Weekend Fun

Scott and I had a wonderful day. We decided early in the week to catch a movie. We wanted to catch an early movie because we are still dog sitting. We decided on Step Father, what a good movie in a creepy way. After the movie we went to Pano Vino I had spaghetti and Scott had a chicken dish that Dr. Cwikla had introduced him to. After lunch we made our way to Sports Authority to pick up a dart board for Blake's care package and then to Ross for a sheet set, a blanket and a comfortable pillow also to go in his care package. The pillow that the Army gives them was small and flat. He will find both fun and comfort in his first package from home. I was also able to order a case if the small boxes of laundry soap that you can buy in the laundry mats. Hopefully I will have enough room to pack some of those also.
He was able to access the Internet to talk with Kellie and post one picture. In the picture it is just him, sand and allot of complaints about the conditions over there. Hopefully, things will be better in Iraq.

October Happenings

Scott had ulna nerve surgery on his hand in early October. The surgery was a success - the nerve that was permanently turned on when the nerve block was done is now off. Scott also received his new AFO and it has improved his walking skills greatly. After a small break so his hand could heal Scott will resume chemo next month. Dr. Nick wants to hold the Interferon , thinking that - that is what was causing Scott's hives.

I took a quick trip to New York to see Blake and Kellie. I was there to see Blake off to Iraq. I enjoyed the 30 degree weather and it was nice to finally see where Blake has been laying his head at night. The trip was quick and we spent our time making sure he had everything he needed for deployment. We did take time to do a little sight seeing and making sure Blake ate everything he wanted to eat. As I was standing there talking to our soldiers it made me realize how they are just kids.

A big Thank You to Michelle because I ended up dumping Skylar's party in her lap. We had Skylar's party on Saturday. The kids had a really good time and seem to enjoy the simple food choices that we had made. I can't believe Skylar is 6 years old. She is growing so fast.

I heard from Blake on Sunday. He is in Kuwait and will be making the move to Iraq soon. My care package is ready to be packed and shipped out on Saturday. I have done so much research on what to send, what not to send, how big the box should be , how often to send them etc... I think I am prepared. I have decided to go with the smaller boxes and send them more often. Blake sounded tired, he said it is 130 degrees and the air is so bad you can hardly breathe. Blake also said all you can see for miles and miles is sand and old tires on the side of the road. I was surprised to find out that they have a Subway where they are.

I had an Epidural on Monday for the pain in my neck, head and arms. It gave me instant relief. I opted not to be sedated because I hate the after effects. I was able to walk out afterwards and I laid flat when I got home. I have had good results from it and have a 30 day window for 2 more injections if I need them.

Scott and I are house/dog sitting for a few days. Maybe I'll find time to get a few things done at home also.

Cake In A Jar

I was looking for a way to send baked goods to Blake and they stay fresh. I found this - how clever.

A really neat way to send a cake and it stays fresh!! They love this!!!!!!!!!

Cake in a Jar

Get wide-mouth canning jars (pint size). You can find them at Walmart, other stores, or online.

Boil the jars to sterilize.

1 (18.25 oz.) package cake mix (you can use ANY cake recipe instead of packaged)

8 jars with lids and rings

1. Make the cake according to the package instructions or recipe

2. Grease the jar. Put 1 cup of batter in each jar and keep the rims of the jar clean. (I fill mine up 1/2 way–try one first before you make all of them so you know how far to fill)

3. Place jars on cookie sheet on rack on the oven (to prevent them from tipping over). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes clean

4. While baking, boil jar lids in a pan of water ( I do rings too, but I’m anal)

5. When cake is done, take one jar out at a time and cover with hot lid. Screw on jar ring tightening it slightly.

6. The lid will seal as it cools. Listen to hear them “ping” as they seal. But if they don’t, wait until completely cool and then press on the top of the lid. If it doesn’t move at all, it’s sealed.

7. As the cake cools, it will pull away from the jar slightly. That’s ok. It just means that it will slide out of the jar easily.

8. Unsealed jars should be stored in fridge and eaten within 2 weeks. Sealed jars can also be stored in freezer; however, they should last sealed and unrefrigerated for quite a long time.

9. DO NOT FROST cake in the jar! Send frosting along.

10. Make sure you wrap the jars well (bubble wrap’s preferable, but wadded newspaper or clothing and other items will pad it too).

I’d suggest that you do a trial run of cake in a jars before you decide you’re going to send them. Try ONE jar in the oven before you fill the rest. If you don’t do this, you won’t know how far to fill them and could end up underfilling or overfilling them. If they’re slightly overfilled, mash the lid on top and screw the ring down. It’ll seal and be just fine!

Don’t forget a plastic knife (or two) for the frosting and some plastic forks.

You might want to send instructions on how to get them out–unseal, tap gently, pour out. Or the guys can eat them right out of the jar.

New York and Deployment

I flew to New York early Saturday morning to see Blake off to Iraq. The two days I was there we ran around trying to get him prepared, last minute shopping and packing. I was so surprised at all the things they have to pack to carry with them. I couldn't even lift his bag. Gas masks, helmets, bullet prove vest etc..you would think they would issue them when they got to Kuwait. They will stay in Kuwait for extra training and then to Iraq. The base gave out soldier hug me dolls. The doll is dressed as a soldiers and you place their picture in a plastic sleeve on the face. Kids were holding on to their dads crying. A unit was singing "Lean On Me" it was all very touching. After Blake left, Kellie and I went back to their place, packed Kellie's car full of her clothes, picked up Reggie (dog) and then decided to go to a hotel in Syracuse. That put us right by the airport and Kellie 2 hours closer to home. We had to sneak Reggie in through a side door at the hotel. Reggie did one bark and the front desk called our room. Of course "I lied" i was so shocked that someone would complain, it wasn't even a large bark.

Blake arrived in Kuwait at 9:00 am on Tuesday, so he arrived safe. We were assured from the commander will bring our soldiers home safe. Our soldiers will be back up for the Iraq soldiers. He said, where they are they are safe.

Human Cloning

I am picking Skylar up today from school to take pictures of her for her birthday party. I find out Thursday, if I need to fly to New York on Saturday and return on Tuesday. Skylar's birthday is Wednesday , the 14th so I need to prepare cupcakes for her class. Skylar's birthday party is the 17th and Scott's 16th year surviving cancer anniversary is on Sunday.
My brain is in freeze mode and this is diffidently not the time for it. I am wondering if I should be cloned. My clone may end up like the 3rd one in the movie " Multiplicity" : )