Trip to the ER

I was at Walmart this afternoon. Just me, Shane and Cody. I just started shopping. So excited to get a lot of groceries. Lord knows we need them. I couldn't wait to buy all the healthy foods we had been use to eating.
Shane has a Superman shirt and has to wear it just about everyday. I am always washing it. He likes to wear it under a button up dress shirt and a tie, so he can open the middle button of his shirt and show everyone he is Superman.
We were looking at the Superman shirts to get him a new one, when I had THE WORST PAIN of my life in my stomach. So so sever I could barley walk. It was so sudden. I managed to get us to the bathroom, where I sat in total agony crying trying not to faint. I am not exaggerating here. My only clear thought was call an ambulance. I called Davey, he said he would be right there. Remember Walmart is about 35-40 minuets from our home. I called Mrs. Grubbs, the couple who hired us here. Her and her husband came straight there. I managed to get to my van when I had a slight relief of pain after about 15 minuets in the bathroom stall.
Mrs. Grubbs took the boys for me and Bro. Grubbs waited with me for Davey to come.
I didn't know if this was something to do with the baby, my Gallbladder or what. I knew that the pain wasn't in my uterus, but because the pain was so severe I started to get cramping in my uterus. I hadn't eaten anything fatty or greasy to give me a Gallbladder attack, so what was it?? Davey got there, then we followed Bro. Grubbs to the ER.
I got in right away. There was no one there.... never been to an ER like that. I was seen right away and the doctor ordered blood work and an ultra sound to see if the baby was okay.
We waited for hours for the ultra sound. The pain had gotten a little better and I rested while we waited. I mentioned my "history" (in quotes because I was never officially diagnosed with Gallstones) with Gallbladder attacks but she didn't want to focus on anything until we knew how the baby was.
Finally we had the ultra sound. The nurse told me she couldn't tell me anything, we would have to wait till the doc told us if the baby was okay. She could tell I was worried. She said my symptoms seemed like Gallstones but she wasn't allowed to check because it wasn't ordered.
I said to her, "Can you please tell us if there is a heartbeat??" She said, "Let me see what I see first okay?" Which I knew meant, she wouldn't say anything if there was no heartbeat, but she would tell us the good news if there was.
Fifteen minuets go by and she doesn't tell us anything. She doesn't point to the baby or it's heartbeat, nothing. I was getting tears in my eyes, I was worried. So was Davey. Then she turned on the sound and...........let us hear the Baby's strong heart beat. Thank you Jesus!
Then she said, "Hang on a second, I want to see something" as she moves the knob to my Gallbladder. She shows another nurse the screen then says, "You know how you said you think it's your Gallbladder? Well you should get it checked. That's all I can say."
Thankfully she told my doctor what she saw and they confirmed I have several Gallstones. Pregnancy hormones can worsen them. The doc informed me there is nothing they can do for me while pregnant. There is nothing I can take for the pain except Tylenol. I am now on a strict diet of no butter, oil, grease, spices, whole milk, fast food...no fatty foods. It is EXTREMELY important that I stick to it...if I have another really bad attack and it ruptures or becomes inflamed I would need emergency surgery. My blood tests came back negative for obstructions or inflammation...Thank God.
I was able to leave the ER after being there for about 6.5 hours. We were starving so we went to Subway and I got a veggie delight... on oat bread, with just mustard. It was actually good!!
I'm worried though. When we travel with the ranch boys we eat out.. and yes I know I can get a salad, but you just never know what they use to cook the food.
It's actually a blessing in disquise. Maybe this is God's way of helping me not to gain too much weight this pregnancy. It's just one more reason to get back on the healthy food train.
Would appreciate prayers for a healthy pregnancy.

By the way, when it rains it pours. Last night Davey knocked at the back door. I went, opened it, and when I did in ran a HUGE wolf Spider. As big as a golf ball. They are all over here right now. They look like Tarantulas, but less hairy. Davey screamed, then I saw it and screamed, slammed the door shut, grabbed Shane by the shirt, locked us in my room, and realized this huge spider is in my kitchen and Davey is outside. Well he was the hero, he came in and killed it. It had eggs all over it. OH my yuck. I still get the chills when I think of it. He killed two more outside our house too. Some may think that isn't a big deal, and some may call me a city girl for being scared of a humongoud spider, but whatever. I don't even want little ones in my house okay? Okay.

Satan may be trying to discourage us, and the Lord may be allowing trials to see how faithful we will be, but WE WON'T QUIT. This is God's will and we are staying put. Now please don't let a snake be in our house or yard okay Lord? Thank you.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Planning

Sorry pics are so small! Our new home, the Ranch boys singing, then Davey & the boys on the quad:)

God is good. I HAVE INTERNET IN MY HOME!! Yeehaw, whoo hoo!! Davey went to Verizon today and got this device that I can put anywhere and I get WiFi. So happy. After this I am catching up on Biggest Loser. Haven't watched in weeks.

