offers better physical health but regular activity also provides cognitive health benefits as well. Research has proven that children that are physically active also get higher grades and have better attendance. First Lady Michelle Obama has placed interest in children exercise and fitness for quite some time. Lets Move!! was created to end childhood obesity as well as a brighter future for nations youth. 

There are many activities that you can do to keep our children and ourselves happy and healthy. Our children participate in little league sports. Softball, tee-ball, basketball and soccer are all ways we keep our children busy. How do you keep your children out there and busy??



Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Get Ready To Barbq



I realize that May so far has had it's share of rain. In between those rain drops barbecues have started to bloom. The longer days allow the month of May to greet those that grill with National Barbecue month. There has always been that debate of whether charcoal or gas should be used and that debate may never go away. Should the ribs be parboiled or cooked directly on the grill?? That choice is up to your taste buds and cooking style. Those minor decisions are what we all may face but we all should feel honored to welcome in the month to barbecue. 

A great majority of Americans would rather cook outside than inside. Many feel that it is easier as well. Cooking outside is also a great time for friends and family that love great tasting food to get together. It is an affordable past time that all should be able to enjoy. Cooking outside also leads to a healthier lifestyle

Every cook has their go to gadgets and cooking on the grill is no different. Some of the must haves are
tongs  

spatula or brush  
rubs and marinades   
skewers   

Family Month

Our family is large in number. I am the second to the oldest in a family of 5 children. My husband is the second to the oldest in a family of 4 children. Our family is large as well as I am the mom of six children. But whether your family is large like ours or small it makes no difference we all have a reason to celebrate. National Family Month is celebrated from the second sunday in May through the third Sunday in June. 




That's right National family week starts on Mothers Day and runs through Fathers day. After all somewhere or another the family started with a mother and a father. Another great reason to celebrate during this time is because school is letting out and families have more time to spend together. 

KidsPeace started National Family Month to draw awareness to every member of the family. KidsPeace is a private not for profit organization that works to help children attain confidence and develop the courage to conquer crises that they may find. During this time period spend more time as family. Whether it be a vacation a stay-cation or simply working together to clean the house. Whatever it may be spend some time with the family you love.





 As the school year draws to a close we start to think about what we will do with the time we have together. A bucket list of sorts of fun we want to have during summer vacation. Some things we include are easy things and others are more complicated that will take more time and ability. The ability to check things off of our list is fun as well. 
What is on your bucket list?? 
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Wednesday R&R

Garden Time



With all the rain, many of us may not have all the plants where we want them to be. For the most part that means in the ground. Many of us may know what we want to plant just have not had the time. Others, may not know what they want to plant at all. This post is for all of us that plan on planting a garden.



The gardener should keep in mind that the garden is theirs. It is their place to do what they want to do. There are no rules and no one has to dictate what needs to be done. They can plant what they want to, where they want to and simply do what they want to do. Ensuring that the plants are put in the ground correctly.



What are the vegetables that you and your family will enjoy the most?? Are there veggies that will be enjoyed more than other?? How about trying a new plant or two. Now, with your plan in mind can you grow the plants where you want to. Do a bit of research and find out if the plants you want to grow will grow in your garden. They may fit into the garden in the spring and others like to grow in fall months better.



What will you plant first?? What needs to be planted later?? How much room will each plant take?? All great questions that any good gardener needs to know.

Now, if you have not all ready is the time to purchase your plants and seeds.
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Monday, May 23, 2016

Plans To Eat Monday May 23 ----- Sunday May 29

http://orgjunkie.com/2016/05/menu-plan-monday-may-2316.html#more-37108

Monday:

Tonight was a ball game for both of my little sluggers so we enjoyed a meal that included a summer casserole with onions, sausages and peppers. 


Tuesday:



will be a busy day for the entire family. With the grade school kids going to the cupcake bakery, me and hubby having business uptown and several working the day will be quite busy. We will meet up at the end of the day at Sonic's drive in. I love to take advantage of deals and tommorow they have a great deal on their awesome corndogs .50 for each. So we will enjoy them and head hone for


a spring time fruit salad that I will have chilling waiting for us all.

