Hearty Sweet Potato & French Lentil Stew

The new year is almost here!  And what a new year it will be!  I've had many people praying for me, and my family.  We thank you all for those prayers.  I've been home now for 3 days.  Doing okay with the not smoking.  But, considering I've smoked for YEARS, I think I am doing pretty good.  James went to the store and got me some of those patches that help you stop smoking.  Dr. Ali says that it is safe for me to use.  So, we are going to try that and see what happens. 

This morning, as I was taking all my medications, I looked down at all the pills in my hand and I laughed.  I had an Aunt..Aunt Loni who use to carry a small over night bag with her at all times.  It was full of prescription medications.  I laughed.  James asked what I was laughing at and so I told him.  Then, added, "I sure hope I don't end up like my Aunt Loni."  

But then I got to thinking about her.  She lived a very long life, a very happy life.  So, maybe ending up like her might not be so bad after all. 

In my search for healthy menus, I came across this recipe at Better Recipes.  I had everything in the house except the veggie stock.  Short trip to the store and yesterday, I had this in my crock pot cooking.  

I will have to add this:  This is a wonderful, filling soup/stew.  However, I will make a few changes when I make this again.  This is VERY SPICY.  Not hot-spicy, but just spicy.  It had a wonderful flavor and texture to it.  I cut the Cayenne Pepper to 1/4 teaspoon and it was still a bit spicy.  

So next time, I think I'll cut the Cumin and black pepper to 1/2 a tablespoon and see how that works.  Other than the 'too spicy' part, this was fantastic!  I added an uncooked potato to it after it had cooked to see if that would take out some of the spicy-ness of the recipe, and it did a little bit.  If you like things really spicy, don't change anything.  If not, play around with it until you have it just right.

There are a lot of great heart healthy recipes on Better Recipes...so give them a look see and try their recipes for better health.

The Page Family

A Wake Up Call

This is a hard post for me to write.  This is not a funny story.  It is a very serious story.  A story that happened to me over the Christmas holidays.  This story is a hard-core, open book, all honesty, no holds barred story.  A LOT of people will not like to read it.   However, I feel that I must share it.

 

We had our baby!  A most joyous time no doubt.  Both daughter and grandbaby are doing wonderful!  Sunday night, the night before Christmas Eve, James and I were sitting in our living room, watching TV.  I’d been rather tired all day, more so than normal.  But, just figured it was due to all the last minute shopping we had done over the weekend.  I was looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with my family.  

I began to cough rather hard Sunday night, around midnight.  Then, my chest began to hurt.  I figured I had smoked way too much that day, or I was coming down with some kind of respiratory infection.  I also became very tired.  So, I decided I should go to bed, since we had a busy day ahead of us.

 

I go into my bed, and lay down and my chest began to hurt worse.  The longer I lay there, the worse the pain became.  I got up, and sat on the side of the bed.  James was asking me all sort of questions, he wanted to take me to the ER.  I refused.  That night was a hit and miss on sleeping.  The pain would let up when I sat up; become worse when I lay down. 

 

The next day, I got up, got ready and went to my dad’s for Christmas Eve with the family.  Inside, I knew something was not quite right, but it was Christmas!  I left my dad’s around 2 pm.  Came home, and began to get stuff ready for Christmas Day.   The pain continued to worsen.  Around 6 pm, it was more than I could bear.  I called James at work, and told him to come home.  Twenty minutes later, we were at the ER. 

The nurse asked what I was there for and I said, “I’m having some really bad chest pains.”  They immediately took me back and began to run tests.  To my surprise, I was having a heart attack!  Not HAD one, but was having one!  The Cardiologist came in and talked to me and James, then took me to the Cath Lab.  I had one artery 100% blocked, one 70% blocked and one at 50% blocked.  The doctor inserted a stint in the artery that was 100% blocked, and I was then taken to ICU.

Talk about a wakeup call!  I saw my future fade right before my eyes.  Some people will say they saw their past flash before them.  I saw my future fade!  When you are in ICU alone, you have a lot of time to think.  