Okay, so I am still homesick and will be for a while. But. I think it will help to get organized and plan how I am going to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the business of the ministry. Here is my plan....
1. Meal planning for easy healthy meals.
2. 2 days a week go to the running/walking path in town to run/walk.
3. 1-2 times a week do my yoga video and Turbo Jam or Biggest Loser video
4. Get back onto a regular schedule.
5. Eat more fruits and veggies. Really need to work on the veggies part lately.
6. Try my hardest to resist donuts.

I am praying for a treadmill. A nice one. ;-) I'm sure you all are wondering why I don't just run around the ranch?? Well, a few reasons. Besides snakes, bugs, and humidity, and allergies, other safety issues with not being alone. Once I become a bit more country I will most likely be on the trails here, but for now this city girl is scared. Or like they say here "Scured".

I am already blossoming into a country women. A few nights ago Davey was out of town with the ranch boys and our dog Bell was crying like she was in pain. I was scared to go check in case she was bit by a snake & it was still around. Finally I mustered up enough courage to go and check on her. I got the shovel from the garage prepared to kill the snake.... and in the pitch black walked slowly to where Bell was tied up. She was hurt, I could tell. It was dark so I couldn't really see..... once I got close enough I saw she was tangled in her cord, it was so tight around her leg she was hurting. I un-tangled her and ran back inside. My husband was so proud.

Today for lunch I made a huge meal of Speghetti and garlic bread, with peas, and mint brownies. It was a big hit. One boy said it was the best meal he'd had since being at the ranch! I hope I can get ground turkey and whole wheat pasta next grocery trip. I had the tinest portion. This morning sickness doesn't let me eat just anything. When I wake up I eat a bagel right away, easy on the tummy, if I wait to long I might throw up. Then white rice, or soup, and maybe a little of what I make the ranch but not much else. I do already crave sweets... of course. And I really like fruit right now. So weird, I can't even smell coffee with out getting sick. This is coming from an avid coffee drinker.

Tuesday for lunch I made Tuna melts, and chips with an apple crisp dessert. Dessert isn't a usual, but there are 6 big construction men that are doing work for free on the ranch that eat lunch too. For dinner that night I made Chicken Fajitas. Most of the boys didn't know what to do when they saw the tortillas and all the goods to put inside. I'm excited to bring new "West Coast" dishes to their plates. Our pastor is taking all the Ranch guys out to dinner since they are working on the church right now so tonight I have the night off. Yippee!

God has been comforting me. He reminded me why we are here, and it's to serve HIM. When I am cooking for all these people, I am cooking for HIM. When I return phone calls, it's for HIM. That makes me happy. He also reminded me that this earth is not my home. I'm just passing through! One day I will be with HIM and never be homesick again.

So excited to watch my show now on Hulu I could pee.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me. I appreciate it all so much!! and Kimberlynn, def have to get together!! My husband spoke with our new pastor today and he suggested hiring a secretary, maybe one of the ranch boys that is doing really well. So we'll see what the Lord has. I wouldn't mind doing it, especially from the house, but with this morning sickness it's been stressful.

I'm still feeling homesick quite a bit. Just missing California a lot. But I know this is where God wants us. Last night Davey, the boys and the ranch boys had a blast swimming in the lake on the ranch and jumping off the rope swing. Not Shane and Cody, they are too young... lol.

This lake does have Water Moccasins in it, which is a poisonous snake. But I guess they don't want any part of people so they scurry off. I wish you could have seen Davey and all the guys and my boys and our two dogs swimming. It was so cute. Our puppy Bell would literally jump off the side and fly into the water. It was so cute.

One of the ranch boys that has been on restriction ran away last night while we were all at the water. The sheriff picked him up after about 6 hours of everyone looking for him. Sad. He won't be back at the ranch this time because this is his second time running away. My husband has been really sad about it.

Still no internet at the house. I am at McDonalds again. Hopefully this week we will have the internet and phones that get service!! Love you all, thank you for reading.

I REALLY WANT TO GO ON A RUN. REALLY REALLY.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

CAN I DO IT???

A lot on my mind right now. Staying healthy for my baby is a high priority. But I'm stressing. I'm getting morning sickness A LOT. I also have a lot of new responsibilities at the ranch. Secretarial work, cooking, the ranch boys, ect. Not to mention my house is still in boxes.
I am H O M E S I C K. A Disney movie started playing at my house this afternoon and I started crying because I miss Disneyland. Serious. I am a emotional wreck. I have not exercised at all in like 3 weeks. Everything is off in my usual daily life. My routine, my diet, my exercise. My home, internet, phone, stores, everything.

I'm not trying to complain. I really like Tennessee. It's so beautiful. The town here is soooo cute. I really love the ranch boys. Some of them are hard, some are sweet as pie. My husband gets called late at night to deal with rebellion in a certain boy. It's a heart wrentching ministry because you just weep for them and you want them to do right, but only they can choose that. Some of them have parents at home that cry and pray for them to change, and others haven't spoken with their bio-logical parents in years. When you know what some of them have been through in their lives, or what some of them have done that resulted in them being here, it's truly emotional. God has given us a love for them all.

