No real surprise

As many of you already know we are expecting our baby #4. It is hard to believe that I am going to have so many babies to care for. I go back and forth about if I am ready. I keep wanting to have just go into labor and meet this busy little gal, then I think about all the closets that need organized and the addition out front that is far from being done and think stay in, please stay in.
I have decided that after this baby I will be better at exercising. Kind of feels like, ya what a joke, but I feel so motivated right now which is unusual for me the last couple pregnancies.
This part is for journaling if we ever decide to have more I will remember. I was never sicker than with this baby. I bled off and on for the first trimester. Thus causing me to need to take iron, and thus causing me to be nauseated pretty much continuously, thus causing me to be short tempered and stand offish with everyone I came in contact with. I lost me desire to go shopping. I cringe at the grocery store and hate all the money I have to spend there. (I have started to enjoy Home Depot shopping quite a lot which is way more expensive I must say than clothes or grocery shopping.) The second trimester was pretty awesome though. I did start to gain the weight and put on pretty much all I was going to during those 13 or so weeks. I felt good, and enjoyed the sunshine. But pretty much come 30 weeks the yuck that was present in the first trimester morphed into an on again off again, pain somewhere or another.
As this pregnancy closes I must say that I feel completely blessed that Heavenly Father is blessing our family with another one of his precious children. I hope to be a good mother to all my children and try to be. I will be glad to hopefully feel better so I won't be so emotional about everything.
I will post pictures once our bundle comes and thank you to everyone who is close for being so patient and tolerant of the not so desirable pregnant me.

My little Cassie

One month ago, which I must admit has gone by super fast, I gave birth to my little Cassie.

She is one of the most peaceful babies I have ever spent time with. My other babies all loved and cried for the binkie. Cassie bless her will whimper for a second then I pick her up and she snuggles in. I adore her. My other kids I was so tired I would have Joey stay up late with them. Nope not her. I really am enjoying the newborn phase. I feel good. I enjoyed my other babies, but I think that age, maturity, and more confidence in what I am doing has helped me to enjoy Cassie more.

Changes

This whole format has changed since I last posted. I may go even longer since now I have no idea what or how to do anything on here. Since last post our family has welcomed a lovely little girl into our lives. She is a joy to be around and truly one of the easiest babies I have had.

I only have a couple saved to the computer the rest are on facebook. My sister put them on for me and I need to take the time to save them on here, but alas, I really think it is time to take a computer class and catch up with with the 21 century. This is our family on Mother's Day.

Dairy Free ice cream

I know wow!!! I thought it was great, the other members of Gus' birthday party thought it was great so YOU can try it too. My sister was vegan in college and said she never tasted a better dairy free ice cream

This is for 2 quarts
1 cup of scalded almond milk, once scalded turn off heat and add
1/3 cup of honey
1/2 cup of brown sugar
once the sugars are disolved add
1/4 tsp salt
3 cups of almond milk
2 tsp vanilla
After mixing together put in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
I used vanilla flavored almond milk. It probably makes a difference.
Freeze according to the type of ice cream maker you have.
Good luck we LOVED it and I plan to make more tomorrow.

Whole wheat bread

I got this recipe from my mom, who got it from my Grandma, who got it from her sister-in-law. I have of course adapted it to fit our families dietary needs. (Well most of them.) The Gluten free thing will happen after I use up my flour and wheat I have on hand.

4 cups wheat flour} mix 10 seconds
2 cups hot water}
ADD
2 tbsp honey}mix 10 seconds
3 tbsp flax seed, with 1/2 + 1 tbsp warm water mix together for a few minutes}
1/4 cup olive oi}
ADD
2 tbsp yeast} mix 10 seconds
ADD
1/4 cup gluten} mix 10 seconds
2 tsp salt}
3 tbsp sesame seeds}

Add one more cup of whole wheat flour slowly to make a light, soft dough. If more is neccesary add very carefully mix 10 minutes.
Let rise until double- about 30 minutes. Divide into 3 loaves and let rise again for 30 minutes or until 1/2 inch above the rim of the bread pan. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Best results come with glass bread pans.