Wednesday:

We will fix one of my Princess's favorite recipes. She has many now as her taste buds are advancing but will always enjoy chicken nuggets. 



Thursday:

Another night where I am hoping that the day will go good so the night will as well. We will find our selves in the court room with yet another full day. That night we will enjoy watching princess play ball and at the end of the night we will all gather around fire pit for hotdogs and banana boats 



Friday:

Head back to work, yet I think it will be good and I have to make money as it helps all go round. But the evening will be one to enjoy friends and family as we barbq. Is the spring and summer months not wonderful. Being able to enjoy our dinner outside is awesome. Tonight we will try one of our favorites we found last year. Bacon Wrapped Chicken legs served with slaw, baked potatoes and fried corn.



Saturday: we will enjoy a night out after shopping for items needed for the upcoming wedding. Yep, thats right another child getting married May 11th. So some of the last minute items will be purchased today

Sunday: 
We will enjoy a roast cooked in crackpot and crack potatoes 


What are you having this week?? check out more here http://orgjunkie.com/2016/05/menu-plan-monday-may-2316.html

Penny for your thoughts




May 23rd is National Lucky Penny Day. The old rhyme of See a Penny, Pick it up.... All day long you'll have good luck has been around for quite some time. My husband is one that pays close attention as he walks and picks up coins that he finds. Our grand-children have followed suit. Whether it be their lucky day or not it becomes lucky with a smile on their face as they have a few cents more than they did before. 




Years ago the penny had some worth. From and collecting them was very worthwhile. Now it takes longer to save them than it did before before enough have been collected to purchase anything. The inflation rate has made pennies less valuable. In 1793 the first pennies were made of copper. Since that time the metal value and cost of minting pennies exceed their face value. There are currently efforts that are being made to end routine use of pennies in several countries including the U.S. What do you think?? 




Some people believe it's only good luck to pick up a penny if heads is showing. A penny with the tails side up should be turned over for another person to find. On the other hand, many people believe any penny you find is good luck. What do you think?? 

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Inspiration Monday

Summer Time Cooking and a casserole recipe

I simply love the spring and summer months. It is a great time to get together with all those friends and family members that we may not see all that often. Family reunions, picnics, and other events that brings loved ones together. These picnics are often potluck style. I love to bring great dishes that may be new to others. This pepper, onion and sausage recipe I share today is one that can be baked inside, shared at potlucks or even grilled. I hope you enjoy!!!!

                                         recipe source from facebook group Darla's recipes   


1-2 bell peppers, sliced
1 package (at least 1 lb) of your favorite sausage links (johnsonvilles, evergood, generic smoked sausage, whatever you like. i used polish sausages, 4 to a pack)
4-5 decent-sized potatoes (i prefer yukon gold or red bliss)
3 tbsp olive oil (yes, it has to be OLIVE oil)
1 small jar banana peppers
1 large onion, sliced
salt & pepper
*optional — 2 tsp dried rosemary (bachelors, ignore this. your salt and pepper will be fine. i know that asking you to procure olive oil was already a stretch.)
*optional — tsp creole seasoning

spray a large baking pan w/ nonstick spray (make sure there is at least a small “lip” that provides a “side” to the pan, don’t use a flat baking sheet.
slice sausages into thin rounds, about 1/5″ thick. if you know how to slice using a “bias” cut, do that. if not, don’t worry about it.
cut potatoes into 1/2″ chunks
slice onion and pepper into strips
place all ingredients on baking sheet and drizzle oil over. use your hands to toss everything together in the oil, making sure everything feels coated.
add salt & pepper and spices (if using)
top w/ sliced banana peppers
bake at 400 for about 30-35 min, until potatoes are tender
EAT

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Sunday, May 22, 2016

Spring Time Fruit Salad

May is the month that salutes strawberries and May 22nd is the day to acknowledge vanilla pudding. I enjoy both fruit salads and pudding so when I found this recipe I was delighted. It combines both of them and offers a delicious dish. 



2-3 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups blue berries
1 (15 oz) can peaches in juices
1 (15 oz) can pineapple in juices
1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding

Add fruit and juices to a large bowl, then pour in the dry instant pudding. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!