The Longest Gallbladder

My wednesday was like any other day, the kids went to school, came home, relaxed, cooked dinner. Mmm Sausage and peppers!

Nearly the death of me!

After dinner we settled down and were getting the kids ready for bed, baths - jammies - American Idol.
As I layed in bed I noticed some fierce heartburn starting to come over me, so I got up and grabbed my Zantac and popped one in the chute.  Waiting for relief the pain got worse and worse. I waited a half hour and took another. Worse and worse, eventually I found myself in the bathroom curled up in excruciating pain! I could find one position to relive it. I sat, I stood, I bent over, I curled up. It was horrible. After realizing something may be wrong I started calling my mom. Finally after what seemed hours ( it was only 20 minutes) She called me back... COME GET ME!  She rushed me over to the E.R.

We think its your gallbladder...
No way I say, I think its bad heartburn...
We are pretty sure its your gallbladder we have to transfer you to a hospital.
Seriously??

Off I went to the hospital in my fancy ambulance.

The next morning I went for some sort of gallbladder scan. Where I layed on a metal board with a xray machine one inch from my chest for TWO HOURS! My back was killing me! They injected dye into my IV and I sat there and watched it move through my liver and into my gallbladder where it then should have moved to my intestines... and nothing. It stopped. I was broken!

The Death Chamber

So after they were 100% convinced it was indeed my gallbladder they scheduled me for surgery. Removed it and I sat in the hospital trying to recuperate until Saturday. And I say try, because I had two roommates from H E double hockey sticks! They were both old and both didn't know how to use their nurse call button so they screamed constantly. UGH!
My doctor came in to let me know the surgery went well and told me I had the biggest gallbladder he had ever seen in all his years working as a surgeon. Appalled I asked what that meant and he said nothing, its like as if I complimented that you had a large big toe. I laughed. Alrighty then. Good bye abnormally large gallbladder....

Dinner is served... Before surgery

Dessert After Surgery... Peanut Butter Pie!

I am home now thank goodness, but am still in a lot of pain. I feel like I have nine lives... These crazy things keep happening to me and I keep surviving. I dont know what I have left to accomplish here on earth but am so thankful for the chance!

That was my weekend, how was yours??

Chicken Teriyaki - Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Broccoli Cauliflower Frozen Mix
1 Onion
A Bell Pepper ( I used Red)
1 tbs Garlic
5 tbs of Sweet Baby Rays Teriyaki Marinade
2 tsp Olive Oil
3 tbs Soy Sauce
3 or 4 Sprigs of fresh parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

In a skillet, saute chicken, onion and pepper until cooked...
Add garlic, soy, parsley and marinade...
Simmer for about 15 minutes.

Serve over white rice...

Orzo Pasta Mushroom Meal - Semi Home Made Recipe

Orzo Pasta Mushroom Meal

Ingredients

1 Box of Velveeta Cheesy Skillets - Chicken and Broccoli Flavor
( For this you will need Chicken Breast or as I did it, Ground Chicken and 1 1/2 Cups of Water)
1 Cup of Baby Portabella Sliced Mushrooms

Directions

1. Make Package according to directions:
2. Cook Ground Chicken all the way through then toss in Mushrooms
3. Add water, pasta and seasoning packet.
4. Add Broccoli Packet. Simmer until water is gone.
5. Stir in Velveeta Pack.

Thats it... A Semi Home Made Meal in 20 minutes!!

Gap Casting Call

I recently entered my beauties into a GAP casting call - they were approved! Now we have to wait until the end of April to see if they are finalists! In May you will be able to vote and in June we will see if we are winners! What an amazing opportunity for my kids!

Here are their links so you can check out their pictures!

Skylar's can be seen HERE

Dakota's can be seen HERE

Eli's can be seen HERE

Publix 4/9/12

Shopping Trip at Publix -

SPENT - $46.44  SAVED - $65.05

Here is what I bought!