If your friends with me on facebook you can see a before and after picture. I will see if Joey can help me to figure out how to put pictures from my phone to the computer.

Good luck this recipe has only worked for me with the alterations I have made here. So Good luck if you would like the egg butter version let me know and I can add it.
My mom and grandma use a Bosch mixer. I have a kitchen aid. I think that the Bosch is a better bread mixer but I am waiting to get one until some other projects are completed. I will post my cookie recipe soon.

Valentine's Day

Joey proposed to me on Valentine's Day 8 years ago. That was an unusual Valentine's for me then. Yesterday tops them all.

You may be thinking how spoiled were you? Well I have a husband who loves me and shows me constantly and 3 kids who are the best kids in the world.

Yesterday, Joey had to work so for my gift to him (he says presents are only for the females, and to please not give him anything) was to sleep in uninterrupted. I was thinking that he liked it, but... When he came home from work he said he wasn't feeling well and thought maybe he should take it easy. I was tending my brothers darling kiddos and so I had Joey hold the baby so I could help the older ones clean up before the parents got back. Yep kids have to clean up their mess when they come to play.

So we watch our Psych show that we are into on Netflix then decided to go to bed early since we both fell asleep on the couch. Around midnight I heard a big crash. I jumped right out of bed, I first checked the kids and all was well, then I turned around to see Joey sprawled out on the floor passed out. He had been throwing up and got light headed and the next thing he remembers is me standing over him asking him if he was ok. Needless to say I wasn't going to let him go throw up by himself the rest of the night. The darling man was so sick, good thing he has the day off today to recover. He seems to be feeling better but I guess we will see when he decides to eat again.
What an adventure we live.

Pumpkin apple muffins

I wish I could say that I made up this recipe but I can say I ALTERED it and made it even better and lets just pretend healthier.
This is suppose to have a strussel topping. I leave it off because it requires butter and I haven't experimented enough yet to dare try something in its place.
I have taken these to several different occasions and as far as I have been informed have been quite enjoyed. They also stay good for more than same day which is quite awesome considering if you know me I am a huge bread and pastry snob. I won't touch one that is a day old. I will touch and even enjoy these next day. Here is the recipe, really they are so worth it and the batter is quite stiff and should be.

BATTER

2 1/2 cups of flour (I have tried 1/3 rice to 2/3 whole wheat, was terrific)
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp pumpkin spice
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs (I use 2 tbsp flaxseed and 6 tbsp warm water and let it sit for a few minutes)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup oil
2 cup apples (I mix 1 cup of the sugar with the apples)

STRUSSEL

2 tbsp flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 tsp butter

1. Preheat oven to 350* line 18 muffin tin cups
2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, then mix together wet in another bowl
3. Stir together dry and wet ingredients until just moistened. I go around in a circle with a rubber scraper, gentleness is a key, you don't want to make as little gluten as possible.
4. Put in the muffin tin. I use an ice cream scoop so that each one is uniform.
5. Combine strussel ingredients and place on top of muffin mixture.
6. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until tooth pick comes out clean.

I really should start taking pictures. Enjoy completely, they are so delicious.

Avocado Sandwich

I got this idea from my mom.
So because I am sharing all the different recipes I invent or come across that are dairy egg free, here is a great one. My two year old ate it and enjoyed and so did the four year old.

1 avocado, mashed in a bowl
cranberry sauce
cheese(for the dairy eaters)
bread I use multigrain that is diary egg free

I heated a griddle to 375* then when it was heated I put a thinner layer (for the kids) of mashed avocado on one side and you get the idea I toasted the bread. I don't use butter or any oil for the outside so I watch it closely.
Now for the cheese eaters make your basic grilled cheese then add the mashed avocado when the cheese is melted. To top off both sandwiches put some cranberry sauce to dip or I just put it inside the sandwich.
I was actually surprised that my two year old liked it, and ate it all gone with no complaint.

Ode to the Memories

Sophie was under a year here. Probably 6 to 9 months. She was such a doll. She was one of the happiest babies I have ever known. What a beauty. She always wanted to be part of Joe's therapy sessions (a habit that hasn't changed). The table was on borrow from the blind school. Wish we still had it. I love finding old pictures of the babies. Thank goodness Joey takes pictures.


