Life is calm and the waters are still

The waters are still. It's a good feeling when you aren't in the midst of a storm. We started our son on Haloperidol Decanoate Injections on Feb. 8th. Three days after the injection, he started having muscle spasms that made normal activities difficult. His answer was to remain completely still and ended up sleeping for almost 3 days. The doctor recommended benodryl and said the spasms were the result of the injection being administered into muscle not a reaction to the medication. We will see what happens after the next injection (next month).

He has returned to school for half days and we hope to increase the time at school in the next week. Life is calm. He is functioning well at home, school and church. I like to see my babies okay.

Lemon Pasta

6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
pasta
Boil pasta and vegetables together. In small bowl mix olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper. When pasta and vegetables are ready, drain and coat in oil mixture, stirring well. Serve.

Pass the beans

I've got a good recipe called Calico beans (bbq beans and hamburger meat casserole) that was passed to me by Frances Allesandro in Atwater, California years ago. Since then, we've made some fun varieties of chili with beans-no meat. Most recently I found a great recipe for crock pot roast and beans. Here are the vegan chili and crock pot roast and bean recipes, both of which I modified from other recipes I have seen.

Vegan Chili

1-19 ounce can tomato
2 T ground chili powder
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups cooked beans
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce

Simmer for 1 hour.

Crock pot roast and beans

1 can northern white beans
3 lb roast dredged in flour
1 can roasted tomato
1 can tomato paste
1 cup water
1 pkg. Lipton onio soup mix

Add to crock pot covering roast with liquids. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Bible Verses

Bible Verses

More Smoothie Ideas

Jacob has had this peanut butter smoothie several times.

8 oz. soymilk

1 banana

1/2 cup fruit

1/2 T. flax seed

2 T. peanut butter

Place all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

He prefers the berry smoothie:

8 oz. juice (cranapple, grape, etc..)

1 banana

1/2 cup frozen fruit (mango, pineapple,....)

1/2 cup kale

grated carrot

2 T. tofu

Blend in blender until smooth.

Let us continue on...

As we travel through life, there are hurdles. I was listening to KLOVE this week and I will paraphrase what I think I heard. It is through the trials of life that proves our strength in God. If we were never touched by Satan then it would appear Satan doesn't see us as a threat. Satan certainly tempted Jesus. If we are tempted, it is just another way we are following the footsteps of Christ.

It is our job to overcome Satan, follow God and become stronger through the process. We are dealing with psychosis in the family and it isn't easy. The disease is frightening when you see it turn your child into someone else.

Through the "episodes" we are seeing Satan at his best, but I can visualize God holding us. My husband and I are standing strong against Satan. Satan hits us where we are most emotional and my children and my marriage are the closest relationships to my heart. As we go through the disease, try to find treatment, and all the trial and error...it is easy to want to not pursue God faithfully.

Let us continue on in Christ.