Our Halloween 2010

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Halloween costumes

Although I usually make a smilebox for Halloween, I thought I would post some pics of the girls in their Halloween costumes as well. Enjoy!

Kayci is a Fairy Angel Princess. The dress is recycled from  Zoe's lyrical costume from her year of dance.  I added the wings, wand and halo.  

Hannah is a black cat (of course).  We added a purple skirt (her favorite color) because I needed something to attach the tail to...worked like a charm!

Zoe's costume was the most challenging (for me). She is a Datamation.  I bought tights and a body suit and hot glued black felt cut out spots.  Bought Dalmatian ears, tail and bow-tie which I attached to the ear:)   It turned out really well and she was thrilled as you can see!

HAPPY HOWL-OWEEN

Zoe's Burmese Python Project

Well, as promised, here is her Snake Project. It is an Albino Burmese Python...cuz those are the "coolest".  She had great fun making this one too!  We used dough, shaped and cooked it, and then painted it.
TADA

Hindsight

Now that its all behind me, I can discuss it!  Last week was probably one of the most frightening weeks of my life as far as my health was concerned.  I had been feeling tired, irritated, and just generally bad for several weeks but didn't know why.  Last week I had begun feeling very bad and so I automatically checked my blood sugar-being type 2 diabetic-I thought that was the culprit! Digress: About 8 months ago, I was able to discontinue my diabetic medication because the diet and weight-loss was keeping my blood sugar in line.  However, I had to begin taking Crestor for my cholesterol and one of the side effects was higher blood sugar so you can see how I jumped to that conclusion.  However,upon checking it, it was fine--as usual.

It was Mark that suggested that I check my blood pressure and I am so glad that I did. Over the period of last week my top numbers ranged from 140-170 and the bottom numbers were from 90-110. It was high blood pressure that was making me feel so bad and I began to be frightened that I may have a heart attack or stroke.  Well by Friday night it felt like I had a dead elephant on my chest and that night my arms, face and ears began to get tingly and numb and I had a terrible pain in my head and neck.  Saturday morning I went to the instant care because I was sure that these were symptoms of a  heart attack.  She took my pressure and it was 150/90 so she prescribed me a fluid pill immediately.  Upon listening to me explain my symptoms and examining me she felt that I had not had a heart attack but wanted me to follow up with my PCP on Monday.  The fluid pill began helping my blood pressure as the top number began to come on down but the bottom number was still hovering in the 90s--but not spiking into the 100s.  I still felt really bad through the weekend though. 

Monday arrived and I went to the PCP.  I told her my history and what I and done the past week/weekend and she listened.  She then ordered a ECG and heart ultrasound.  The ECG she performed in the office and it came out NORMAL!  I then went to the hospital to get the ultrasound done.  I do have to say that it was very humbling to see one's heart in action. She prescribed a blood pressure medication and I have already began to see the results.  My top number has dropped into the 20s and my bottom number is in the 70s and low 80s even after a normal activity is done. I do have an extra beat from time to time but it is normal in many people and NOT life threatening - just annoying as you get that head rush with it sometimes.

I got a call yesterday from the Dr. and she said that my heart ultrasound-ECG was NORMAL.  I have no blockages, no thinning, no abnormal heart problems of any kind. My heart is very healthy....this made my heart super happy believe me.  Both Mark and I thought that I was blocked up for sure!  It was wonderful to know that my heart was not the root of the problem.  She said that I have anxiety induced hypertension and that lots of people have it and it is treatable with medication. I will continue to improve with time and treatment and I see her in two weeks for a follow-up.

So that was my week and I am SO glad that it's over!

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Zoe's latest project

I knew that when I asked for my friend, Candace, to be Zoe's teacher that her school year would be filled with projects of one sort or another.  In fact, if you look back on an earlier post, you will see the project she completed on 'Horses'.

Her most recent project was to research an endangered animal, write a paragraph about it and make some sort of  3-D representation of that animal.  She chose the Hyacinth Macaw.  Below is her 3-D model.  We chose to make an eatable representation (yes, total irony for an endangered animal) but it came out very well I think.  Please excuse the toothpicks in the picture. I had forgotten to take the photo prior to getting it ready for shipment to school.

Be on the lookout for her next project coming soon: SNAKES!

What a 'crock'

Got your attention, good, but it's not what you think.  Nor is today's blog going to be any profound statement of thought or family, but, of food.  Specifically crock pot food.  I do love to use my crock pot to cook a few staple dishes like roast or chili but as a whole I don't use it that often, or didn't up to now that is!  Can I just say that I love the networking abilities of facebook. This little gem of a website I got from Tammy Rigney after she posted a chicken dish she had been inspired to try.  Well, after looking the site over, I think that my crock pot will be getting more use as the recipes sound just delightful and fun especially in the fall and winter months. Yes, I see many crock pot moments to come:) The Crock Pot Blog here I come!