This is Joe on his first Christmas. He fell asleep on the way to Mema Lisa's and when he woke up was so stinkin mad that we had to strip him down to the diaper to make him happy and you can see here he definitely got that way. What a cutie pa tootie.

Delicious Vegetable Beef Soup

So yesterday I wanted hamburger stew. I made a couple of alterations and came up with this crowd pleaser.

1/2 lg onion
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 huge potato or 3 regular potatoes
5 carrots (not baby carrots the other ones)
1 qt stewed tomatoes
1 qt tomato juice
salt and pepper to taste
a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce

Saute onion in some olive oil and salt (about 10 minutes on medium heat). Put in hamburger, pepper and fry until not pink. As all this is happening peel and cube carrots and potatoes. Put the carrots and potatoes in the pot and fry. Root veggies always taste better in a soup if they fry for 15 or so minutes before adding the liquids. Once the frying has occurred add the stewed tomatoes and tomato juice. Boil covered for about 15 more minutes until the potatoes are tender. Carrots are alright by my taste if not completely tender I would call it al dente. Turn off the heat because it will be super hot and add the Worcestershire sauce. I let it sit for about 15 minutes because my kids are little and I didn't want to have them burn their mouths. Enjoy. I served with biscuits.

This is a dairy and egg free meal (except biscuits, still working on my bread skills) if you don't add the Worcestershire sauce it would also be soy free. My oldest is allergic to soy so I watch for it also.

Meatloaf

I made this recipe up.

1 med/lg onion, quartered then sliced
1 red pepper, sliced
Saute these together in olive oil and some salt. Saute until just starting to go translucent

1.5 lb ground beef
1 cup oatmeal
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
pepper
Once these are all in the bowl add the saute mixture. Mix by hand so not abuse the meat.
Put in the oven for 40 min at 350 then while meatloaf is still in the oven turn temperature up to 375 for 20 to crisp and finish cooking the meat.

We loved this and it was so flavorful. And as always dairy and egg free.
If you try and like let me know. My sister-in-law made it and said it was very delicious. Her husband even liked it and had informed me that he hated meatloaf until now.

Rice Pudding

My boys are allergic to eggs and milk. So I will on occasion post recipes that I make up that are both allergen free and delicious that my two year old will even eat. Now I should mention, I never use white rice so when I put rice I mean brown. I believe kids eat whatever is available. So if you offer crap they eat crap. If you offer wholesome food then that is what will be their favorite foods. Now don't get me wrong. I love myself a brownie but I have been known to make them with whole wheat flour when making them from scatch, I usually use a box. I am not perfect with the selection I offer but I try as all of us woman do.

Rice Pudding Di Regolo style

1 cup of brown rice
2.5 cups of water
dash of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg (feel free to use as little or much as you want of the spices.)
.25 tsp salt
Boil the above ingredients on the stovetop for 35 minutes. At this point add a handful of raisins/craisins or both. Boil until water is gone about 10-15 minutes.
When the water is evaporated add some rice milk and either honey or sugar to taste. I add some nuts to give it some added protein, these are optional.

This is a great snack or an easy quick breakfast for the kids.

Breaking

So my dad is a "rock" star. He came over to help us more with the prep for the foundation, he had it all taken care of in no time. He is so strong I am so proud. I need to take pictures of all of this but need to pick up a new sd card or learn how to import all the photos and erase the ones I have.
Joey bought our family our first laptop for a belated Christmas present. We have been borrowing one for the last couple of years. I have been afraid of breaking it so I hardly used it. Now Joey encourages me to use it daily to help me catch up with the times when it comes to computers. I am so terrified I will break it but he says to just not download anything that I am worried about without checking with him so that he can help me not break it.
Growing up I broke the majority of our family computers. I would use them one day and the next it would be acting funny. The crazy thing is that I am not much of a web searcher nor am I a gamer, I use word processing the most. But still manage to break them. If I stop posting either I can't think of anything to write that I am not worried about anyone having access to, or I have broken yet another computer.