One question I have been asked repeatedly is “Why didn’t you go in when your chest first began to hurt?”  I can say all kinds of things like “I thought it was gas.” Or “I thought it was heart burn.”  The truth is, it was Christmas and I didn’t want to be accused of ruining anyone’s Christmas.  Or “looking for attention.” Or “just making it up.”  Things certain people in my family would have said.   I tried so very hard not to be grumpy while at my dad’s for Christmas Eve.  I really did.  However, at times, the pain was just almost unbearable.  

Some members of my family will read this and think, “Well, who said that?”  They forget James has excellent hearing….even in a whisper, he hears.  Nevertheless, it’s okay.  I said in the beginning of this post, that it was an honest post. Sometimes, the truth hurts.  Not nearly as much as a heart attack, but it still hurts.   I don't write these things to be hurtful to anyone.  I just know what has been said in the past.  I did not want to ruin anyone's Christmas.  IF I was rude, or inconsiderate to anyone in my family on Christmas Eve, I do apologize.  However, I think it was justified. 

Now, I am home, with a list of things I can and cannot do.  A list of things I can and cannot eat.  Is this going to be easy?  NO!  But, I must do it if I want to live!  And people are just going to have to learn to rely on other people or themselves for what they want.  For the first time in my life, I am putting myself first.  I am putting my health first.  And, if that pisses people off, too bad.  They will get over it.

My wonderful Cardiologist, Dr. Ali, has outlined my New Year’s Resolution!  Stop smoking, lose weight, get more exercise, and eat more fruits and veggies, and less red meat.  I can rely on my biggest supporter, James, to help me in achieving these goals. 

This blog is taking a turn.  The next year, I will share my new heart healthy recipes.  The struggles I face with quitting smoking, and the joy I will have when I achieve a goal.   Of course, there will be the DIY’s and remodels, and all the other great stuff (like learning to sew).  

Have a wonderful New Year, everyone!

The Page Family

Baby Lyla

I have been so busy since I last posted.   Let me update everyone.  We went in on Wednesday, no baby.  Went back Thursday, and by noon, still no baby.  About 2 pm, I got “the call” they were getting DD ready for C-section.  We got to the hospital, spent about 5 minutes with her and SIL, and they took her away.

My sister, knowing just how excited and worried, and happy, and freaked out I was, said, “Let’s go get something to eat.  I’m hungry.”  SO, off we went, and of course, the cafeteria was closed.  So, we went looking for vending machines.  Got back to the waiting area, ate a bag of chips in record time, stepped outside to say a prayer and at 4:45 pm, our little bundle of joy came into the world.

When my SIL brought Lyla to the nursery, and I actually saw her, I stood for a moment and just stared.  I couldn’t believe she was finally here.  I couldn’t believe my DD was a mommy, and I was a grandparent.  The thoughts and emotions that ran through me were enough for a lifetime.  I didn’t feel “old”, I felt young and happy and relieved.  I took a LOT of photos. 

 

I spoke with her doctor for a bit….and he said that everything went great!  I knew Lyla was okay, now my thoughts turned to my DD.  I just needed to “see” that she was OK.    I think my sister was the only one that really got that and she attempted to console me.  It didn’t work; I still needed to ‘see’ my daughter.

My DD and I have been through a lot together.  The memories of the last 20 + years came screaming into my mind.  The ‘could haves’ the ‘should haves’ and the ‘did dos’.  The thought of her being a wife and mom, how she, in typical fashion, and, like her mother at that age, thinks she knows best.  The understanding and knowing she will make mistakes, it’s how we learn, and the thought that God has blessed us flooded my heart.  I had to step outside for a few minutes alone and again, thank God for all He has given to my family.

When I finally get to hold Lyla, the emotions that ran through me…?  I think the only people who can truly relate are those who are already grandparents.  I remember my friends becoming grandparents for the first time and them explaining how it felt.  I couldn’t grasp that.  There are no words to express the feeling.  There are no songs, poems, nothing, that can explain how it feels to hold that grand baby in your arms.

James had to work, so he totally missed all the excitement, even though I had him on the phone about every 10 minutes or so.  The next day, James, DS and I went to see the baby, DD and our SIL.  James said on the way home, “That was just the BEST feeling in the world!”…and he cried, a little. 