1 Package of Kraft Colby Sliced Cheese
1 Package of Kraft Swiss Sliced Cheese
1 Package of Kraft Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese
1 Package of Kraft Mexican Shredded Cheese
1 Package of Kraft Fresh Takes Fresh Rosemary
2 Package of Kraft Fresh Takes Cheddar Jack
1 Package of Kraft Fresh Takes 4 Cheese
1 Bag Spring Mix Salad Fresh Express
1 Bag American Mix Salad Fresh Express
2 Boxes Kraft Strawberry MilkBites
2 Boxes Kraft Chocolate MilkBites
1 Bag of Maxwell House Coffee - Not on sale no coupon! GASP!!!
1 Box of Jenny - O Turkey Burgers
1 Package of Perdue Ground Chicken - Not on sale, no coupon! GASP!!!
1 box of Ritz Variety Pack Snacks
1 Box of Kids Cookie Munch Variety Pack Snacks
2 Packages of Chicken Leg Quarters
1 Bag of Space Goldfish
1 Bag of Smores Goldfish
1 Bag of Chocolate chip Goldfish
1 Bag of Vanilla Goldfish
1 Bag of Sour Cream and onion Goldfish
1 Bag of Colored Cheddar Goldfish
1 Bottle of Coffee Creamer Publix Brand - Not on sale, No coupon! GASP!!
2 Boxes of Velveeta Skillet Meals
1 Bag of Wheat Pita Bread from the Deli - Not on Sale
1 Bunch of Banana's - Not on Sale

Happy Resurrection Day!

Taking this time to tell all my readers...

Happy Resurrection Day!

ThisAbility

Melanie's Mania is proud to support ThisAbility....

Here is a little bit about them!

Company Overview

A Non-Profit Organization for ALL Special Needs parents and kids. Providing Support, Resources and Information.

Description

This Organization will provide Support, Resources and Information for new, expectant moms and families with kids of any age. We will also connect these families with other families who have similar disabilties. We will provide information on their child's medical condition, HIPP, Medicaid waivers and more. They will receive support and a listening ear from other parents that have children with disabilties. We will provide parent packets full of resources and community outreaches, etc.
Please message Tara Triggs-Sample if you would like to contribute, volunteer,be a part of our organization or connect with other parents or need support.

General Information

WHAT WE ARE SEEKING NOW:
***Parents who are willing to be connected with other parents of children with the same or similar conditions.
***Pamphlets/Fliers and Resources from Companies, Organizations, Outreach's, Church's and businesses that would be provided to these families.
***People who want to volunteer with the Organization
***Donations for Parent packets, which can be financial, Folders, items to put in packets, new baby/kid items, things for moms, etc

White Chicken Chili - Recipe

White Chicken Chili - 

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 (15 ounce) can white kidney or cannelini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (11 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ( In place of the water and bouillon you may use chicken stock which is what I did...)

( I also used up left over chicken from my Roasted Lemon Chicken)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, saute chicken, onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender.
2. Transfer to a slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients. 
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until chicken juices run clear and flavors are blended.

Roasted Lemon Chicken - Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste
• 1/2 cup margarine, divided
• 1 stalk celery, leaves removed
• 1 Lemon Sliced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place chicken in a roasting pan, and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Sprinkle inside and out with onion powder. Place 3 tablespoons margarine in the chicken cavity. Arrange dollops of the remaining margarine around the chicken's exterior. Place lemon slices inside chicken. Cut the celery into 3 or 4 pieces, and place in the chicken cavity. 
3. Bake uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, to a minimum internal temperature of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove from heat, and baste with melted margarine and drippings. Cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 423 | Total Fat: 32.1g | Cholesterol: 97mg

Publix Trip 4/3/2012

Great Trip at Publix today!

Spent: $37.11  Saved: $49.34

Here is what I got:

1 Bag Frozen Alexia Buttermilk Biscuits
1 Bag Frozen Alexia French Rolls
1 Bag of Red Potatoes from Produce
1 6 pack of Hersheys Easter Bunnys
1 6 pack of Almond Joy Chocolate Bars Easter themed
2 Bags of Perdue Chicken, one grilled, one breaded
2 Oscar Meyer Lunchables with Fruit
1 Gallon Publix Milk
2 Idaho Scalloped Potatoes Boxed
2 Jars of Planters Peanut Butter
2 Bags of Idaho Instant Mashed potatoes ( these are my faves, just add water)
3 cans of Dole Pineapple
2 Large Boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios

I love saving as much as I spend, but I love it even more when I save more then I spend! This was one of those weeks! Yay!

2 Large boxes of Reeses Peanut Butter Puffs Cereal