The Carport

La ta da daa. We officailly started our remodel/addition. I am so excited that means that come sometime in the future we will be having one more bedroom and one more bathroom in our home. I am also super stoked due to the fact that now I can decorate the kids rooms and paint them fun and do a theme for the kids. Now I just hope the room is done before the baby decides to come to our family from Heaven.
The baby has had me slightly worried because she hasn't been moving but as I am writing this she has kicked multiple times.
The carport is the place of the remodel/addition. So we won't be able to use the back door very much but oh well totally worth it to me. So once the foundation is poured next week please come to the front door when you come to visit. Thanks so much.

Making today the best day yet.

I am going to try to fill everyone up on the highlights of 2011.
Joey seems to just stay constant. He is enjoying his work at Doug Smith Autoplex where he sells vehicles. He has made some great progress in our yard and the shed now has one side usable for us. Thus for all the neighbors a much better beginning of the street with our uncluttered carport. He kept our grass looking AWESOME all summer long. I felt tremendously sinful for being so proud of him and his hard work. He built me a lovely little walkway in my front garden and is hoping to finish my backyard and back garden this spring. This should encourage me to go outside and garden again. This leading into me.
I have discovered the joy of gardening. My broccoli from last year was some of the tallest I have ever seen yet there was not one piece of broccoli to be enjoyed. I grew several things in my garden hopefully this year canning season will not be spent with illness or injure as it was this year. So our family can enjoy the fruits of our labors throughout the winter. As to this for those who have not heard Joey and I decided it was time to add another child to our family and will be blessed with another sweet princess in the coming spring.
Joe had a year of injure and mishaps. He started the year with the ambulance coming due to some milk/egg ingestion. He then got his tonsils, adenoids and some botox injections. Then a couple of head injures causing him to spend more than 10 days at the local children's hospital. Lucky for him and much to my nervousness he has hit a growth spurt growing over 6 cm and 5 lbs in 3 months. He is such a darling. He is still cancer free and loves to have his different therapist work with him on his emerging skills.
Sophie has grown up so much. She believes herself to be far more clever and smart than her mother. Just today she informed me she can't wait to grow up so she can do and go wherever she wants when she wants. Apparently we have a power struggle I was unaware of. She was quite nervous that we would make her have another brother and was much relieved to find out she will have a sister. We took the kids to Disneyland this last Thanksgiving and had a most lovely time. We plan to go again in the next few years. All of the children enjoyed the vacation. Joe and Sophie would ride the roller coaster type rides while Gus who was to short and I who was finishing my first trimester couldn't ride. I was so proud of Sophie showing no fear going on the tower of terror. She is the little head in the back row.



Gus has grown up way to much as well. He started speech therapy in May and in November was nearly kicked out for catching up so well. He was right on track the therapist decided to keep him, well because she is awesome and was Joe's SLP and we absolutely love her. Gus has grown so big he started the year in 18-24 month clothes and closed it out wear 4t pants and 3t and 4t shirts. He is crazy big. And super darling. He makes you shake your head from frustration one minute and then is charming you with his unbelievable sweetness. He says some of the "darnedest" things. I love to have the "Who's ____ best friend?" (filling in the blank with random people). He always says that Sophie is his best friend and that Daddy is mine.
Being a mother to such amazing children is a gift from our Heavenly Father. I would never trade any of them.
So here is to a fresh start with a new year. I have to accept that the skeletons don't go away but I can always "make today the best day yet". (I heard this in church a couple of weeks ago and thought what a great Motto.

Just so you know.

We will be posting a great picture of our family later this week. I have decided that I am going to have pictures taken. Joe doesn't look quite so battered so might as well take advantage and get them done. Even if it is just the kids. So Rachael prepare. We are coming this week and the kids will be smashing because I think it will be kids pictures first then if Joey and I can ever be somewhere together that a camera is we will get a whole big family picture.
I read these blogs that are amazingly crafty and think poor Joey. I don't do anything but the regular mundain stuff. But at least they are done mostly. I don't love grading dirt or pulling huge weeds in the fall. I will do it in the spring. Until then, and maybe then we will get grass next year in the back yard. I told Joey we should have hired the Latin man who wanted to put in our backyard for $400. Joey said it would be taking advantage and I said he quoted us from off the street. I think I will save my money and hire it out to someone who can grade then I will lay the seed.
Well here to rambling and I need to go.