And, it is the best feeling in the world.  Having your own children is the best, but this…oh, it is the best.  As my Aunt Jean put it, “It’s being able to give them all the love in the world…without all the responsibility.”  Maybe…I don’t know.  I just know since Thursday, I have had this stupid looking smile on my face and nothing can take it away….nothing!  

My other sister and I were talking to our dad last night and she asked him, “Dad, what are you going to do with all these little great grandbabies around here?”  Dad looked at us and said, “I’m going to rock and spoil them.”  And he laughed.   I haven’t seen my dad this happy since our Mother passed away.  He is so looking forward to seeing Lyla.   Maybe this was Mom’s way of telling us that all is “okay”.  To enjoy life.  To count our blessings.  And in all honesty, this is the first Christmas since my mom’s death that I am actually looking forward to celebrating.  

I say this every year, but this year, I truly mean it.  Thank God for all He has given to you.  It doesn’t take long to do, just say a simple, “Thank you, Jesus” is all it takes.   I’ll be back next week with some thoughts and ideas and more recipes, DIY’s, and good stuff for you to try and think about.  Until then, have a wonderful, blessed Christmas.  May all your Christmas dreams come true.

The Page Family

A Holiday Message..and Happy Birthday!

 Yes, I know I said no posting until the weekend out of respect for the victims in Connecticut.  I’ve been thinking about this and reading about this horrible event since Friday.  I feel this is the time we should share our happy times, create memories with our family. loved ones, and friends.  Yes, this was and is a horrific tragedy.  My prayers go out to all involved.

My wonderful beautiful daughter...9 months and counting.

 With that said, I will be spending time with my daughter and son in law tomorrow as I welcome my new granddaughter into our family.  I will be making memories.  This is what life is about.  With the loss of so many lives this last week, I feel it is most important to spend as much time with those we love as we can.  No job, no amount of money, should be more important than family and friends.  What a wonderful Christmas season this will be for our family and friends! 

We will welcome baby Lyla tomorrow!  Can NOT wait!

I see the world a lot differently today.  Instead of seeing the black and darkness of this world, I see the good in people.  James and I went to a local park Sunday evening to look at all the Christmas lights and we had many strangers greet us and wish us a “Merry Christmas” or a “Happy Holiday” and I began to realize the world isn’t as bad as I once thought.  There are still good people out there.  There is still love. 

Creekmore Park, Fort Smith, Arkansas

Creekmore Park, Fort Smith, Arkansas

 With the uncertainty we face on a daily basis, it is important to remember the ones we love and hold dearest to our hearts this holiday season.   It is important to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas.  When we gather on Christmas, whether you celebrate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or another day, we should say a prayer of thanks to God for His many blessings.  And, I will be holding a wonderful bundle of joy, a blessing from God…an answer to my prayers that not all is bad in this world.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

The Page Family

Until We Meet Again....

This past Friday, I spent most of the day in tears, as I am sure most Americans did.  As I sat and watch the events of Friday unfold, I was reminded of my own children, the memories we have made, and the future that lies ahead of us. 

Wednesday, our daughter will bring into this world, a precious gift from God, and  I am reminded of how sweet and precious life is.  

To all the families, staff, and entire community of Newtown, Connecticut, my deepest and sincere sympathy.  My thoughts and prayers go to each family, each officer, and each person.  May God be with you all in your time of sorrow and need.

Out of respect for the families of those who have went on to be with God, I will not be posting again until the weekend. 

Little Wing

Fly, fly little wing

Fly beyond imagining

The softest cloud, the whitest dove

Upon the wind of heaven's love

Past the planets and the stars

Leave this lonely world of ours

Escape the sorrow and the pain

and fly again.

Fly, fly precious one

Your endless journey has begun

Take your gentle happiness

Far to beautiful for this

Cross over to the other shore

There is peace forevermore

But hold this mem'ry bittersweet

Until we meet.

Fly, fly do not fear

Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear

Your heart is pure, your soul is free

Be on your way, don't wait for me

Above the universe you'll climb

On beyond the hands of time

The moon will rise, the sun will set

But I won't forget

Fly, fly little wing

Fly where only angels sing

Fly away, the time is right

Go now, find the light

Written by: Jean-Jacques Goldman and Phil Galdston

Sung by: Celine Dion

Have a blessed week.

The Page Family