I am just wondering to myself, can I do all this??? Can I have a healthy pregnancy and not gain all the weight when I just uprooted out of my normal, stable life into the un know?? Can I cook for 20+ people every other day and still make healthy yummy food so I and my family and baby and all the ranch boys are healthy? Can I handle all the responsibility??

I made my first two ranch meals last week. I cooked Chicken and Dumplings for 30 people, and baked 6.5 dozen brownies. Everyone loved it=) The next night I made 12 pizza's (frozen) a huge salad and peach cobbler. Obviously the easy foods to make for a lot of people are pre-packaged. I really need to search my cookbooks for healthy easy recipes. If you have one please share!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

New goal... & we made it:-)

Praise the Lord we made it safe to our new home in Tennessee!! We arrived last Wednesday. The rest of our trip was great. We had a blast. We were able to spend some time w my Sis & her family. The boys really loved it. As soon as we got to our new home, all the ranch boys were waiting for us so they could unload our truck.

We've been so busy as you can imagine!! Painting & unpacking & I'm enjoying decorating. We have already begun to work in the ministry here, it's so amazing & we are honored to be here. The boys stories if where they came from are all so heart wrenching.

I have some amazing news...... For the next 9 months i wont be trying to lose weight, & half ironman & marathon will have to wait until 2012. Im instead going to be striving to be the healthiest oven for my little bun. Cause I'm PREGNANT!!!!!!

I am beyond happy. God is soooo good. Gods timing is amazing. A new house, ministry, & baby!!! I'll be 6 weeks tomorrow & I'm due Dec 8. Please pray for a healthy pregnancy. I've been a little worried since I had a miscarriage last time, but I trust the Lord!! And... I think it's a girl;)

Fingers crossed for P I N K ;-)

But really I would not be dissatisfied having another boy!! I love boys. And now I have 14 teenage boys added to our family as well!!

I'm motivated to be healthy for my little baby. And I know how to NOT gain all the weight back. I'm happy I've maintained and not gained at all this last month!!

Did I mention how stressful it is not having service on my phone and no internet at the house yet. :( I'll update as soon as I do & with pics of the house!! Miss you all & can't wait to catch up on your blogs.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wow. It's been so long!! I am going a little crazy because it's really difficult to get Internet up at our house in the country. I'm at McDonalds now typing this while the boys play in the playhouse. I thought my wifi would work but it doesn't so I'm on my phone so bare w me:)

The Real Cross Country

So, sorry about the last post. I tried to write from my phone and it didn't work. OOPS!!

Well what can I say, except... life has been crazy!! Morgan Hill for a week, then home to pack the moving truck (which ended up taking us 1.5 days longer than we expected). We left Lancaster the 31st, and tonight we are Amarillo, Texas.

The first night of our trip we only made it about 300 miles. We stayed in Arizona. Then, we drove 11 hours yesterday all the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. That was a loooonnnngggg day. It was especially hard on Cody. He was fussy the last 3 hours. So we decided to take it easy today, only did 300 again. We took our time this morning and went to Old Town Albuquerque. It was really neat!!

Tonight we ate at Big Texan Steak House. It was featured on Man vs. Food. It was good! Let me tell you. My eyes are W A Y to big for my stomach. I had a side salad, then couldn't eat hardly any of my Catfish. I'm not complaining. I am thankful for that. I am so glad to know that even though I haven't been tracking my calories, my palate remains the same. I crave fruit and salad, and whole grains. Unfortunatley it's not always accessable (hotel breakfasts....). I am also very happy that I haven't had much candy or chocolate in the car. That's big for me. After I got 12....yes 12 cavities filled in Morgan Hill (fyi, never had 1 cavity before this), I don't want to hurt my teeth.

We specifically got a hotel tonight with a gym so I can run.... but right now I can't work up any energy to go. Why does driving all day make you tired?? I am sitting all day. I hate the way my body feels. Stiff, sore, tired, and like I'm not giving it proper fuel. I SO look forward to getting to our new home, but I know we won't be settled in for a while.

This truly is an adventure of a lifetime for us. I am thankful for this opportunity. We always get a mug when ever we visit somewhere. We've gotten one from Arizona, New Mexico, and tomorrow before we leave we will get one from Texas. I am such a nerd.

We are driving straight through Oklahoma tomorrow (and I am so excited to see it). Staying in Arkansas tomorrow night, then making a slight detour the next day to Vicksburg, Mississippi to see the river and old town, then to my sisters in Phenix, Alabama, then finally to Calhoun, Tennessee.

I really look forward to settling down and unpacking. Painting, decorating, and getting to know the boys at the Ranch. I've been listening to podcasts and reading about having your own milk producing animal to be able to have raw milk, and how to get chickens, and I can't wait to garden and get some fruit trees. Life is going to be so different on a ranch, but it's gonna be soooooo good. Because GOD IS SO GOOD!!

Thank you all for baring with me during these last few weeks. :)

P.S. I weighed myself before we moved and I was the SAME, and that, I am taking as a success.

Love, The Curvy Housewife