Bangs

I got bangs. Enough said.

Except I think my eyes are better looking now. How vain am I.

I am also trying to figure out the android world.

Best of all Joe was given full clearance to go back to school.

Sodium

Last Thursday Joe went back to the hospital in the ambulance. His sodium level dropped about 10 points below the 10 point range it is suppose to hang out in. Causing lethargy and focal seizures. Super scary for us. He was seizing on his bed as we were calling 911 and then threw up blood. OMGOODNESS!!! We were freaking out. NOT again kept going through our heads. Please don't die.
Joe ended up staying at the hospital until Saturday morning.
He is now home and better by a long shot than when we brought him home the last time.
Just a little upkeep on the blog.
Good day or night whenever you are reading this.

Joe came HOME

Joe came home on Sunday afternoon. He had a good day. Monday had a good day. Tuesday had a worse day. Today is having a sleepy day. I guess we wore him out. Over stimulated if you will. I have to take him to the pediatrician to see what he thinks Joe has 3 symptoms that are alarming only problem is that Sophie and Gus both had that virus that was going around. Sophie had the throwing up part and Gus had well you know the other part. Yuck, poor babies.
I am feeling like a mom who just brought home a new baby and is having to readjust. My family and ward have been super supportive and helpful. I just don't know when someone asks what they can do what to tell them. This is why I never ask I give suggestions when I try to help someone. It makes it easier for the person on the receiving end and then you don't get asked to do something that you have zero skills in.

Our check list for the day!!!

Today our goals have been to
1: wake up
2: use less narcotics for pain
3: take a bath
4: go for a walk
5: take a well you know

We have accomplished ALL OF THEM!!!

Joe's goal 1 and 2 go hand in hand. We can now piggy back motrin and acetometaphen, so much easier to stay off of the narcotics that way. We have yet another great tech who told us that Joe will be taking a bath. At home we bathe daily but in the hospital it is so hard to get a bath for the patient. Our tech said that he thinks kids do better when they are clean kids. I agree now because Joe is loving life now that he is bathed. After the bath we went for a long walk. Joe and I decided that when the goats are gone we are going to grow a healing garden, not only are they beautiful they are therapuetic. So donations can be made anytime. Just kidding we don't want them I am just trying to be funny. So far this has been a beautiful day.
Factual thing. We were told that Joe's skull fracture was only small, WHATEVER, the nuerosurgeon showed me the scans and the fracture goes from just under his right ear to his hole scar from the brain tumor removal and through it about another inch or two just above the left ear. NO wonder the poor kid is bruised on both sides of his neck.
I feel blessed and feel that I know why this had to happen. Or at least on of the reasons.

Eugene Event

Joe got a new name as he entered the Emergency Department on Wednesday. CMoonEugene. When a person is brought to the ED without identification they give them a object and place combined name. I loved that Joe was Eugene. We have had an awesome tech named Awesome and he said he was working at IMC and a gang fight group of victims came in and they all got flowery names to try to lighten the situation. I was laughing just try to fill in the blanks if you don't understand what I am saying.
Update.
Joe is doing better today. He woke up around 10 and has been awake and asleep mostly asleep since then. We are going to try to ween him from the oxygen and start to feed him. I am sure he is loosing weight but his face is still puffy from swelling. He is a fighter. The doctors and nurses have been very accomadating especially considering I am one annoying interfereing parent. If I don't agree I push and issue, I am to prideful to think that maybe they are right and I am wrong. I am trying to learn to budge. I know things that haven't work in the past and I am just not willing to try them again, especially those things that have had scareyness related before.
I would like to express thanks for those who have helped and offered help to us through this ordeal this week. I know it is nothing compared to what others are going through, but people have stepped up to help. Once again I am reminded of how I need to do better. I am hoping it is a short road to recovery but Only God knows and I will need to have faith that like I always say there is something to be learned and something that will enrich our lives out of every adventure in life.
Good thing I started posting again so I had somewhere to let the feelings fly.
Thanks for coming to visit Joe we really feel so supported by you all.
Love, Us the Di Regolo family

Joe Update from Aunt Nannie...

This is all second hand and I am not good with medical stuff but I thought all of you would want the latest update on what I know.

So Mom just talked with Chel for a few minutes when she called to talk with the other kids and we got a real update. I guess he isn't doing great but the hospital says some of this is to be expected with any head trauma. He hasn't woken up yet from all of this and the Drs say it could take a week or so for him to. He is puffy especially in his face and it is basically blue. He hasn't been able to keep any food down even though it goes through his feeding tube. And his oxygen level is in the 70s which isn't good. Please continue to keep their family in your prayers. Thanks!!!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Chel and Joey, I hope you don't mind that I put this up....if you do just delete and I won't post on your blog. Love you!!!!

Joe Man vs. Home Depot

Yesterday Joe had an accident at Home Depot. The cart and him fell over together. I am afraid that the concrete won. Joe now has multiple skull fractures and some brain bleeding and a couple narly purple bruises. I am trying to write this with some humor although I am shaking all over. I feel like we are having de ja vu from three years ago when Joe got the cancer. I keep thinking how was I so positive and well PTSD. I think I don't remember the first couple of weeks after we found out about the cancer. I do remember the sick feeling now that we are just a room over in the PICU and as I watch his face get puffier and puffier. He is in a lot of pain and has goose eggs all over the right side of his head. Let's be real I am nervous. He is still not woken up all the way, partly I am hoping is because of the morphine we are having them give him so he isn't feeling a lot of pain. He has to have another ct scan to check the bleeding. One positive because that is where positivity starts is that I have never been in and out of AF hospital's ER so fast I think it was maybe and hour, hour and a half tops.
Please pray for him. Love, Joey and Michelle

Biking

Sophie got a new bike for her belated birthday from Papa Joe. Unfortunately I don't have a picture yet. Although we toke video when we brought her home to the bike after her last day of preschool. She was so excited. And since she now LOVES to bicycle we have gone everyday except for maybe one because of weather. Last Friday Gus decided that since Sophie could ride a bike he conned her into teaching him on her old bike that happens to be a boy bike. He is so stinking cute on the bike. His little bum goes back and forth with each pedal. So in the last week he has potty trained, learned to ride a bike and finally is sleeping through the night.














Now for some catch up. We went to Yellowstone the last full week of May. It was fun but we ended up coming home 2 days early because we saw everything and well Gus and I kept throwing up. I held it down and he chose to spew. The potty training got started up in Yellowstone and I broke Gus of Soy milk. Part of the spewing was from the soy milk. Every time we gave him some he threw up. I now want to sell soy pediatric drink because I have so much and my kids have soy issues. With no soy or dairy being drunk by Gus he is becoming a much better behaved child. He is still two but not so terrible and the sleeping through the night has been nice. He is now a rice milk drinker for those wondering. Speaking of alternative milk sources I have tried a few and if you have input let me know. We have thus far tried: coconut, almond, rice, lactose free, soy (of course.)




More catch up. Harriet and Stella the goats are now in a new home. Hip, hip, hooray! I am so thrilled. The other three should be gone with in a month or so. I am so excited. I am trying to simplify my life. I would love to be able to go on vacation and not worry about the animals at home and have to always find someone to take care of the animals.
Enough of random thoughts and ramblings, I should get back into a good writing groove again soon.

Pregnant

Just kidding! I am seeing if anyone ever looks at my blog anymore since I have become one of those blogger's whose blog could put a person to sleep. I was at Target yesterday and noticed that, that particular store is full of pregnant women around lunch time. I would suggest not going into the hormone zone at that time.
Good news is that we started potty training Gus this week. Although I was against using pull ups when I potty trained Sophie, Gus has gone only a handful of nights waking up dry and then the other times he pees so much at night that I do laundry more than a laundromat. I should take a picture of my laundry day pile that I am saving for tonight after the kids go to bed so that Gus doesn't use the piles as castles to tumble over.