Broken

I dropped one of my camera lenses today and yes, it broke in two. And yes, I cried. I have very bad luck with my camera it seems. Less than a year ago, Madeline got a hold of it and flung it onto the tile floor which broke the pop and external flashes. I dished out money to fix the external flash, but the pop flash is still broken. And now my favorite lens is broken too. I have two others, but my favorite one is busted. Right now I feel like retiring from my lovely hobby of photography. But not because I don't love it.

I suppose the money I've been saving to buy stuff for the new house just might go towards a new lens now. (Because of course I really wont retire my hobby, I just like it too much!) Good thing it was my nifty 50 and therefore not too expensive.

sigh . . .

I've been a little bored today. I just can't pack. one. more. box. Not today. I need a break! But there isn't much to do when all your crafting items are packed or about to be packed. And when all your bake ware is packed as well. . . and the kids are happily watching their one show for the day.

So, I have been wasting some time looking through all the stuff on the cutest website ever. Love the rose storage bin. Love the toothbrush holders. Love just about everything on it.

If you're bored too, go here!

March Recipe

Chicken Pizzaiola with Mozzarella and Pepperoni

From the editors of Cook’s Illustrated: The Best 30-Minute Recipe

Serves 4

3 cups tomato sauce (24-26 oz. jar)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and ground black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20 slices pepperoni
(Serve with cooked noodles)

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Spread tomato sauce into 13x9 baking dish.

2. Spread parmesan into shallow dish. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Working with one breast at a time, dredge in parmesan. Press on parmesan to make sure it adheres. Lay chicken in baking dish, smooth side facing up.

3. Place chicken in oven and bake 15 minutes.

4. Increase oven temperature to 475 degrees. Mound ¼ cup of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast, then shingle 5 slices pepperoni over cheese. Continue to bake until cheese melts and until thickest part of breast registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer, 5-7 minutes. Serve with the sauce over noodles.

Variations:

Chicken Pizzaiola with Provolone and Capicola: Substitute 1 cup shredded sharp provolone for mozzarella and 4 slices capicola for pepperoni.

This family-friendly recipe can accommodate any of your favorite pizza toppings like cooked crumbled sausage, sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms, or sliced olives.

Grandpa's House

Ethan has been asking for weeks if we could go to Grandpa's house, so when Grandpa's birthday finally came around, the kids were excited to finally go! The favorite game at Grandpa's . . .

Throw the beanies up

over and over and over

Thanks for the fun Grandpa! And Happy Birthday again!

BJHS

I have Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome.

After posting a couple of weeks ago how I was a medical mystery, a friend sent me information via email that led me to read about joint hypermobility syndrome. I found the diagnosis criteria online and knew it was exactly what I have. Yesterday at the Rheumatologist, it was confirmed.

What does that mean?

It means I have chronic joint pain in multiple joints. It means that I have hypermobility in my elbows. It means that my shoulders like to partially dislocate. But I already knew that. And now that I have a name for my problems, I know what to expect for the future. My condition won’t get worse like so many other joint problems out there. And while there isn’t a cure or really anything that for sure will even help, I know that I won’t have to be in a wheelchair in a few years from a deteriorating spine! Of all the possibilities that my problem could have been, this is the best scenario. Everything remains the same as it was before I found out the diagnosis, but now I can have peace of mind and learn to deal with it.

I have a referral to go to physical therapy. I also have two meds to try. The doctor told me they may or may not do anything. But either way, it’s okay. For some reason, I just feel better now because I know.

Sherron, thank you so much!

A Random Discovery

This week I finally found the official name for the problem I've been having with my shoulders for the past 6 1/2 years!

Shoulder Subluxation

It's a partial dislocation of the shoulder that happens to me ALL THE TIME.

Knowing the name doesn't change anything, but it's kinda nice to know.

I'm going to the Rheumatologist again tomorrow, and I think this time we might be able to come up with something . . . stay tuned.

The Blanket Game

One of Ethan and Madeline's favorite parts of the day is after dinner when we get to play "family games". Some of the favorite family games include: building marble runs, domino runs, musical chairs, and The Blanket Game! Ethan and Madeline stand across the room and run toward us while we try and throw their blankets on their heads. Then they fall over laughing and want to do it again and again and again. It's a good laugh for all of us. And you should see the static in Madeline's hair when we're done. Here are some pictures from last night's blanket game fun: