tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300080022024-02-20T16:25:44.214-08:00Wishing I was traveling......SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-15989030576551641622011-05-02T11:16:00.000-07:002011-05-02T11:22:35.890-07:00It has been awhile (again) since I’ve blogged. I’ve honestly thought about taking the blog down, and wondered whether this is something I still need. My original intentions were to have a place to communicate with friends and family, a place where I could journal and process my thoughts and feelings, but mostly it was to be a way for my sister and her family to stay in touch with me while they were overseas. Said sister has since moved home, and I see them on a regular basis. I know that I have family members and friends who continue to check this as a way to keep in touch with me, and as a way to understand what I am thinking about. Unfortunately, there are some side effects to having a blog that is open to the community at large. Throughout the time, there have been inappropriate comments left on the blog by complete strangers (which I have taken down as they emerge). It is also a way for people that I would rather not have contact with (for various reasons) to keep “track” of me. I realize that I could change the format so that only selected people can view the blog and it’s contents. This seems like a whole lot of work, which is why I’ve been thinking more seriously about discontinuing it all together. The other thought that pops into my head is that I know there are individuals out there who do read this and look for my updates on a regular basis. I know that this is one of the many ways that they show that they care for me. It is these people that I keep coming back to, and that convince me that this is something I “need” to continue. And so, I think I will. There may be stretches where I post many times, and then there may be times (like more recently) when you won’t hear anything from me. Such is life! ☺<br /><br />My life has changed courses several times over the past months since January. On some subjects I am willing to expound, while others I will remain “mum” over. These months have been some of the hardest of my life as I’ve pondered what my life means to me, as well as to others. I’ve felt incredible sadness, consuming anger, hurt that I didn’t think it was possible to recover from…. On the other hand, I am finding my way back to being me, and putting the pieces back together. I have felt incredible PEACE. I have JOY in my life. I know that I am LOVED. And, I know that God is guiding me through this all and will show me His plans for me.<br /><br />Eric and I have broken up, gotten back together, and then broken up (for good this time) again. I will not stoop to placing blame or badmouthing. Things did not work out and we are both hoping to move on and be better for the experience.<br /><br />One of my students struggles with knowing right from wrong. There have been several incidents throughout the school year with various adults and children that have shown how serious of a problem he has. This behavior culminated in an interaction with me, which then turned into him being charged with sexual battery. I have had lots of conflicting thoughts about this, and I’ve been so thankful for the full support of the administration I’m working with this year. <br /><br />I’ve begun my ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsement. Classes are in 8-week increments, and meet each week for several hours at a time. 8 weeks means lots of work out of class and tons of reading on your own. By spring of 2012 I will have my endorsement completed. I feel a bit crazy for having taken on this responsibility while I’m also trying to complete my Master’s Degree, but the school district offered to pay for the endorsement (or at least most of the costs related to it) and I realize that this offer will not come along again anytime soon. <br /><br />I’m at the end of my second semester of Master’s degree coursework. I’m finishing up my final project(s) for this semester, and preparing for the summer work. I have 12 credits completed towards my degree. A few weeks ago the organization that has helped pay for most of my Master’s coursework up to this point sent me a letter asking whether I had any interest in continuing to take classes during this summer. This is the first time they’ve had enough money to offer help during the summer months, and I jumped at the chance to “knock out” some additional courses over the summer. By August I’ll have finished 6 more hours towards the degree. Slowly and steadily….<br /><br />I’ve also been offered a summer position with the school district. One of the principals in the district is developing a new summer program, and I’ve been asked to help create the pilot program. I’ll be teaching Monday through Thursday mornings with 4-7th grade students for a total of 6 weeks. The principal trusts me to develop my own curriculum and activities for the students, and her only request is that it is not worksheet based learning. I’ll be taking data from achievement testing (district, state, etc…) as well as the State Standards that students need to understand and put into practice at the different grade levels and put all of that into activities for the students. I’ve already been doing quite a bit of planning in my free time, and I’m excited with what I’ve come up with so far. I’m hopeful that the kids get as excited about it as I am!<br /><br />Another of the projects I’ve recently taken on is to be a spokesperson for one of the Gluten Free companies that I love. It’s a bakery called Udi’s and is based in Denver. As an Udi’s ambassador I get to meet with groups and share about the product I love so much. So far I’ve met with a group in Hesston, and will be in Wichita next weekend presenting (and handing out samples) at Green Acres Market. There are two other gluten free groups that I’m talking with about possible opportunities, and I’m excited about how I’m able to help others. Udi’s does not pay me to be a spokesperson for them, I just know how much they are a resource to me, and I want to share that with others. <br /><br />I’ve been busy baking (gluten filled) treats for my friend’s bookshop. Each weekend I make a delivery of cupcakes, scones, and muffins. I’m thankful for the opportunity to bake treats, but I’ll also be thankful when the bookshop/coffee shop changes ownership hands, and I will no longer be baking on such a regular basis. Since the shop is in Newton, it is sometimes a logistical nightmare to make sure they have baked goods when they are needed. <br /><br />I’ve been blessed with a new niece, as well as plenty of time to enjoy her (as well as my nephew, sister and brother-in-law). As I write this, Gustav and I are enjoying the sunshine as I wait for Mormor to show up and finish out the afternoon babysitting needs. I’ll head to the doctor and then home.<br /><br />I’m praying for the final weeks of school to pass quickly. As I look at the calendar I feel overwhelmed, knowing what all needs to be packed into these days and evenings. I know it is possible, and that I will get it all accomplished, but at this point I feel stress.<br /><br />Blessings to you as you enter the weeks of May. Enjoy the moments as they come and go,<br /><br />EricaSchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-28147862008954752352011-01-21T07:24:00.000-08:002011-01-21T07:25:06.635-08:00A New YearI’ve been meaning to sit down and write for some time now. Unfortunately, life seems to get in the way, and I don’t sit down to jot things down often enough. <br /><br />Since the last time I wrote, there has been so much. Christmas has come and gone again. My Christmas tree is outside my duplex, waiting for me to take it to the back yard and take it off the base. I still have a few gifts waiting to be given, piled in the front room, but for the most part, Christmas decorations are packed away (or at least down in the basement ready to by packed away). This Christmas was a bit different in the fact that I got sick with a cold/virus the first day out, and it’s hung on until now. There were several days during break that I didn’t do much besides laying on the couch and sleeping. I had a list full of projects that I wanted to accomplish, but my body decided otherwise. <br /><br />Even though I didn’t feel very good, I’m still thankful for the time spent with others during the Christmas season. <br /><br />*I was able to meet Eric’s mom, and spend time with all of his family on the 26th. We had a great day full of good food and gift giving. I love this family, and I am thankful for their willingness to include me and make me feel welcome. <br /><br />*I was able to meet with a friend who was recently diagnosed with celiac. We did a crash course on how to be gluten free. This is not the first time I’ve done something like this, and the more times I do it, the more I really feel that this is an area that I need to make a permanent part of my life. Maybe I can expand it into a business opportunity, or it could be that it remains as my “mission” for now. Anyway, I loved our time spent together, answering questions, and just chatting. It is my hope that she came away feeling better about her new life, and that it isn’t quite as overwhelming to her. I am thankful that she is already seeing the difference in her health! <br /><br />*Eric, Heidi, Tim, Gustav and I traveled to Nebraska in Eric’s Prius over New Years. It reminded some of us of another trip we took all packed into a car with little space left for us. Even though we were tightly packed in the car, it was a great experience. The entire time I was thinking about how special a relationship I have with my sister, my brother-in-law and their family. I love them dearly, and I was near tears many times when I looked around and saw how much love there is between us all. I could also have been a TAD sad, because since Heidi is pregnant, this will be the first and last trip with us squooshed into the Prius. I guess we’ll have to figure out another mode of transport for us to squeeze into. Our time on the farm was filled with more love and laughter. I am blessed to have so many places I am able to come “home” to. The moment we round the corner and the farm is in sight, a part of me is completely at peace. I love the people, I love the food, and I love the smells and sights… Thank you farm family for the wonderful visit, and the love you show to us.<br /><br />Since Christmas, my life hasn’t slowed down. It seems to get busier and busier. This last week I started classes for the second semester coursework towards my Master’s degree. This semester I will be taking an Assessment course, and a Behavior Management course. Both “should” be easy courses for me, but the sheer amount of coursework required is mind-boggling. I’ve had to color-code my planner so that nothing gets missed. <br /><br />To add to the madness I’ve also decided to get my ELL/ESL (English Language Learners or English as a Second Language) endorsement. Hutchinson School district is offering to pay for the majority of my expenses for classes, and I know that these offers don’t come very often. I full realize how busy this will make me, but I also realize that if I buckle down and concentrate I can accomplish it. These classes start in March, and I need to make sure I get everything organized before then.<br /><br />In addition to all of the coursework, I’ve also agreed to do bakery items for a friend’s shop in Newton. Her baker/caterer fell through, and she thought of me. I’m excited for this opportunity, although there are a few things we still need to figure out. I will be making a weekly delivery to Pages Bookshop of cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, cupcakes, and cookies. Holly is also open to me expanding and making some gluten free selections available, so I’m eager for that as well. <br /><br />Items for prayer: <br /><br />*I’ve still got some chest congestion hanging on from my Christmas cold. I feel much better than I did, but I would be happy to be completely rid of the stuff!<br /><br />*In general, I’m feeling much more run-down than I normally do. My migraines have been more frequent as well, so I’m not sure whether I am getting gluten inadvertently somehow. There have been many more potluck scenarios during the holidays, and I need to be smarter about how I go about those. One of my resolutions is to be much more vigilant.<br /><br />*That I’m able to juggle everything. I already use all of my plan times during school time for working on course work and items for school, but I need to figure out a way that I can accomplish more during those times. I’ve got a lot on my plate, and to be honest it’s freaking me out a bit right now. I want to do well in all of the things that I’m responsible for, but I realize that it is a bit crazy of me to think I can do this all.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-52162159281982050052010-12-09T10:17:00.000-08:002010-12-09T10:38:38.516-08:00Season of "Gimme"Christmas is coming, and the beats and squeals of John Denver and the Muppets are sounding in my classroom.<br /><br />This week we are focusing on the “Gift of the Magi” story. Once of my favorite stories, right up there with “The Christmas Carol” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. I’m wondering whether it was too much to bite off for the kids in my class, but we are forcing our way through it. The big language is difficult for them, but the ideas and concepts in the story are so applicable. “My” kids need to hear a different version of the ideas of Christmas (and really, don’t we all?), not just the commercialized version that we see and hear. I’m always saddened by the idea of “gimme” instead of “giving”.<br /><br />I’ve eagerly anticipated the Christmas season. I’ve been trying to discuss Christmas/Holiday traditions with the children in my classroom. When I listed off the important days in my family’s December/January calendar, their eyes became huge! <br />*Monday was the first day of celebration for me, with St. Nicholas day. Eric, Heidi, Tim and Gustav came over for an evening of Roast Beast, and shoe gifts. ☺ Some were too big for shoes, but there was much excitement on all of our parts as we discovered what had been left for us. <br />*Next comes St. Lucia day on this coming Monday. No gifts are exchanged, but it is a special day with lots of childhood memories involved. I’m just glad I no longer have to get up early and carry lighted candles on my head while singing to family members and bringing them treats. I was always jealous that they were able to wake up and have breakfast in bed. <br />*December 25, Christmas Day. Eric and I will celebrate for several days between the two families. We will also make a trip up to the farm over New Years, to enjoy some more Christmas celebration.<br />*January 6 is Three Kings Day. I’ve never celebrated this day before, but Eric is bringing this tradition with him. We always talked about the Three Kings coming in our house, but it was more attached to the time period we actually took our Christmas tree down, rather than anything else. I’m excited to add another day of celebration and another new family tradition.<br /><br />Things to be thankful for:<br />*The trip to Chicago went well. Eric and I had a great time, and certainly not enough time. We went to the Aquarium, and a Bears game. We also ate at a few restaurants, and showed me some of the area. We’ll have to go back sometime, because there is still so much I want to see!<br />*I also went to Denver for a long weekend. The school has asked that I be on the Social Studies Curriculum committee as the Special Education representative. They also tapped me and asked that I go to the National Social Studies Conference in Denver. I had a wonderful time, meeting and getting to know more people from the district I now work for, as well as taking in the various parts of the conference. Usually teachers are reluctant to go to in-services and conferences because we are never sure what we will have to sit through. This was a completely different experience for me. Every session I went to was fantastic, and I was able to come back with plenty of ideas to implement in my own classroom. I also came back laden with all sorts of freebies from textbook companies and tour agencies. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to travel as part of my job!?! Someday…<br />*Thanksgiving weekend brought family from near and far, as well Eric’s safe arrival in Kansas. For good. ☺ There was, and is, much to be thankful for! I had a great time with the Buller family members, and I always enjoy my time catching up with the cousins. I have been blessed by a wonderful, supportive family (both Johnson and Buller sides). I also was able to spend time with Eric’s side of the family, and the Wallaces did a great job of making me feel welcome. <br />*Work continues to be a place that I find joy. I love the people I’m working with. I love the people I’m working for. I love the subject matter I am teaching. I love the kids that I’m working with…. Life is good. Eric also seems to be enjoying his new job (started Dec. 6), and I’m impressed with all the people he’s already met. I’m hopeful that he will find as much joy at his new job as I have with mine.<br />*I’ve been busily making cookies to celebrate the Christmas season. Last night I made gluten free Spritz cookies, and I have to say it was a huge success! There have been several recipes that have proven difficult to convert, and I’m happy to say that these are no longer on that list! Also on the table at home are peanut butter kisses, chocolate oatmeal nobake cookies, and white chocolate peppermint brittle. I think I may have to make another round of Spritz, fudge and possibly try some cutout sugar cookies to decorate. Oh, and I’ll need a few volunteers to eat it all!<br /><br />Christmas blessings to all of you! Take time to count the things you have to be thankful for!SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-6031722973250100662010-10-20T05:52:00.000-07:002010-10-20T06:40:58.536-07:00Heidi is begging again...Or in fact, she's being pretty pushy with her demands about a new blog post. She feels that I have much to share, and she's probably right!<br /><br />Life in Hutch is going very well. All of my feelings of wonder and excitement are still here, even after almost 9 weeks of the school year. Each day I look forward to going to work, a feeling that I haven't had in a long time. There are still times I don't want to get out of bed, but that's more because I don't want to leave the warm little nest I've created. <br /><br />I'm currently doing a novel study with my literature classes. We're reading the book "Holes", by Louis Sachar. I love this book, and I was eager to have another class to read it with (I taught it during my student teaching). The kids seem to be loving it, although most have seen the movie which is providing problems. The book is always better, but it's hard to convince children of that!<br /><br />I'm thankful for the friendships I've already made here in Hutchinson. I know that I've been blessed. The people I work with are looking out for me and including me in their invitations. There are times that I feel like I'm never home, and as I look at my calendar I realize that I rarely am. This is "normal" for me, although my "normal" schedule involves me doing more massage/work in the evenings and not as much hanging out. I'm sure that will change again whenever my "newness" rubs off. In the meantime, I'm very thankful. <br /><br />Since my last posting I've also had several wonderful things to attend. These are in no particular order, just as I thought of them!<br />*My favorite weekend of the year (3rd weekend in September) rolled around, and with it the beautiful music and surroundings that is the Walnut Valley Festival. <br />*I've been able to attend the wine tasting that I go to with my friends Cindy and Phil. The art, tapas and wine pairings are always wonderful, and an enjoyable time spent with friends. This year the highlight may have been Julia Child (in drag), who made appearances at each of the tapas/wine tables. <br />*My friend, Chris, also threw a wine party. It was fun to sit outside on a beautiful evening with a roaring fire. Lots of good conversations and wonderful food.<br />*Shalom's Brew Club had an apple picking afternoon and evening. We harvested apples, and then turned them into cider. It was a wonderful family experience, and it was nice to be able to spend time with Heidi, Tim and Gustav, in addition to all of my wonderful church family members.<br />*Heidi and Tim hosted Hutoberfest. Always good to see the people they invite and taste the good foods brought. Each year it seems to get bigger and better!<br />*Pedicures with my friend Whitney and my cousin Carmen. Ultimate pampering for my birthday, plus a dinner at P.F. Changs! Love their gluten free menu!<br />*My birthday was on the 23rd of September. I have had many (MANY) opportunities to celebrate. Thank you for thinking of me! I truly have felt very special.<br /><br />Things to look forward to:<br />*Tonight I get to see my friend, Becca, and her little family. It's been several months since we've seen each other, which doesn't make much sense since we live so close to each other.<br />*Tomorrow evening I get to go hear Straight, No Chaser in concert for the second time. The put on a phenomenal concert, and I can't wait to go again. <br />*Friday evening I leave to spend a few days in Chicago. Which brings me to the information Heidi is really wanting me to share! :) (Love you, Heidi) I have a boyfriend. He currently lives in Chicago, but will be moving to Kansas soon. Buller family members, you'll get to meet him at Thanksgiving. Johnson family members, we're hoping to go to the farm over New Years, so that may be your chance to meet him. If you don't fit into the Johnson or Buller categories, feel free to email me and we'll figure out another time to see each other! <br /><br />Love to all of you,<br />EricaSchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-2967586366896353392010-09-05T15:52:00.000-07:002010-09-05T15:55:35.279-07:00God IS working His purpose out!The last months have been filled with stress and heartache, and yet so much happiness as well. It was hard for me to make the decisions that led up to me leaving Marion, but it is evident that I made the right decisions. As much as I hated to leave my church family and friends, God has had His hand in it all, and I know that He has good things in store for me.<br /><br />Thanks to all that helped me move! The crew that helped load the truck and the crew that unloaded in Hutchinson both did a great job. It was a busy and very hot day, and I am thankful for all that volunteered their time. What added more stress to the entire event was the fact that I wasn’t able to stay in Hutchinson and unpack everything. Instead I spent most of the rest of the weekend in Hutch, only to drive back and teach another 2 weeks of summer school in Marion. It is difficult knowing that you have so much work waiting for you (unpacking), and that you aren’t able to go and do it. That last 2 weeks was a good time for me too, because it meant that I had 2 weeks devoted to spending time and making memories with my good friends in Marion. Thanks to Julie and Quinn, and Kym and Troy who opened their homes to me when I was homeless! Thanks for the meals, the beds, the running water, and especially the time spent together talking and laughing!<br /><br />Before leaving Marion, I took in 2 different trainings, one on Reiki (for use with massage therapy) and the other on Macs. It’s been many years since I’ve worked on Apple computers, but my new position in Hutch requires me to. I wanted to make sure I had brushed up on my Apple skills before being confronted with an entire class full of kids staring at me, and me not being able to bring up the activities I want. Both classes went well, and I’ve already used many things I learned in those days.<br /><br />Tuesday, August 10th, brought the first day I needed to report in Hutchinson. It was a day filled of training for Special Education teachers new to the Hutchinson district. The following 3 days were new-teacher trainings for Hutchinson. After that came a week full of trainings and meetings for all teachers that work for Hutchinson. <br /><br />We’ve had two full weeks of school with kids now, and I have to say, I LOVE my job! I love the people I am working with, I love the subjects I am teaching, and I’m really excited about the kids (I can’t say I love them yet…but I’m sure that before the year is out, I’ll love them too!). I’ve been so impressed with the levels of support built into the Hutchinson school district. I’ve got a mentor teacher (even though this is my 8th year of teaching), I have a “professional friend” (a different person who is assigned to make sure I have everything I need, as well as invitations to events, and a person to sit next to in trainings, etc…), the teachers I am working with have all been really supportive, and I’m enjoying my time with them. The administrators that I work with consistently show their support of their staff (what a refreshing concept!); I’ve got two great paraprofessionals that work for me… My list could go on and on… <br /><br />The unpacking is coming to a close. Most everything has found a home, and I’m anticipating being completely done with it by the end of the week. The only room that isn’t unpacked at this point is the room that will be my office and massage room. I’ve already got people asking when I’ll be ready for clients, so I’m happy that that is all falling into place too!<br /><br />Thank you for the many prayers you’ve said on my behalf! I appreciate them so much! Please make sure to drop by next time you are in the area! I would love to show off my new home and I love having company!<br /><br />Much love,<br />EricaSchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-77687786560972533732010-07-13T10:21:00.000-07:002010-07-13T11:43:22.768-07:00Bit by bit...The summer is seeping away. <br /><br />I was supposed to babysit a daughter of one of my friends each day, but that fell through the day before it was supposed to start. While I was disappointed, I know God had a hand in it all. My summer has been jam packed even without that time, and I know that HE made it so that my schedule this summer was more manageable!<br /><br />People ask what has kept me so busy, and I honestly can't point to one thing and say "that's it!". My life is normally very busy, and while I often wish for it to slow down (and think that summer will be the magical time of the year when it finally does!), I don't know that I would actually enjoy the slower pace if it were ever to appear.<br /><br />I've been glad to have the time this summer to visit my grandparents, uncle, and aunt on the farm with my parents. We went to enjoy the Chautauqua that was in North Platte for almost a week. It was nice to have the time to enjoy the afternoon sessions and spend time together in the evenings learning about the 30's and the Great Depression. Really interesting stuff, and very applicable to what is happening today.<br /><br />I've also had the freedom to pick up and spend time with Heidi, Tim and Gustav. I've been able to do some babysitting when it was needed, and I always love anytime I get to spend with my nephew!<br /><br />I'm slowly packing up my house at 912 Highland. Every couple of weeks I make a trip to Hutch to check on the new place, get the mail, do additional cleaning, pick up things at the school. I also make a point of taking a full car-load of items at the same time and unpacking them while I'm there. Hopefully it will mean less stress on moving day, and less stress to unpack before school starts!<br /><br />Moving day is set for July 24. I'm unsure as to how many people will be showing up to help, and this is an item that is a bit stressful for me right now. I'm sure it will all work itself out, but until the actual day I will continue to worry that there won't be enough people. I'm also praying for a cool, cloudy day, with no rain. July can be beastly in KS!<br /><br />I've been fairly busy at the massage clinic these weeks of summer. While I was anticipating no longer working at the clinic after the last week of July, I believe that Carolan and I have come to an agreement that I will still come back to Marion once per month to help with Saturday clients. This will be good for both of us, I think! I'll get to keep some of my clients (hopefully), plus I'll be able to visit some of my loved ones on a fairly regular basis! I am continuing to plan for and prepare for opening my own massage business in Hutch. It is another item that I worry about, because I've got a client base built up in Marion, and now I'll be starting over. I'm sure God will have his hand in that too. <br /><br />As I write this, I'm sitting at my cousin's house in Omaha. Craig and Jen invited me to come up for a few days. It has been great to be able to spend time with them. We've spent the evenings drinking wine and catching up. While they are at work during the day I've just stayed at their house and caught up on some of the work I've been avoiding as far as looking through my new curriculum for Hutch. I've actually enjoyed the time that I've spent looking through my teacher manuals, and figuring out which books are used and when. I'm really excited about what the next year will bring and the types of lessons I'll be able to teach! I've also been working on creating items for my MAC class that I've been taking this summer (sidenote: The SPED teachers all get MACs at my new school, and I've been working on a PC for many years. While I used a MAC in college for newspaper, it has been awhile. I was confident that it wouldn't take much to figure it all out again, I also decided that it was worth taking a summer class, as well as being able to have some more credit hours!, so that I don't look like an idiot those first days of school). Yesterday Jen and I met at Whole Foods for lunch, and then I spent much of the rest of the afternoon poking around in that store, going up and down each and every aisle. I left with purchases for myself and for my sister (somehow she got more than I did!). I could so easily live in a big city! :) Today I went out and had to buy a cooler to take my purchases home with. This is something I actually needed, so I don't feel so bad about it! I'm forever having to borrow one from people when I need to transport things, so it will be good to have one of my own now! I believe that this evening Jen and I will be going to get pedicures while Craig has a late meeting, and then we'll all meet for dinner somewhere. This little visit has been wonderful, and very restful for me! Thank you Craig and Jen!<br /><br />This last Sunday marked the last time I would sing at Marion Presby Church. The last several times I've attended I've been much more emotional, and I know that it is because this church has been such a special place for me for my time in Marion. They love me and it is evident! I was dreading this last Sunday because I was doubtful as to whether I would actually get through the song without dissolving into tears. I was able to, but just barely. Pastor Jeremiah said some very nice things about me right before I sang, and I nearly lost my grip! I will miss this congregation, but know that I can always come back to visit easily.<br /><br />While I've been in Omaha one of the things I've needed to work on is my Grad School Loans, and financing things. This morning I spent quite a bit of time looking at it all. From what I can determine, I've been awarded a Teacher Scholarship from the State of KS, and it will cover all of my expenses as far as college hours. While I haven't gotten my formal letter in the mail yet, the money is showing up in my financial aid package, so I'm very optimistic! I'm still going to take some loan money to cover expenses like books, etc. This scholarship is wonderful, and will help relieve some of the financial burden that schooling can be! This is a scholarship I also got for several years of my undergrad work. It is set up like a forgivable loan program, where as many years as I get the scholarship, I promise to work that many years in Special Education. If my circumstances change (as far as I decide to get out of teaching, or I change to teaching something besides SPED) then I will be responsible for repaying whatever is left from the loan/scholarship as far as how much time is left. I am rejoicing that it all seems to be working out!SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-9712114428724400802010-06-11T21:17:00.000-07:002010-06-11T21:55:48.070-07:00Thank you!Thank you to those of you who have sent up prayers on my behalf since my last post. All 3 items of prayer have been taken care of! :)<br /><br />1) Facebook can be a blessing, although sometimes just as much a curse, I'm sure! In this case it was a blessing, as it greatly eased my responsibilities regarding breaking the news to the children in my classroom. I have several parents that have "friended" me on facebook, and thankfully they did much of the "dirty" work. I am thankful for the private conversations they had with their children, and how the kids handled it. The kids spread it to each other, but I was amazed at how well 3rd and 4th grade students processed it and shared with each other. Don't get me wrong...there were tears shed by me, and many tears shed by the children, but overall it was a very smooth conversation and much easier on me than it could have been.<br /><br />2) I have found a WONDERFUL place to live. After a day spent traipsing through some hell-holes and being bitten by fleas, my last appointment of the day was a little bit of heaven. A 2 bedroom duplex, that is just a bit more expensive than what I was hoping for, but still within my price range. Beautiful wood floors, clean and well taken care of, and with very good landlords from what I can tell. Knowing that I couldn't afford to rent 2 places until my move, I wasn't thinking that I would have much luck looking so early. I am so thankful that they are working with me, and made a special deal with me that I could pay 1 month's worth of rent for June and July (basically 2 months for the price of 1), plus a reduced deposit. The duplex came with appliances, but quickly agreed to move them all out so that I could keep my own. Such a relief that I won't have to figure out how to sell everything before moving! Best of all, even though the duplex was advertised as a no-pet property, they have agreed to let me keep my kitty, Manje, and aren't even charging me a pet deposit. I even offered to make her an outside only cat, but they said that as long as she was litter trained that it would be OK. My new place is very (VERY) close to the Cosmosphere. Please stop by and visit! I love to host people in my home!<br /><br />3) After many worries over whether I would be able to do a home-based business (Massage Therapy), I have been pleasantly surprised. I have been officially approved to have a home-based massage business. The formal process only took about 20 minutes of my time (and was in the same building that I needed to go to anyway to get my utilities turned on--convenient!) As long as I promise not to have more than 3 people working for me or more than 5 people for massage therapy on the property (all this in a two-bedroom house?!?!?!)---and really there were a few more things that I agreed to--the city of Hutchinson is OK with me. I even have an official letter saying so! :)<br /><br />So far the summer has not gone as I anticipated, but things are working out for the best. I was supposed to be babysitting during the day for the daughter of one of my friends. My friend had said that at some point her fall day-care option might open up (she was thinking mid July) and at that point she wouldn't need me to babysit. Instead, the position opened up the last week of May. So...I haven't been babysitting. Somehow my time has been filled anyway, and I'm thankful for all the ways things have fallen into place. I really feel God's presence in my life right now, and I feel like I am moving in the direction that He wants me to go in. I've made several trips to Hutchinson to clean the duplex, go to my classroom at the 8th grade building, and figure out utilities/details that moving to a new home consist of. While I know I would be able to get it all done even if I had been babysitting, I have to say that it has been very stress-free so far... I'm also thankful for the ease in picking up and driving to Newton to spend time with family...I've been able to stay overnight many times (Thanks Hubers!), spending afternoons and evenings canning, laughing, talking, watching EuroVision, grocery shopping with Heidi(One of my favorite activities!!!!), making Elderflower syrup, working at the massage clinic... So much to be thankful for!<br /><br />Things to look forward to:<br /><br />*Travelling to see family in Hershey, Nebraska and taking in the Chautauqua activities.<br />*Travelling to see family in Omaha, Nebraska.<br />*Several concerts<br />*Spending time with family and friends at the reservoir and county lake<br />*Spending time with family and friends; going out to lunches/dinner and just spending moments together!<br />*Canning and preserving fruits and vegetables.<br /><br />Again, thank you to those of you who have sent up a prayer (or two!) on my behalf! <br /><br />Much love to you all!<br />EricaSchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-46061197606204825162010-05-20T19:04:00.000-07:002010-05-20T19:26:44.643-07:00I'm resigned.I've got 3.5 days of school left with students, and 1.5 inservice/work days after that. After those 5 days I will be done with my teaching career at Marion Elementary School. As of about 11:15 a.m. today, I have resigned my position with MCSEC. I will live in Marion through most of the summer, and anticipate moving sometime at the end of July or beginning of August. I will be teaching summer school here in Marion the last 2 weeks of July and the 1st week of August. Since I'm not wanting to rent for that week in August (more specifically I don't want to pay rent and utilities on 2 houses), I will most likely be house hopping for that last bit of time in August. Hopefully my friends will be generous and open their homes to me for a bit of time! :)<br /><br />The last several months have been filled with stress and sorrow as I've watched the progression of things. While I'm under no allusion that my stress will end, I do think that it will be a different kind of stress. <br /><br />I will be starting a new teaching position in the middle of August at Hutchinson Middle School. I will be a special education teacher, teaching 5 sections of literature, and 1 section (team taught with reg. ed.) of social studies. I've always thought that my "perfect" job would be working for a publishing company in the young adult division. I'm hopeful that my love of YA lit will mesh perfectly with my new position. I'm very excited about the possibilities that the new school year may bring. <br /><br />In the meantime, please pray:<br />*That I can figure out how to break the news to the kids in my classroom. <br />*I will be able to find a nice place to live. I'd like to have at least 2 bedrooms and be able to keep my cat. I'm not so sure about her wanting to keep me! :)<br />*That I will be able to figure out how to make the massage angle work. I will be sad to leave our massage clinic here in Marion, and want to be able to continue working with massage. Currently Hutch is having zoning discussions about having businesses run out of the home, so I'm uncertain how this will all work out. I would prefer having a home-based business so that I can control a bit more and not have to pay additional rent.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-36919848650243893662010-03-31T17:46:00.000-07:002010-03-31T17:53:53.977-07:00Right now<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0xuFnP5N2uA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0xuFnP5N2uA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />A friend posted this on Facebook earlier today. I've read an email that circulated awhile back that was very similar, but this is worth a watch. It hits home right now, considering the situation we're facing with the cooperative I work for. The last month or so of my life have been filled with turmoil. I don't feel like I can share right now what all has gone on and is going on, but I would appreciate it if you kept me in your thoughts and prayers. The entire experience has left me feeling very much alone and as if I have little control over anything.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-44818710455340991642010-02-27T16:20:00.000-08:002010-02-28T19:18:41.335-08:001, 2, 3, 4….5…6, 7, 8, 9, 10….11…12…13!!!!The other night when Heidi, Tim and Gustav came over I sang this to Heidi to see whether she could remember the song and where it came from. She did. Do you? <br /><br />This past week I’ve been singing this song quite a bit. We’re counting down the days until state testing, and to help prepare have turned our little small groups into test prep groups. We’ve each taken a state standard and planned several days’ worth of activities for our groups, and then rotated the groups so that each child in the grade will have a session with that particular standard. Because of how few days we have left, one of our groups got combined with another group, and now instead of the 3 or 4 students that a small group normally consists of, my group was made up of 12 students…plus me (everyone shout now—13!!). I sang that song over and over this week as I gave questions to my “small” group, and each time a hand would raise with an answer, I would count them as I sang this song. The kids loved it…and I finally asked whether any of them knew this song. Nope. Guess I’m officially old. I explained that this was a song from one of my favorite shows growing up. “Teletubbies” they guessed. “Barney!” they shouted out… ok, maybe I’m getting younger? I explained it was a show that is around now, but would have also been around when I was a little girl… This stumped them until one of them guessed “Ben and Jerry”…well, I guess black and white cartoons are getting closer…or at least older… Finally one of them guessed Sesame Street, although none of them had heard this song when they watched. It’s too bad, since I loved watching the pinball machine knock around as the ball hit each peg and a number was sung… I remember looking forward to it each day as I watched, hoping that this would be the day that it would be shown again.<br /><br />Heidi’s been begging for another blog (I truly think she’s the only one who reads this thing…and we talk often enough that she knows everything before I would write something down and post it) so here it is…<br /><br />As I thought about what I wanted to write today, there are several things that popped into my head. There’s been a lot going on in my life, and while some of it I would like to share, I really can’t. I am bound my confidentiality responsibilities in my jobs, and I must honor them, even when those things are the things in my life that cause me the most sadness, that give me the most happiness, or those things that I just need to process through writing about it. I’ll just leave it to say that I’ve shed a lot of tears lately. The tears come at times that are understandable…they come at times when I can’t make them stop, no matter how hard I try…there are times that the tears come and there appears to be no good reason for them… a few will drop as I laugh… I don’t feel depressed (please don’t worry about that), there’s just a lot going on in all aspects of my life right now and it seems that tears are the way my body is dealing with it all.<br /><br />One of the titles I considered today was “Small Successes”, but in reality I’ve got a lot of LARGE successes in my life right now. <br /> 1) I just got the letter that I was deemed eligible to take my National Massage Exam. This is a very difficult exam, and most do not pass it on the first try. Kansas law does not regulate massage therapists, but most states require the national test as one of the hurdles you need to jump to be able to practice massage. Not knowing what the future holds for me, I’d rather take (and hopefully pass!) the exam so that I can easily be able to practice in another state if/when I ever decide to move. That and the fact that it provides another aspect of credibility to me and my massage practice. Who knows when Kansas will finally become wise and start patrolling the field of Massage Therapy. Hopefully it will be soon (there are too many people out there practicing who don’t know what they are doing, and give us all a bad reputation!), and then I will be ready. I need to finalize my test date, but I’m hoping to take it sometime during Spring Break in March.<br /> 2) I also got my acceptance letter from Fort Hays State University. This fall I will be “heading back to” college to pursue a Master’s Degree in Special Education. This is completely online, so I won’t have to give up my teaching position or move. I’ll be busy between teaching, working at the clinic, and taking classes, but I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to juggle it all. The last weeks have been full of writing personal letters, asking friends and colleagues to write recommendations on my behalf and researching how to make it all happen. I’ve gotten my taxes completed (at least my portion!) and taken them to my tax guy. I am hoping they get done quickly so that I can then complete the FAFSA and start applying for scholarships. <br /> 3) Wine making experiment one is almost complete. After watching my science experiment for the last few weeks, I needed some man-power. I convinced Heidi, Tim and Gustav to come over for dinner and afterwards Tim and Gustav helped me bottle my Riesling. It’ll be another 3 months before there will be any to drink. Tim was a great help to me in the process, and Gustav was so cute trying to hold the bottles still for me as we filled them. Now that we’ve got one bottled, I better start on another…either mead or a red wine this time.<br /> 4) After several weekend attempts at baking sweet rolls, I’ve finally got a good result. A couple weeks ago I was browsing in Heidi’s bookstore and stumbled across another gluten free cookbook. Normally I’m pretty leery of gluten free recipes…there are too many people out there that are satisfied with mediocrity…either they are gluten intolerant people who never really had a taste of what GOOD baking is supposed to taste like, or they are “normal” people who think that those of us that are gluten intolerant should just be satisfied with whatever they come up with. There are so many products on the market (they are SOOOO expensive) that just taste like CRAP. I’m sick of buying products and throwing them away. I’ve narrowed it down to a few brands that I trust, and I’d really rather go hungry than try to eat some of what is on the market. Sorry, I’ve probably offended someone now, but sometimes I just need to rant. But, I digress… Anyway, I decided to buy the book at Heidi’s store because I feel like I need to help support the people I love and the places they work, and I’m always hoping that somehow this product/book/gadget will actually come through and help me make the foods I’ve loved to prepare and eat for so much of my life. In this case…I might have actually stumbled across something that lived up to my high expectations! Yippee!!!<br /><br />Of course, this book also called for flours that aren’t readily available in my pantry, or at the health food store or grocery stores that I frequent. So, I turned to the internet (although Terri, if you’re reading this, I think that your health food store has this brand!) and ordered some of the flour that I needed. After last week’s flopped cinnamon rolls, I was reluctant to try again. After all, that batch went directly into the trash. I’m so glad that I tried again!<br /><br />Cinnamon Rolls (adapted from “Gluten-Free Baking Classics” by Annalise G. Roberts)<br />Dough: <br /><br />7 TBSP milk, heated to 110 degrees F (I ended up using more than this…the dough wouldn’t hold together and resembled pie crust. I just added milk until it looked like I thought it should. Sorry, I’ll try to measure better next time!)<br />1 TBSP yeast<br />¼ tsp. sweet rice flour<br />¼ cup granulated sugar<br />2 large eggs, room temperature<br />2 TBSP canola oil<br />1 ¾ cup Brown Rice Flour blend (see recipe after this one)<br />1 ¼ tsp. xanthan gum<br />½ tsp. salt<br />Rice flour (about 2 TBSP to use to flour the board)<br />1 TBSP melted butter<br /><br />Combine warm milk, yeast, 1 TBSP of the sweet rice flour, and 1 TBSP of the sugar in a measuring cup; stir until well blended. Cover with a towel and set aside for 5-10 minutes until mixture becomes foamy. Mix eggs and canola oil together in a small bowl and set aside. Lightly grease a round cake pan with cooking spray. Mix brown rice flour mix, xanthan gum, salt, and remaining 3 TBSP sweet rice flour and 3 TBSP sugar in large bowl of electric mixer. Add warm milk/yeast mixture, egg and oil to the bowl; mix until blended. Scrape bowl and beaters and then beat at high speed for 3 minutes. Liberally spread rice flour over surface of a wooden board and lightly flour hands. (I spread saran wrap over a cutting board, and then sprinkled with the rice flour). Dough will be sticky. Roll dough around in the rice flour until it is lightly covered. Gently press into a 12x8 inch rectangle with your hands. (I was actually able to roll it with a rolling pin after covering it with the rice flour). Lightly brush the melted butter over the rolled dough. The recipe also has a mixture to put in the inside, but I just covered the butter with cinnamon and sugar the way I’ve always baked. Carefully roll dough, do not roll dough tightly; the individual rolls will rise better if they are more loosely rolled. Using a small, sharp knife cut roll of dough into eight 1-inch slices. Carefully arrange slices I prepared cake pan so that they do not touch. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place until rolls have doubled or more in size and have filled the pan. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake about 20 minutes. <br /><br />Brown Rice Flour blend<br />2 parts brown rice flour (extra finely ground—available under the Authentic Foods label—the others aren’t ground finely enough to use without leaving a gritty feeling in the mouth)<br />2/3 part potato starch (NOT potato flour!)<br />1/3 part tapioca flour<br /><br />**Today’s baking experiment was so successful that I’m going to fiddle with the dough some more and see if I can bake some bierocks with it tomorrow night. I’ve got the filling done, so I just will need to make the dough after church.<br /><br /><em><strong>****UPDATE 2/28/10 I made the dough again today. I used about 14 TBSP of milk instead of the listed 7. I used the sugar to raise the yeast, but omitted the rest of it so that I could make savory Bierocks with the dough. Once the dough was mixed, I made small round balls with it, and rolled them in brown rice flour and then rolled them out. I filled them with a mixture of ground beef,onion, cabbage, salt, pepper and mustard. After baking them, I brushed them with melted butter. YUMMY. I've eaten way too many today! I'll have to put them in the freezer after I give a few more away! There are some things that I have missed so much...so happy to be able to eat them again!</strong></em><br /><br /> 5) Another gluten free baking success! This last week I saw a recipe like this online, and decided to see whether I would like it. I do! Very yummy. I left them without icing to cut out some fat and calories, but they would taste good with cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or peanut butter frosting I think! Maybe next time….<br /><br />Gluten Free Banana Muffins/cupcakes<br />1 box gluten free yellow cake mix (betty crocker brand)<br />3 bananas, mashed<br />1/3 cup butter, melted<br />1/3 cup water<br />3 eggs, beaten<br />2 tsp. vanilla<br /><br />I melted the butter in a saucepan on the stove, adding the water and vanilla. I also freeze my bananas, so I took the peels off of them and put them in the mixture to warm up and then mash. After taking it off the stove, I put the yellow cake mix in and beat in the eggs. When everything was moist I put it in the muffin tins. Bake at 350 for about 18 min. or so. It would also be great in loaf form, or as banana cake. <br /><br /><br /><br />I’ve also got an appointment tomorrow afternoon. One of the students at school just recently got diagnosed with Celiac and her mother needs ideas of what to do and how to alter recipes. I’m hopeful that I can be a resource to these people. If nothing else, I can at least introduce them to some good books, products to try…and be a listening ear!<br /><br />And now for a few pictures...these are a mixture of the last two Huber visits. Newsworthy items: Popcorn is a big hit with Gustav and Heidi. Tim, Gustav and I spent time making wine. Gustav went poop for the first time at my house, bribed with M&Ms and Curious George.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m70Rp8_YI/AAAAAAAAA4w/2AqJ1wEZ2RI/s1600-h/P2250520.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m70Rp8_YI/AAAAAAAAA4w/2AqJ1wEZ2RI/s400/P2250520.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443088131420913026" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m70BORDqI/AAAAAAAAA4o/nPhQ_dZcUhE/s1600-h/P2250514.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m70BORDqI/AAAAAAAAA4o/nPhQ_dZcUhE/s400/P2250514.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443088127009820322" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m7zToxhQI/AAAAAAAAA4g/J7KARRPzbhw/s1600-h/P1300502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m7zToxhQI/AAAAAAAAA4g/J7KARRPzbhw/s400/P1300502.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443088114772968706" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m7zDMlGoI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/XACESLUf__0/s1600-h/P1300505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m7zDMlGoI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/XACESLUf__0/s400/P1300505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443088110359747202" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m7ylVAxsI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/-I4bJLe0tY8/s1600-h/P2250514.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m7ylVAxsI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/-I4bJLe0tY8/s400/P2250514.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443088102342051522" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m8UjR4YjI/AAAAAAAAA44/ailwqqncGBE/s1600-h/P2250526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/S4m8UjR4YjI/AAAAAAAAA44/ailwqqncGBE/s400/P2250526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443088685907599922" /></a>SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-32181714680275560452010-01-09T11:53:00.000-08:002010-01-09T12:17:18.423-08:00Success!I just completed my first (although it won't be the last!) batch of Gluten Free New Year's Cookies! They taste great, although not exactly like the MCC version. Thanks to my friend Julie from <a href="http://mennonitegirlscancook.blogspot.com">Mennonite Girls Can Cook</a>. I altered her recipe just a bit simply because I didn't have any arrowroot. Instead I substituted cornstarch. It worked out just fine. <br /><br />In a previous post I lamented the fact that I hate the taste of white bean flour. I was convinced to give it another shot by Julie who grinds her own flour. She sent me a little package of flour though the mail...wonder what people would have thought if they intercepted that and saw that it was full of some powdery white substance! :) As promised, Julie's flour had just a bit of the beany taste to it, but none when baked into things. Encouraged by this I bought a flour mill and decided to start grinding my own flour. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as well as I thought it would, and I only could get the flour to a "stone ground" consistency, which won't work with most of my baking. Discouraged, I tried to figure out what to do next. I finally decided that a coffee grinder would work, and so I bought a new one to only use with grinding flours. When I grind the beans at the espresso setting, and run them through 3 times, I finally get the consistency I want. Then I sifted that to get the bigger chunks out. The end product worked great in my recipe today!<br /><br /><strong>Julie's Recipe for New Year's Cookies (Portzelke)</strong><br />1/2 cup warm water<br />1 tsp. sugar<br />1 TBSP yeast<br /><em>Mix first 3 ingredients and let proof in a warm spot.</em><br /><strong>Liquid Ingredients</strong><br />1/2 cup warm milk<br />1 tsp melted butter<br />1 tsp. vinegar<br />2 tsp. vanilla<br />1 egg<br /><strong>Dry Ingredients</strong><br />1/2 cup white bean flour<br />1/2 cup white rice flour<br />1/4 cup sorghum flour<br />1/4 cup potato starch<br />2 TBSP arrowroot flour (I used 3 TBSP corn starch)<br />1 rounded tsp. xanthan gum<br />1 tsp. bakingpowder<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />3 slightly rounded TBSP sugar<br />1 cup raisins<br /><br />In mixing bow put in liquid ingredients and beat. Add proofed yeast. Mix dry ingredients and add all at once to liquid. Beat on low until blended, then on high until dough is smooth. Add raisins and beat until mixed evenly. Scrape sides of bowl dw with spatula to form a ball of dough in bottom of bowl. Cover and let rise in warm spot for 30-40 minutes. Heat aout 3/4 inch of oil in a pot or small frying pan. When hot, drop by tsp. a dollop of dough into the ol and fry until golden. I glazed them when I was done, but I know that some people sprinkle sugar on theirs.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-24912552797642449552010-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:002010-01-07T08:11:42.311-08:00Joyous New Year!School as started again, after a very quick break for Christmas and New Years. I spent most of my "at home" time (the time actually spent in Marion) going through closets and doing general house cleaning.<br /><br />Christmas Eve I drove home to Hesston. The drive that normally takes 35 minutes or so was well over an hour of hard work driving in zero visibility conditions. It also involved getting stuck in a snow drift not even 2 blocks from my house. I am thankful for good friends and neighbors who help when I come knocking on the door! It took us about 5 minutes, but I was able to get the car out, and I was on my way again! :) I was so glad to finally reach Hesston, and that I made it there with no other mishaps. My nice warm bed at Mom and Dad's was also a blessing!<br /><br />Christmas day was spent at Mom and Dad's and the rest of the crew showed up mid-morning. We had fun spending time together, giving and receiving presents, and eating the wonderful meal of Raclette that Mom prepared. Highlights of the day: watching Heidi open up her Kitchenaide Mixer; discovering that Gustav has a fear of B-U-Gs; watching Tim's eyes light up as he talked about his plans for his Christmas money and gift certificates; joking with Dad about his new GPS system; enjoying Mom's new tea pot as we played Scrabble and tried to gang up on Tim... I love to spend time with my family, and I realize how blessed I am to have them in my life.<br /><br />The day after Christmas I spent my time preparing for a catering gig. I traipsed over the hill and through the woods (it felt like it!) carrying large, unwieldy items through the snow and into the Elgin for most of the day. One of my friends, Kym, had referred me to her son as a possible caterer for his wedding. Everything turned out wonderfully in the end (and there have been many nice things said in reference to the cooking), but it was a hectic day for me. Breakers blew, I had to serve out of a closet, warming food up all over the hotel without a proper kitchen, organizing serving help, and general mayhem governed my day. I was glad it went well, but I was also glad to crawl into bed that night. **I was happy to be able to provide a completely gluten free meal (except for the rolls) since his wife has celiac as well!<br /><br />More time in the next few days was spent cleaning up my house from catering odds and ends, and taking down my tree and Christmas decorations. It seems that I have a lot more room in my house, and it was with a lot of sadness that I put everything in boxes. For some reason the Christmas season passed by more quickly than in other years. I realize that it was the same amount of days, but I'm saddened to realize that maybe I didn't spend enough time in ANTICIPATION during those days. Normally I am sick of the Christmas songs that are playing on the radio, in stores, etc...and in some ways have wished Christmas to come sooner in the past. That is also regrettable...maybe this "wanting more" feeling is better? Maybe I just won't put away all my Christmas music yet, and in that way prolong the Christmas season...after all, there IS snow on the ground...as long as I don't look at the calendar I should be ok!<br /><br />New Year's Eve Mom, Dad and I drove up to NE to spend time with my mom's family. We didn't get off as early as anticipated that morning, due to a mechanical problem with their vehicle. Instead, we spent time trying to fix the problem--all solutions for the problem led to the term "Redneck"... I had fun teasing Dad about what all of his neighbors would think of this! We finally decided just to take my vehicle, so I've now broken in my new Mitsubishi on a longish road trip. Driving through NE was beautiful! The drifts were HUGE, and the sculpting of snow by wind amazes me. The farm is always a special place for me. I love to spend time with my family there. We spend a lot of time laughing and teasing, playing games with each other, reading and relaxing, curled up next to the wood stove or fire place, eating good food, and just being with each other. I know that we were all glad that Heidi, Tim and Gustav were able to join us this year after 3 years of not being together. <br /><br />As always, the break seemed to slip by and I still have a list of things that I need to get accomplished. I'll just have to break it down and do one thing each night and get it done. Somehow I don't see that happening! :)<br /><br />I am beginning the process of admittance to Grad School for FALL 2010. Last fall I had researched different options, and had narrowed it down to either Fort Hays State, or Wichita State. Both offer online masters programs, which would work best for me. I can continue teaching and still take my classes. This morning I sent in my application for FHSU, and have been busy asking my director and coworkers to submit letters of recommendation for me. I need to spend some time over the next few days writing a letter of personal statement. If any of you have done this yourself, I'd welcome a copy to look over. Once that it all in place I need to start the scholarship process. My list of things "to do" won't be getting any smaller anytime soon!<br /><br />Happy New Year to all of you!<br />With love,<br />EricaSchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-77704058379667359632009-11-25T12:03:00.000-08:002009-11-25T13:00:58.755-08:00"New" recipesI've been baking again. This time I'm not really creating, but altering some well-loved recipes so that I can eat them.<br /><br />With the Thanksgiving and Christmas season come many memories of tastes I love. As the years go by, I'm sure that I'll have the chance to recreate many of the things I miss. For now I've tackled peppernuts and dill bread.<br /><br />My cousin Patrick, who was also recently diagnosed with celiac, called me about a month ago wondering about how to go about making peppernuts. Which flours should be used, etc... Peppernuts were not something that I had thought about yet, but when there is more than just me involved, I have more of a reason to start playing. Sometimes it seems like a waste to bake, since it is just me that will eat it all...so although it is something I love to do, it hasn't been a priority lately. Honestly, I'm thankful that Patrick has joined my "team" (and yes, I realize that is very selfish!)...I realize that it is probably a burden for him and for Abbe, but for me it means that there is someone I can call and talk to; someone I can brainstorm with and exchange thoughts and suggestions with; someone that misses the same things I do... It's actually very comforting for me.<br /><br />When he first called I made some suggestions on where to start for flour mixes. He called his Grandma Schmidt and got the anise Recipe he grew up with, while I focused on the Buller family recipe. One of the people I've met up with on this journey and befriended is Julie from the website <a href="http://mennonitegirlscancook.blogspot.com">Mennonite Girls Can Cook</a>. A fellow celiac, she shares her Mennonite recipes that have been altered to be gluten free. We've been teaming up to figure out a better version of zwiebach, but that has taken a backseat at this point. I figured that I should send an email off to Julie and see whether she had done anything with peppernuts before I tried reinventing the wheel. She hadn't, but was happy to help me as I tried to figure out what would work. She quickly came up with a recipe that would work, and sent it back to me. What followed was a wonderful experience! :) I tried making peppernuts with the flour mix that she suggested. As I mixed them up, I tasted between each addition to see how the dough changed. After the last addition I tasted again, and promptly threw the dough in the trash. While that sounds awful...the truth is that I've finally figured out what tastes so bad to me in gluten free baking and that makes me want to jump up and down and clap my hands. I've been baking for a year now, and I had never been able to determine what it was, but now I KNOW!!!! My mouth and stomach can not stand bean flours. I can not even describe what the taste does to me. I didn't want to completely abandon the idea though, so I tried to figure out what else I could use. What follows is my take on the original Buller recipe (with many thanks to Julie for her help! Her take on the recipe is on the MGCC website!). ***Disclaimer: I'm still fiddling with this recipe. When I baked them out, they became very flat, not the rounded ones I grew up with. The taste (which is most important!) is there though! :)<br /><br /><em><strong>Gluten Free Peppernuts</strong><br />1 1/2 cups brown sugar<br />1/2 cup butter, creamed<br />1 egg<br />2 rounded tsp. sour cream or plain yogurt<br /><br />Add:<br />1 cup sweet white sorghum flour<br />1/ cup teff flour<br />1/2 cup potato starch<br />1 rounded tsp. xanthan gum<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 tsp. cinnamon<br />1 tsp. baking powder<br />1/4 tsp. ginger<br />1/8 tsp. cloves<br />1/4 tsp. nutmeg<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />1/2 cup chopped nuts<br /><br />Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.</em><br /><br />Today I'm preparing for our annual family Thanksgiving celebration. With such a large family, it isn't fair to expect one person to do all the cooking, so for as long as I can remember, each family has contributed to the feast. As the cousins have grown up we've also started being responsible for different aspects of the meal. Since I've always loved baking I started volunteering to bring the bread for the day when Grandma B was no longer able to. Even with my celiac diagnosis I've continued to make the breads. Today I made 2 loaves of white bread and one loaf of gluten free bread. Last year I brought only "regular" breads, figuring that I wouldn't miss it with so much other food on the table. I wish that had been the case. This year I'm bringing bread so that I don't feel like I'm missing out on something. <br /><br />One of my favorite breads is Dill bread. When I was in college Carmen and Patrick's grandmother, Helen Schmidt, adopted me and invited me to all the family meals. This may sound strange to those of you who realize that I went to college less than 40 miles from where I grew up, but I've decided that a person can never have too many grandparents, too many cousins, too many family members.... At every meal I was invited to, Grandma Schmidt would have zwiebach and dill bread. I could never eat enough of the dill bread...slice after slice (and now I know just how bad that was for me!)... Grandma Schmidt is coming to our Buller Thanksgiving tomorrow. I can't wait to have her try my Gluten Free version of the bread she's made for so many meals! :)<br /><br /><em><strong>Gluten Free Dill Bread </strong>(original recipe from the More-with-Less Cookbook)<br /><br />Dissolve:<br />1 pkg. yeast (in the Pamela's Bread Mix)<br />1/4 cup warm water<br /><br />Combine in Mixing Bowl:<br />1 pkg Pamela's Bread Mix<br />2 t. dill seed<br />1/2 T. minced onion (if using dried minced onion, rehydrate before putting in)<br /><br />In measuring cup combine:<br />1 cup cottage cheese<br />2 eggs, beaten<br />1/4 cup oil<br />warm water to fill until 1 3/4 cup mark<br /><br />Stir well to combine. Let rice in greased bowl to double in size. Punch down. Put into a bread pan. Let rise again. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from pans and brush with melted margarine.<br /><br />**I also make this in the bread machine on the dough cycle if I need to be doing other things.</em>SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-190102756669352552009-11-11T10:06:00.000-08:002009-11-11T10:11:28.035-08:002 months flew byYes, yet again I have waited far too long to write a blog. It has been months between posts, and I’ve had many “friendly” reminders from several of you…<br /><br />Highlights of the past 2 months: Oktoberfest celebrated with the Huber’s and their friends; a QUICK trip to Seattle to attend the wedding of my cousin Patrick to his beautiful bride, Abbe; Taste of Autumn (wine tasting event out in the boonies—beautiful art strewn on the Kansas prairie, with tasting stations of appetizers paired with wines—always a good time with the friends I go with!); two, yes TWO, trips to see the musical WICKED while it was in Wichita; a garage sale at my house; as well as a wonderful overnight visit from my dear sister, brother-in-law, and nephew.<br /><br />There has been much more squeezed into days in between, but it consists of the activities that most would consider mundane.<br /><br />My last weeks at school have been very eventful. I’ve had a new student that came, and then left within a week. He has found a new school home, one that is much better suited to his needs. I can’t really tell much information about this situation, and certainly not on this blog, but I should say that his needs consumed all of every single day of last week. There are times that people ask why I chose the profession I did, and then further question me as to why I stay. Last week was one of the times that I questioned myself about that. The answers I keep coming back to are that these students need me, that I make a difference in their lives, and that not many others will spend that time with them and believe in them. I AM needed, even if I feel unappreciated.<br /><br />To top off my excellent week at school, I also made a large purchase. My car has slowly become less reliable (it’s served me so well!), and last week reached a point where a large sum of money would have to be paid to repair it. After many conversations with my father and others, I decided that I should probably start looking for a new car. On Saturday, Dad and I went to Wichita with the intentions of purchasing a new Suzuki. Our plans changed, and I ended up buying a used 09 Mitsubishi Galant. I was sad to say goodbye to my little Malibu (especially the sunroof!), but I have to admit I’m enjoying my new car. <br /><br />I’ve been spending much of my time lately in the kitchen. Last night I started a batch of Gluten Free Buller peppernuts. The first batch tasted awful and went in the trash. The second batch is now in the fridge waiting to be rolled out and baked tonight. I’m hopeful that they will end up close to what I remember. I also baked a loaf of Gluten Free cinnamon raisin bread last night, which made the house smell wonderful. Tonight will consist of baking 4 loaves of “regular” bread (2 white, and 2 with raisins/cinnamon), as well as starting soup preparations for the big shindig this weekend. I need to also start thinking about pies, and getting those prepared.<br /><br />In this time of preparation for Thanksgiving, and the Christmas season as well, I should say that I have much to be thankful for. Just a few days ago, the 1 year mark of when I had my thyroid surgery passed. It's hard to believe that it has been 1 year. It's been a year of major adjustments for me, but there has always been good that came from the changes in my life. I have SO much to be thankful for!<br /><br />Hoping to update soon with a new Gluten Free Peppernut recipe to share, as well as a few pictures.<br /><br />Love to all of you!SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-60528758238129490582009-08-25T19:51:00.000-07:002009-08-25T20:19:09.881-07:00PTL<strong>My sister makes fun of me for many things, but one of the things she has teased me about lately is my use of acronyms when chatting online with her. While my chatting and texting vocabulary is not as large as the average 8 year olds, it IS much larger than hers since she's been out of the country for 3 years now.. One of the latest I've learned is PTL, which a friend used on her facebook update. I had to ask to find out what she was actually saying, and since then I've seen it several more times, and the messages make so much more sense now! :)</strong><br /><br />PTL: The first week of school has passed. There were several bumps and bruises along the way, but I'm sure things will get ironed out in the next few weeks. This first week has left me very tired, and ready to go to bed at 4:00 when my day at school ends. I've also been doing several massages each Tues. and Thurs. evening, and on Saturdays. The juggling of the two jobs and my normal things around the house (mowing, laundry, dishes, etc...) have made me so tired that I haven't even attempted going to the pool. I'm still hopeful that I will be able to add that back in soon....<br /><br />PTL: My Dell computer arrived and several days ahead of schedule. I'm slowly loading the programs I use onto it, and spending some time playing and discovering what all I've got.<br /><br />PTL: Heidi and Tim have found a house, and will be moving their things in starting Thursday. This means the state wide storage rooms will be emptied, and all items will be happily joined together in Newton, not far from Shalom. I'm sure that much excitment and jubilation will be felt as Heidi and Tim unpack boxess and rediscover their long-lost belongings. <br /><br />PTL: Sunday's special music at church turned out much better than the fiasco it could have been. I'm so thankful that most in the congregation have/had no idea what all transpired. <br /><br />PTL: I've been blessed by my family who love and support me, who care about me, care for me when I need them, and laugh with me. I can't imagine a better family to be a part of. <br /><br />PTL: Good friendships make my life so much better. I was able to share dinner with several friends last night at my home, and our laughter until 10:30 last night has caried me through the day today. I've been graced with more friends than I can count, I have many more than "my fair share".<br /><br />Hopefully you've figured out what PTL stands for (or maybe you already knew!)...if not, try to use your context clues! :) I would love to hear what others come up with!SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-58997343332727692222009-08-14T20:28:00.000-07:002009-08-14T21:04:25.740-07:00The last few daysThe new school year has begun. So far I've had 3 days of inservice, next Monday will be a work day, and then the children start rushing through the doors on Tuesday. In the space of a week's time, my caseload has grown by 3 students, which is good and bad. With those students come some new personalities, and much more juggling of schedules, whether my own or planning my paraprofessional's. My classroom still looks pretty messy, but I'm hoping that everything will be in place by Monday at 4:00 when I send my paras home. <br /><br />We've also really begun to feel the economic stress of this year within our county and district. Budgets have been slashed, or are non-existent...we're all being lectured on money saving strategies and conserving resources...and we've been told to buckle down and prepare for the worst. Jobs (for this year at least) are protected...but we've been told to be thankful that we still have them. While things are bad for the special education cooperative that I work for, they are much worse in the district, and more specifically, for the regular education teacher. One of the smartest decisions I ever made was getting my special education degree. I am protected from so many things because of my SPED degree. I have no worries about ever losing my job, which is quite a relief! I also am assured of a quick hire if/when I go looking for a different job. The entire situation really hit home today when I was told by my principal that a para that we had already "hired" had really not been hired because they had decided not to fill the position. While I haven't talked to the director about this situation, I'm fairly certain that there simply is not enough money to hire to replace the para position. This is especially difficult, not only because of the loss of an additional set of hands and presence in the classroom, but because I consider the person that was "hired" to be a personal friend. This person had already gone to 2 days of inservice, and the principal then had to break the news that he really didn't have a job. <br /><br />Another frustration this week was the death of my laptop. While it was 6 years old, and basically obsolete I was hoping that I could eke out a few more months of service. Thankfully I took some time back in May to clean it off, and so I only lost a few conversations and documents. It could have been so much worse! I was so thankful that cousin Patrick was available to talk to me, and counsel me on whether I should try to repair it or trash it and buy a new one. After determining it was most likely the hard-drive, I quickly came to the conclusion (and Patrick agreed!) that a new computer was in my future. I would have liked to wait until October when there will be a new operating system available, but...I do use my computer all the time at home for working from home for SPED and massage and communication with family, friends and school matters... I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of my new Dell... I think I got a fairly good computer for not too much money--and I REALLY appreciate the Dell Educator Discount. Every little bit helps!<br /><br />This past week I've been spending much of my time gathering vegetables from friends and their gardens. I've canned green beans, several batches of salsa, homemade italian sauce, and cantaloupe. Yes! I said I canned cantaloupe! :) It is amazing! Maybe if you're lucky you'll get some for Christmas! Tonight I've started some dough for Whole Wheat Pizza mini crusts that will be finished off tomorrow, and I've baked a cherry coffee cake. <br /><br />Tomorrow brings two massages at the clinic, house cleaning, and the arrival of my Aunt Terri. Terri will be staying overnight with me, and then heading back to Nebraska after picking up a kitten for a friend. Mom, Dad, Heidi, Tim and Gustav will be joining Terri and me for supper tomorrow night, and I'm eager to spend time with all of them. My house desperately needs to be cleaned, and I'm hoping that it all gets done before Terri arrives!<br /><br />I believe the last time I wrote I mentioned that I would be getting an MRI to see whether there was a tumor on my pituitary gland. I went back to the doctor this week, and was happy to hear that there is no tumor! :) While I still don't have as much energy as I would like, I'm coming to the realization that this may just be something I have to live with. I am happy that most of my other side effects have been clearing up with the help of the medications that she has prescribed. I am hopeful that that continues. The real test will be next week when I head back to the pool in the mornings (or at least that is my intention!). I may have to ease into it. I know that I'll want to (and expect myself!) to be able to swim several miles at one time, and then head to school like I was doing last year, plus go back in the evenings and swim some more. I'll have to sit down and try to figure out a schedule of when I go, allowing for rest time, and easing into the longer amounts of swimming. I guess I'd rather do that than crash and burn...although I think I'll end up being very frustrated with myself.<br /><br />Love to all of you!SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-68333071164182898192009-07-30T06:33:00.001-07:002009-07-30T07:43:31.078-07:00Europe Pictures--in random order, sorry!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGwVEUQB0I/AAAAAAAAA0s/QRpzD4COvh4/s1600-h/Europe+053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGwVEUQB0I/AAAAAAAAA0s/QRpzD4COvh4/s320/Europe+053.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364262507157391170" /></a><br />Gustav enjoys nutella and peanut butter sandwiches on picnics. I think he really just enjoys licking the filling out. But then again, who wouldn't? :)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGwUzIvH_I/AAAAAAAAA0k/1kbDxAcW3Qg/s1600-h/Europe+052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGwUzIvH_I/AAAAAAAAA0k/1kbDxAcW3Qg/s320/Europe+052.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364262502545694706" /></a><br />Gustav loved splashing in the cool, clean lake!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGviQEBIcI/AAAAAAAAA0c/yMEqe-kpmr8/s1600-h/Europe+051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGviQEBIcI/AAAAAAAAA0c/yMEqe-kpmr8/s320/Europe+051.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364261634137203138" /></a><br />Heidi, Tim and Gustav<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGviIVT8iI/AAAAAAAAA0U/nsfcyWT4fGc/s1600-h/Europe+050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGviIVT8iI/AAAAAAAAA0U/nsfcyWT4fGc/s320/Europe+050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364261632062255650" /></a><br />Sister time.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGvhny72dI/AAAAAAAAA0M/9gWZEyJXk2Y/s1600-h/Europe+049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGvhny72dI/AAAAAAAAA0M/9gWZEyJXk2Y/s320/Europe+049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364261623328135634" /></a><br />Beautiful!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGvhC-M9lI/AAAAAAAAA0E/VeeQlSr7xfc/s1600-h/Europe+048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGvhC-M9lI/AAAAAAAAA0E/VeeQlSr7xfc/s320/Europe+048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364261613443282514" /></a><br />Evening at the lake our greatgreat grandfather fished in.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGvg07CTxI/AAAAAAAAAz8/PAxLa7mUyr0/s1600-h/Europe+047.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGvg07CTxI/AAAAAAAAAz8/PAxLa7mUyr0/s320/Europe+047.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364261609671905042" /></a><br />Kerstin, Gulvi and Willi<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGupQkM9MI/AAAAAAAAAz0/_A3Dxy38xII/s1600-h/Europe+046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGupQkM9MI/AAAAAAAAAz0/_A3Dxy38xII/s320/Europe+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364260655019652290" /></a><br />Tim and Gustav relaxing in the shade--Sweden was very warm while we were there!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGupBdeRPI/AAAAAAAAAzs/DmVtE3rsqJE/s1600-h/Europe+045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGupBdeRPI/AAAAAAAAAzs/DmVtE3rsqJE/s320/Europe+045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364260650964894962" /></a><br />Cousin Gulvi<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGuokxODiI/AAAAAAAAAzk/VirXXLbykGk/s1600-h/Europe+044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGuokxODiI/AAAAAAAAAzk/VirXXLbykGk/s320/Europe+044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364260643263090210" /></a><br />The cottage--it has no running water, so Willi and Gulvi have to lug it with them all the time.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGuodz_hiI/AAAAAAAAAzc/SrOBbl77gXs/s1600-h/Europe+043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGuodz_hiI/AAAAAAAAAzc/SrOBbl77gXs/s320/Europe+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364260641395672610" /></a><br />Willi got a workout pulling Gustav all over. They were very good friends!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGun_ROeAI/AAAAAAAAAzU/ikYn65PygEs/s1600-h/Europe+042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGun_ROeAI/AAAAAAAAAzU/ikYn65PygEs/s320/Europe+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364260633196787714" /></a><br />Exploring the property.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGta9zrnaI/AAAAAAAAAzM/sFIkJMu5OMQ/s1600-h/Europe+041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGta9zrnaI/AAAAAAAAAzM/sFIkJMu5OMQ/s320/Europe+041.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364259309954506146" /></a><br />Cousins Gulvi and Willi's land and cottage.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtaXzoiaI/AAAAAAAAAzE/E4DTSi5hXBU/s1600-h/Europe+040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtaXzoiaI/AAAAAAAAAzE/E4DTSi5hXBU/s320/Europe+040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364259299753757090" /></a><br />Oversized and undersized--we had lots of fun climbing on these at Astrid Lindgren World.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtaL69jmI/AAAAAAAAAy8/TZ3O5wVFMSc/s1600-h/Europe+039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtaL69jmI/AAAAAAAAAy8/TZ3O5wVFMSc/s320/Europe+039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364259296563269218" /></a><br />Gustav's throne.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtZ8kJfDI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xTlLEiDcxbQ/s1600-h/Europe+038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtZ8kJfDI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xTlLEiDcxbQ/s320/Europe+038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364259292441050162" /></a><br />Playing in the rock fountains.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtZftMwXI/AAAAAAAAAys/tfFVJPxzEfs/s1600-h/Europe+037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGtZftMwXI/AAAAAAAAAys/tfFVJPxzEfs/s320/Europe+037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364259284694385010" /></a><br />It took Gustav awhile to figure out what was happening, but once he did, he didn't want to leave.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsDDEz-VI/AAAAAAAAAyk/1GYgoKxWo5k/s1600-h/Europe+036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsDDEz-VI/AAAAAAAAAyk/1GYgoKxWo5k/s320/Europe+036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364257799540046162" /></a><br />Heidi and Tim discussing the very "American" never ending drinks with your meals at Astrid Lindgren World--this included lingonberry juice and BEER! What a great place!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsC_jB27I/AAAAAAAAAyc/FtW5uAJBKGE/s1600-h/Europe+035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsC_jB27I/AAAAAAAAAyc/FtW5uAJBKGE/s320/Europe+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364257798593043378" /></a><br />Drinking Lingonberry juice with dinner. Yum! :)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsCstl1II/AAAAAAAAAyU/K7xs2T9kBlQ/s1600-h/Europe+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsCstl1II/AAAAAAAAAyU/K7xs2T9kBlQ/s320/Europe+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364257793537070210" /></a><br />Our Swedish family at the cottage.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsCVaY8aI/AAAAAAAAAyM/8P8og3pJYbQ/s1600-h/Europe+033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsCVaY8aI/AAAAAAAAAyM/8P8og3pJYbQ/s320/Europe+033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364257787282518434" /></a><br />Gustav rearranging the furniture at the little houses at Astrid Lindgren World--he loved to move the tables and chairs around.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsCCG941I/AAAAAAAAAyE/VQnmxVoY05g/s1600-h/Europe+032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGsCCG941I/AAAAAAAAAyE/VQnmxVoY05g/s320/Europe+032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364257782100779858" /></a><br />Playing at Astrid Lindgren World--the houses were more Gustav sized than Erica sized.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqk58da4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/BzxZkGOAycM/s1600-h/Europe+031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqk58da4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/BzxZkGOAycM/s320/Europe+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256182181391234" /></a><br />Exploring the area around the fish smoker.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqkdxg-JI/AAAAAAAAAx0/8U10rtiM24w/s1600-h/Europe+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqkdxg-JI/AAAAAAAAAx0/8U10rtiM24w/s320/Europe+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256174619293842" /></a><br />Sampling the finished product--Gustav was a big fan.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqkJl57PI/AAAAAAAAAxs/V568ucQbAfU/s1600-h/Europe+029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqkJl57PI/AAAAAAAAAxs/V568ucQbAfU/s320/Europe+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256169201888498" /></a><br />Finished product--salmon, eel and trout.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqj2W36dI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4XYGaFWcG7w/s1600-h/Europe+028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqj2W36dI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4XYGaFWcG7w/s320/Europe+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256164038568402" /></a><br />Talking about spices used to flavor the fish and how to package it.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqjkO23HI/AAAAAAAAAxc/cgWkYRzA0iA/s1600-h/Europe+027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGqjkO23HI/AAAAAAAAAxc/cgWkYRzA0iA/s320/Europe+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256159173106802" /></a><br />Fish smoker describing the history of the place and the smoking process.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpU-I7EYI/AAAAAAAAAxU/-SD4woVkV90/s1600-h/Europe+026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpU-I7EYI/AAAAAAAAAxU/-SD4woVkV90/s320/Europe+026.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254808917873026" /></a><br />Raw fish getting ready for the smoker.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpUinHZiI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Y4v8p7Z0zqE/s1600-h/Europe+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpUinHZiI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Y4v8p7Z0zqE/s320/Europe+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254801528317474" /></a><br />Cousin Anders, our tour leader.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpUf_A4PI/AAAAAAAAAxE/mL5qZtvCLRQ/s1600-h/Europe+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpUf_A4PI/AAAAAAAAAxE/mL5qZtvCLRQ/s320/Europe+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254800823247090" /></a><br />On the sea at the fish smoker. Cousin Kerstin, Heidi and Gustav.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpT-_2ebI/AAAAAAAAAw8/e5oFT0460BY/s1600-h/Europe+023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpT-_2ebI/AAAAAAAAAw8/e5oFT0460BY/s320/Europe+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254791968389554" /></a><br />Partially packed vehicle--no where near done, and so much more to find places for.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpTi2ScbI/AAAAAAAAAw0/xvFt2k0PkFI/s1600-h/Europe+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGpTi2ScbI/AAAAAAAAAw0/xvFt2k0PkFI/s320/Europe+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254784412086706" /></a><br />Gustav and Heidi relaxing.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmsWPJRrI/AAAAAAAAAws/feWXcQ0f4C8/s1600-h/Europe+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmsWPJRrI/AAAAAAAAAws/feWXcQ0f4C8/s320/Europe+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364251911988528818" /></a><br />My baby "sister" Eliane.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmsHRh2LI/AAAAAAAAAwk/Wr2jeaz4IkI/s1600-h/Europe+020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmsHRh2LI/AAAAAAAAAwk/Wr2jeaz4IkI/s320/Europe+020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364251907971995826" /></a><br />Goodbye gifts from the Hausgemeinshaft.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmruhJMoI/AAAAAAAAAwc/xqCU4CQdICs/s1600-h/Europe+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmruhJMoI/AAAAAAAAAwc/xqCU4CQdICs/s320/Europe+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364251901326602882" /></a><br />Fun in the kitchen while cleaning up the party.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmrf6B6LI/AAAAAAAAAwU/ES5kkQcAwyM/s1600-h/Europe+018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmrf6B6LI/AAAAAAAAAwU/ES5kkQcAwyM/s320/Europe+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364251897404450994" /></a><br />Kristin and Eliane--so glad I got to see both of them, and I really wish they lived closer to us!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmq8XH4HI/AAAAAAAAAwM/Cv07jlqn3d0/s1600-h/Europe+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGmq8XH4HI/AAAAAAAAAwM/Cv07jlqn3d0/s320/Europe+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364251887862800498" /></a><br />Laughing at some story Heidi and Kristin were telling.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkz6dNz7I/AAAAAAAAAwE/WdA35MQ2Svo/s1600-h/Europe+016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkz6dNz7I/AAAAAAAAAwE/WdA35MQ2Svo/s320/Europe+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249842947051442" /></a><br />The church sending and farewell service for Heidi, Tim and Gustav.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkznmiP7I/AAAAAAAAAv8/MmItM6bgfHE/s1600-h/Europe+015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkznmiP7I/AAAAAAAAAv8/MmItM6bgfHE/s320/Europe+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249837885865906" /></a><br />Gustav loves taco salad, enough so that he grabbed a chair and hoisted himself up to the table to eat out of the bowl at the farewell party. Either that, or we weren't feeding him enough.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkzVaXbDI/AAAAAAAAAv0/mK0_D9OC9fs/s1600-h/Europe+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkzVaXbDI/AAAAAAAAAv0/mK0_D9OC9fs/s320/Europe+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249833002986546" /></a><br />Kristin and Heidi making caramel corn. Very sticky, and much discussion over which is the best way to eat caramel corn--crunchy bits or sticky balls? We all have our favorites! :)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkyy3BoxI/AAAAAAAAAvs/uEh0PzHrZ_g/s1600-h/Europe+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkyy3BoxI/AAAAAAAAAvs/uEh0PzHrZ_g/s320/Europe+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249823727952658" /></a><br />Tim was in charge of beverages for the party, and this is only a portion of what was purchased. I think he did an excellent job of calculating how much to buy. I would have loved to try the beers he bought, they certainly looked and smelled good!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkye1vuBI/AAAAAAAAAvk/oLmr9fj-J5g/s1600-h/Europe+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGkye1vuBI/AAAAAAAAAvk/oLmr9fj-J5g/s320/Europe+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249818353874962" /></a><br />Gustav loves to observe from his window and watch the people who reside in the Hausgemeinshaft. And, of course, everything is much better if you're doing it naked, right?!? :)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjVr-QamI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Q8L2zj-QptA/s1600-h/Europe+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjVr-QamI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Q8L2zj-QptA/s320/Europe+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248224151399010" /></a><br />Gustav "helping" Kristin roll out cinnamon roll dough. I'm not sure who ate more dough...Kristin or Gustav. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjVbBTQbI/AAAAAAAAAvU/ar3b0yzt0F0/s1600-h/Europe+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjVbBTQbI/AAAAAAAAAvU/ar3b0yzt0F0/s320/Europe+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248219600765362" /></a><br />Eating the dough...not sure she did this before meeting Heidi and picking up a "bad" habit.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjVKkMPSI/AAAAAAAAAvM/j96_4RBackg/s1600-h/Europe+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjVKkMPSI/AAAAAAAAAvM/j96_4RBackg/s320/Europe+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248215183703330" /></a><br />Bedtime stories for Gustav and Kristin.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjUt1YxWI/AAAAAAAAAvE/aVnVqvqZDM0/s1600-h/Europe+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjUt1YxWI/AAAAAAAAAvE/aVnVqvqZDM0/s320/Europe+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248207471199586" /></a><br />Cooking with Gustav, he's always very eager to help and sample.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjUE7mL1I/AAAAAAAAAu8/1Dpc3BJB9nw/s1600-h/Europe+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGjUE7mL1I/AAAAAAAAAu8/1Dpc3BJB9nw/s320/Europe+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248196491390802" /></a><br />Gustav's bathtime. He loves playing in the water, and has changed quite a bit from that first bath I witnessed so long ago. No more screaming! :)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGh0oXj5kI/AAAAAAAAAu0/jDMa1reTHMQ/s1600-h/Europe+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGh0oXj5kI/AAAAAAAAAu0/jDMa1reTHMQ/s320/Europe+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364246556736480834" /></a><br />Kristin and I relaxing in the shade, enjoying fresh strawberries and currants while watching Gustav run naked in the sun!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGh0AnxeEI/AAAAAAAAAus/FaH1NVMrTs8/s1600-h/Europe+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGh0AnxeEI/AAAAAAAAAus/FaH1NVMrTs8/s320/Europe+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364246546067060802" /></a><br />Gustav waving "Tschuss" before heading to bed.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGhztdCG0I/AAAAAAAAAuk/Q79TI7ZBVIQ/s1600-h/Europe+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGhztdCG0I/AAAAAAAAAuk/Q79TI7ZBVIQ/s320/Europe+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364246540921740098" /></a><br />Setting up the grill for the big farewell party.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGhzYFCNHI/AAAAAAAAAuc/YXHiYihhetI/s1600-h/Europe+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGhzYFCNHI/AAAAAAAAAuc/YXHiYihhetI/s320/Europe+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364246535183938674" /></a><br />Eliane at the farewell party.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGhzBxZ7iI/AAAAAAAAAuU/crSzTQrTlsQ/s1600-h/Europe+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/SnGhzBxZ7iI/AAAAAAAAAuU/crSzTQrTlsQ/s320/Europe+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364246529196027426" /></a><br />Heidi "sleeping" in Gustav's bed...I think this was an attempt to quiet a tantrum. :)SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-54302131336288606252009-07-29T20:46:00.000-07:002009-07-29T20:48:09.975-07:00Everything...So it’s been several weeks, err…maybe even months…, since my last post. During that time I’ve crammed as much in as possible, and it feels like I need to stop to catch my breath and recover before I head back to school.<br /><br />My last post talked about how I was leaving the country to spend some time with Heidi, Tim and Gustav. I had a wonderful trip, and loved the time we spent together. I started the trip by travelling to Frankfurt, Germany and staying with them while they finished up the last week of work. Gustav and I had some good one-on-one bonding time while Tim and Heidi put in their last hours at their respective jobs. One of my favorite times of the entire trip was the Farewell Party that Heidi and Tim threw for themselves (odd custom, if you ask me…). It was a wonderful time of fellowship with good friends—sad goodbyes and happy stories were shared. A highlight for me was seeing our former exchange student, Eliane, and spending time with her and another friend in the kitchen. One of our good friends, Kristin, flew in from the Canary Islands to surprise them. While it provided some additional stress for Heidi beforehand (she knew there would be a visitor, but didn’t know WHO), once she saw Kristin, I think all that stress evaporated and she had a great time enjoying the time we could spend together. Heidi, Gustav, Kristin and I all spent time baking “American” treats like cinnamon rolls, and caramel popcorn, and there was plenty of time spent gabbing and telling stories. We spent the last day packing up their belongings and figuring out how they would fit in the vehicle we had rented. We then headed to Hamburg and an overnight visit with our dear friends Reinhold and Gertraud Mesterharm. It had been several years since I had seen them, and it was good to spend a supper catching up with them. Hopefully I will be able to see them again, and much sooner than the many years that have passed between my visits. After Hamburg we headed through Denmark with Sweden as our destination. We had a wonderful drive—rainy until we hit the border of Denmark and Germany and then the sun broke through. It was a beautiful drive, and plenty of country that I had never seen before. We were eager to arrive at our cousin’s house in Vimmerby, Sweden. We had a wonderful visit with Lund’s, spending time at their home relaxing, visiting Pippi Longstocking World, area shops, a fish smoker along the coast,a day spent at a family cottage eating, laughing and playing and wading in a beautiful lake in the evening. Our time in Vimmerby passed much too quickly, and I’m looking forward to a time I can go back again. We left Vimmerby and headed to Stockholm for several days sightseeing there before returning home to Kansas. Favorite spot in Stockholm has to be the Vasa museum, and it was nice to be able to go back and visit again when I’m a bit older and maybe more attentive? I also enjoyed visiting the marketplace and just soaking up the culture and people. <br /> <br />We returned the rental car (and had to deal with 2 parking tickets we had received along the way), and then started the battle with plane tickets and luggage. I’m glad we got their early and were at the beginning of the line. Many plane rides later, we finally arrived in Wichita and retrieved our luggage. The only thing that was missing was the stroller, and Tim made arrangements so that would be delivered the next day. We headed back to Hesston and much needed rest. The next day we spent relaxing and hosting a Welcome Back/4th of July party for the Buller and Huber relatives. I loved exposing Gustav to the fireworks—he had no fear and was very good at “helping” me. He especially loved throwing the little snappers and then stepping on them to make them pop. He still is trying to stamp things out when we play together…<br /><br />Since getting back from my travels, I’ve been working at the massage clinic and spending lots of time with friends. I’ve been teaching summer school in the mornings (last week, this week, and next week) and then working in the afternoons at the clinic. Yesterday my cousin Carmen hosted a spa party, so I packed up my table and headed to Wichita. After teaching summer school in the morning, and then doing 6 massages in the afternoon, I was pooped by the time I got home. It was a good time, and I enjoyed catching up with people I hadn’t seen in awhile.<br /><br />Last Friday, after I got done with summer school, I drove to Hesston and Mom, Dad and I piled into the car and headed to Denver. We stayed with Buller cousin Anthony and his wife Farrell, and attended Johnson cousin Eric and Anna’s wedding in Aurora. It was nice to see both sides of my family—and most importantly, family members I don’t normally see. Anthony and Farrell were wonderful hosts, and made us feel very welcome. On Sat. morning before the wedding, we headed to Boulder and some special shopping for me. We hit Whole Foods, and I found several new and exciting Gluten Free goodies. My biggest excitement is the GF bread by Udi’s. It toasts and holds together like real bread! The texture AND taste are great! We also went to a farmer’s market, and I bought several loaves of Aunt Kay’s breads—she makes wonderful breakfast breads like lemon poppyseed, chocolate zucchini, and cinnamon struesel coffee cake. Pricy, but worth every penny! Even my dad liked it, which means it really had to be good! We spent some time at a local lake, and then headed home to get ready for the wedding. In the evening we were hosted for a picnic like supper, and it was good to get to know Anna’s family, and interact with my own family members.<br /><br />In other news, I went back to the doctor on Monday. She had ordered some more lab work, and so we talked about that. My thyroid level is being over-replaced, so we are going to alternated 2 different levels of the medication to see whether that makes it better. My prolactin level is also fluctuating, and the labwork wasn’t clear as to what that means. While some fluctuation of prolactin is normal, it depends on the day and activities, the fact that it is not within the normal limit on either of my last 2 labs means that something else could be going on. She has ordered an MRI of my pituitary gland, because there is a possibility that I have a tumor that is making the levels fluctuate. I’ll have that done next Tuesday, and then I’ll go back for another followup appointment on the 11th. If the tumor is what is going on, that could also explain the elevated DHEA levels, which means I may not have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome…. Who knows at this point what is going on. I am happy to know that I am finally in good hands and with someone who will help me get to the bottom of it.<br /><br />After next week, I have about 2 “free” days (which are already filling up with appointments, and things “to-do”) before I start back to school and full-time responsibilities there. My summer has flown by…<br /><br />I’ve been meaning to post pictures from the trip, but I think that will have to be a post unto itself.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-14026526029883232272009-06-14T11:32:00.000-07:002009-06-14T11:48:24.247-07:00I'm leaving...on a jet plane...don't know when I'll be back again...Tomorrow morning, at 10:15 a.m., I'll be leaving to go and visit Heidi, Tim and Gustav. My bags are packed (at least for the most part, there are a few items still getting done in the laundry)...and I'm eager to spend some time with my loved ones. <br /><br />I'm looking forward to the time we'll spend together. It will be a time for Heidi and Tim to say goodbye to their friends and coworkers, and so I anticipate some sadness. It has been 3 years, and they have made many close friendships. It will also be a time of great happiness (at least I hope!) as I know there are a few surprises planned. As much as Heidi loves to plan surprises, she isn't the best recipient of them... :) How I'm enjoying being on the other end of the surprise and watching her squirm! <br /><br />I'll be spending some quality time with Gustav while Heidi and Tim finish up their jobs these coming weeks. I'm eager to get to know Gustav again, and spend some good time bonding with him. I haven't seen him since they were visiting at Spring Break time, over a year ago now. I'm hoping the weather cooperates, and we'll be able to do some time playing outdoors, and exploring Bammental together. I'm sure I'll be feeling as though I'm back in Munich and my nanny days...although I'll be a kid short now and won't have to do quite as much grocery shopping probably!<br /><br />We're renting a car, and driving from Bammental to Hamburg, spending an evening with our dear friends, the Mesterharms, and then heading for Sweden. At this point, we're still uncertain as to what our route will be (and I'm getting a bit anxious about this, since I'm the primary driver) but I'm sure that between the 3 of us and the GPS we'll get there. The uncertainty lies in which ferries/bridges we'll be taking, and how long the trip will actually be. We'll be staying with relatives in Sweden for a few days, and then heading to Stockholm and a youth hostel for the final days before returning to the States on July 3rd. I'm looking forward to visiting the Vasa museum again, and looking for some more crystal to add to my collection. <br /><br />For some of you who have been reading my blog for awhile, you will remember that I invited all of you to my little house in Marion to celebrate "The Dirty 3rd in the Dirty South"--a celebration started many years ago by a group of bachelors that lived down the street that has since grown to gigantic proportions even though the bachelors have moved on--much partying and a fantastic fireworks show. Since I will be traveling home to the US on the 3rd, I will have to rescind my invitation for this year, although I'd be happy to have all of you next year on the 3rd of July at my house. I suppose you can still show up and use my driveway (as I'm sure plenty of other people will be, although please pick up your beer cans after yourself! ;) ) I just won't be able to be there to host and enjoy your company.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-81662087794757668912009-06-02T17:30:00.000-07:002009-06-02T18:24:56.097-07:00ResultsAfter several hours working for my parents today (I stained trim and closet doors, as well as did some painting in their guest room in preparation for putting wallpaper up in a few days) I went to a follow-up appointment with Dr. Herbel this afternoon.<br /><br />Since the last time I wrote about all of this, I have tried to focus on the many other parts that my life consists of, in an attempt not to get as upset about it all. As today got closer and closer, it was harder for me not to think about it and let the worry creep in.<br /><br />My doctor appointment today brought a few more answers, but also a new round of questions. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome still seems to be where we're heading for a diagnosis, but since it is a syndrome, instead of a disease, there is no test that says "yes, you have it" or "no, you don't". I have many of the symptoms, and the diagnosis "fits".<br /><br />After the last visit, Dr. Herbel ordered another round of tests, plus a sonogram. The sonogram shows that I have cysts on both of my ovaries. And one of the lab tests shows that I have elevated prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin could indicate that my thyroid level is still not regulated as well as it should be (although, it is testing in the "normal" range right now), or it could mean that I have a tumor on my pituitary gland. <br /><br />Dr. Herbel has adjusted my thyroid medication again, as well as prescribed two more medications to take. I'll be starting Metformin and Spironolactone in the coming days, and I'm hoping that these will help alleviate some of nasty symptoms I'm suffering from. I'll have more blood work in 7 weeks, and then go back for another appointment in 8 weeks. <br /><br />I leave on the 15th to go to Germany to visit Heidi, Tim and Gustav. We'll be packing up their belongings, saying goodbyes, and then doing some traveling in Sweden. Some of these drugs have some side effects, and so I'm a little worried about it all. I'm sure that it will all end up being ok, and that I'm worrying for nothing... What I'm actually most worried about is being able to eat gluten free as much as possible while traveling. I've decided that all I can do is avoid what I can, and there may be times that it is unavoidable and I will eat gluten because there are no other options. I've also decided that there are a few things that I WILL eat while I'm there--like REAL pizza, wiener schnitzel, etc... I'll have to pack some extra migraine drugs...SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-2686472603876241382009-05-25T09:25:00.000-07:002009-05-25T10:03:17.705-07:00ZwiebachWhile surfing the net last night I stumbled across a new blog (Mennonite Girls Can Cook). I've got several blogs that I check consistently, and this will be added to the list. This blog is a group of several women who all contribute recipes and stories, and many of them keep of blogs of their own. What brought me to the site was a reference on another blog to a Verenika recipe that was posted. One of the contributors also has Celiac...and I'm eager to try her variations of traditional Mennonite recipes. When is the next time the Buller's are getting together for Verenika?!? I'm prepared now! :) Thanks Julie!<br /><br />One of the things I've missed the most is eating bread at family gatherings. Grandma Buller was known far and wide for her baking (being a cook at the school helped with this, I'm sure!), and her speciality was zwiebach. We were always eager to fill up on her zwiebach whenever we gathered as a family. In the past years she hasn't been able to bake, and so I tried to fill her role... Because of my love of baking, at each family dinner I volunteer to bring the bread as my contribution. Even with my celiac diagnosis, I enjoy baking bread, and I continue to bring it whenever we get together. <br /><br />Last night, after finding the new website, I eagerly shot off an email to Julie, the contributor that also has celiac. I hoped that she had tried to make zwiebach, and if so that she would be willing to share her recipe. This morning I awoke to her reply. She hasn't made zwiebach, but will soon post a recipe for rollkuchen. <br /><br />As I had the day off today to celebrate Memorial Day, and since I had zwiebach on the brain, I decided to try my hand at making them gluten free. I used Grandma Buller's recipe, only cutting it in 1/2 and substituting Pamela's Products Bread Mix. While the texture isn't quite the same (not as light and fluffy as white bread flour would make them), they do taste good, especially with the homemade rhubarb jam I had in the pantry. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/ShrNHqNWVDI/AAAAAAAAAsU/iY61F6Lh4XQ/s1600-h/P5240345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynnYkuIoBCI/ShrNHqNWVDI/AAAAAAAAAsU/iY61F6Lh4XQ/s320/P5240345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339805839674201138" /></a><br /><br />Gluten Free Zwiebach<br />1 1/4 cup milk, scalded<br />3 TB sugar<br />1 TB yeast (I just used the yeast packet in the bread mix)<br />6 T. melted shortening <br />1 egg<br />1 tsp. salt<br />4 cups Pamela's Bread Mix (one bag)<br /><br />**Next time I will add some xantham gum to the mix to see if that helps with the elasticity.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-41983346635708505152009-05-07T17:42:00.000-07:002009-05-07T18:53:06.063-07:00Black and Whiteor a whole 'lotta gray...<br /><br />It's been a month since I last wrote... There are the normal excuses of work and responsibilities, and the fact that my life just isn't all that interesting...but the truth would be that it is mostly because I've been unsure of what to write. <br /><br />This past year has been full of drama, or at least it has felt like that to me. The culmination of which was my surgery in November. I thought that with the removal of the mass that had grown intertwined with my vocal chords and with the news that the growth was non-cancerous; my life would get back to normal. Then came the news that some, if not all, of my health problems of the past years could be tied to that evil thing—gluten. It was with relief and a good amount of happiness (at least on most days) that I traded the gluten for being migraine free. I thought that with time and the proper amounts of medication my thyroid hormones would become more normal, and I would start to feel better.<br /><br />Time has certainly passed, and with it my patience and understanding with the medical profession. I was still having nagging symptoms, things that “should” have been cleared up with my surgery and with the correct amounts of thyroid medication. Since I was getting no where and just getting more and more frustrated, I took it upon myself to seek a second opinion. I was finally able to get in to see the Endocrinologist 3 weeks ago.<br /><br />With all the doctors I went to through the years for my migraines, I’ve become disillusioned with the medical profession. I know there are many doctors out there who care about their patients, and truly listen. I do know that because of insurance companies and legal requirements, many doctors are frustrated with their own profession and feel that their hands are tied and that they are unable to provide the care that their patients need. With all that being said, I’m afraid that I haven’t had the chance to meet many of those doctors, the ones that actually care about their patients. Instead my experiences have been more likely to include a few minutes of face time with a physician who doesn’t make eye contact, and a quickly written new prescription to try that will have horrible side effects. No attempt at listening or discovering what the root problem might be. One more patient in and out of the office… And I end up feeling like a lab rat, as my body struggles to adjust to everything I’m being asked to put into it.<br /><br />It was with hope and more than a little fear that I made that appointment. To start the process over with a new doctor, reviewing my entire medical history and current complaints… How would the appointment go? Would I be brushed off…sent home with yet another prescription…or worse yet told that I was exaggerating my symptoms and that I should just learn to live with how I’m feeling… <br /><br />I am so thankful to say that I’ve found one of those doctors that I’ve always known is out there, but have not had the opportunity to work with on many occasions. Dr. Herbel took the time to LISTEN to me… She took copious notes… She asked good questions, and asked me to describe what was actually happening and how I FELT… She cried when I cried… She EXPLAINED and answered all of my questions… She was not intimidated by the fact that I read about and try to understand what is happening in my body… She is AMAZING. At the end of it, the only things she had done was change me to Synthroid instead of generic (and she took the time to explain why no one should take generic thyroid medications), and ordered a full round of lab tests.<br /><br />6 vials of blood and 3 weeks later, I’ve had my second appointment with her. Being the person I am, I took the time to read about the tests she ordered, and what the lab work could indicate. Sometimes it is better to be oblivious, and this may have been the case with this as well. I’ve spent the last 3 weeks thinking about the things I’ve read, and what might be happening in my body. Some of the things, frankly, have scared me. But I keep telling myself that I shouldn’t worry until I’ve talked with Dr. Herbel about it all and found out what the tests actually say.<br /><br />I’m still operating in the gray area. I have to say that I am happy that I had read about the tests, as uneasy as it made me in the last weeks. If I hadn’t learned about them, I wouldn’t have been prepared with questions, and I think I would have been more upset with the news today. From what my lab work says (elevated DHEA-Sulfate level) Dr. Herbel thinks that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. She has ordered another round of lab work (I’ll do that tomorrow), as well as a sonogram (which will be Monday). With the symptoms I’ve got though, it is a good chance that this is my answer.<br /><br />All of those thoughts that caused worry these past weeks have been going through my mind again as I drove home from Newton, and now as I sit and type. There are many things that I hope and dream for my future, and other things that I’ve put on hold until it is the right time in my life. With this diagnosis comes the reality that those things may not happen for me. Again, I was thankful that I had read about all this, and had come prepared with possible questions. Dr. Herbel calmly answered my queries, and I left with optimism that there is possible treatment to help with the symptoms, as well as hope for those dreams I’ve got.<br /><br />It is another 3 weeks until I can go back to Dr. Herbel, and I’m anticipating that my gray space will become more black and white at that time. Until then, it will be a mad-dash to the end of school year. My life will be busy, and I’ll go about it as I usually do—trying to cram as much in as possible.<br /><br />Much love to all of you!<br />EricaSchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-65714389686100360102009-04-06T06:46:00.000-07:002009-04-06T08:21:52.657-07:00RecipesAs time goes by, I'm gradually changing my favorite recipes to accommodate my new diet. The truth is, as a single person, I don't have many occasions to cook and create my favorite meals, so this is taking longer than I would have thought. I'm including a couple of the recipes I've recently revamped so that when I go visit friends and family they'll have something to work with!<br /><br /><strong>Swedish Pancakes</strong> <em>(probably my number 1 comfort food!)</em><br />3/4 cup Featherlight mix<br />1 cup milk<br />3 eggs<br />melted butter<br />sugar<br />pinch salt<br /><br />I like mine with more butter and powdered sugar sprinkled on top, or with berry syrup. Other family members prefer pancake syrup.<br /><br /><strong>Cream of Chicken Soup Mix</strong> <em>(one of the things I quickly discovered is that almost ALL canned soups have flour in them!)</em><br />2 cups dry milk<br />3/4 cup cornstarch<br />1/4 cup chicken bouillon (make sure this is Gluten Free--I use Herbox brand)<br />2 T. onion flakes<br />1 tsp. basil<br />1 tsp. thyme<br />1/2 tsp. pepper<br /><br />Mix 1/3 cup mix to 1 cup water. If you want more pronounced chicken flavor, use chicken broth in place of the water. 1/3 cup mix is equal to one can of cream of chicken soup. Add chopped mushrooms to make cream of mushroom soup. **This is much cheaper and lower in fat than the actual canned soup!<br />______________________________________________________<br />In other news, I'm still having trouble regulating my thyroid medication. I've become very frustrated with how my appointments have gone with Dr. Cranston, and the general lack of attention I'm getting while I'm feeling so crummy. The awful side effects continue, and I feel like I'm not getting any real attention or help with trying to figure out what to do. I've made an appointment with an Endocrinologist for April 15 (that is the soonest I can get in, and I made the appointment almost 2 weeks ago now!). I'm hopeful that she'll listen and help me find a good balance. I'm feeling worse now than I did before the surgery, if that tells you anything, and it's very frustrating feeling as though I have to fight the medical community in order to be heard and taken seriously. <br /><br />This week my 4th graders are completing the reading and math state tests. It will be a full week, and we're all eager for Easter break. My body is getting very run down between working at the school, and at the massage clinic, as well as the other activities I'm responsible for and I definitely need some down time to recuperate. I'm looking forward to spending some time at my little home, but also seeing friends and family and celebrating Christ's resurrection.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-13244874334783553872009-03-28T15:06:00.000-07:002009-03-28T15:28:45.764-07:00Drip, drop, drip, dropThe sun has come out, and is beginning to melt some of the snow that has accumulated since yesterday afternoon. The icicles on the sides of the house are releasing, and plummeting to the ground. The weather lately has been crazy--shorts and sandals weather earlier in the week, and turning to blizzard yesterday. We started with rain, and dropping temperatures, which turned to ice pellets yesterday afternoon, then ice pellets and snow, and then snow in the evening, throughout the night and into this morning. We did get dismissed from school at 1:15, so it has been nice to have a bit of extra time at home.<br /><br />I was supposed to have 2 massage appointments this morning, but both were cancelled (of course only AFTER I had woken up early and gotten ready!). Instead, I've spent the day in my house, bumming around. I did go outside long enough to shovel the driveway (it felt like we had 12 feet of snow, but I'm pretty sure it may only be about 6-8 inches). The only part that isn't cleared now is the very end--and I'm just going to say 'no' to that...the wonderful city guys have created a mountain at the edge of my drive from clearing streets--I'm hopeful that it will melt soon. I also had to make a path to the rabbits this morning, as the back door was frozen shut from the rain, and drifted snow. <br /><br />I've got a pile of laundry that needs to be folded, but instead I'm planning on sitting on the couch for awhile, posting this blog, and possibly starting a Netflix movie. There is always tomorrow (church has been cancelled), so the laundry can wait until then. Right now I've got a batch of meatballs baking in the oven, so the house is starting to smell really good. I'll include the recipe (maybe Heidi and Tim can make these for the hausgemeinschaft? It makes a BIG recipe!). This is adapted from a friend's recipe...I think I'll throw a potato in the oven too and have that too. <br /><br /><strong>BBQ Meatballs<br />3 1/2 lbs hamburger<br />1 (13 oz) can Carnation milk<br />2 cups oats (Gluten free, please!!! Bob's Red Mill is the brand I used)<br />2 eggs<br />2 t. salt<br />1/2 t. garlic powder<br />1/2 t. pepper<br />2 chopped onions<br />2 T. chili powder</strong><br /><em>Mix the above ingredients and shape into meatball shape (you could also bake as a meatloaf, or individual meat loaves in muffin tins) and put into a 9x13 pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for one hour. While they are baking, make the BBQ sauce. After 20-30 minutes pour off some of the grease in the pan, and then pour the BBQ sauce over. Try to bake them at least 30 minutes with the BBQ sauce on them so that they have good flavor. **These can be made ahead and frozen without the BBQ sauce. Then you'll need to bake them about 1 1/2 hours.</em><br /><br /><strong>BBQ Sauce<br />2 cups catsup<br />1 t. garlic salt<br />1 onion, chopped<br />2 TBSP liquid smoke<br />2 cups brown sugar</strong><br /><br /><em>Mix the sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Pour over the meatballs after getting rid of some of the grease. </em>SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30008002.post-83170517041511975082009-03-11T21:04:00.000-07:002009-03-11T21:07:48.322-07:00...poisoning yourself, and hoping that your enemy will die...While driving to Omaha last Friday for my cousin Craig’s wedding, I had the chance to dig out some of my CDs that I haven’t listened to lately. It isn’t often that I’m in one place long enough to truly listen to the words of songs, and think about how they relate to my own life. If you’ve read some of my earlier postings, I’m sure that you realize that I love music. The truth is that while it is a large part of my life, it is sometimes relegated to the background. While I need to have the constant music going, I really enjoy the times that I can sit down and LISTEN. <br /><br />One of the CDs that I brought with me for the car ride was a CD that Jon, my brother-in-law’s brother, made for me. He ran the sound for the John McCutcheon concert at Mem Hall last year, and was kind enough to burn me a copy of the entire concert. John McCutcheon is one of my favorite folk artists—his songs and stories ring true for me. There were some very special moments in the concert, lots of good stories, and a large group of Mennonites singing 606. It was amazing!<br /><br />One of the stories that he related that night was about his father-in-law and the wonderful relationship they have. Amid stories about all the good things his father-in-law had brought with him when he emigrated from Cuba, McCutcheon told this story.<br /><br /><em>“…Carlos is one of the wisest men I know, and the best story teller I’ve ever heard. And no matter what you come to him with, he always has some entertaining and often illuminating story to illustrate what he thinks. A few years back I came to him and told him that I’d had a falling out with an old and dear friend, and the parting was so acrimonious I was convinced we would never reconcile...”<br /><br />In the conversation Carlos says “Hatred is a terrible thing…it is like poisoning yourself, and hoping that your enemy will die. But I understand the struggle that goes on between good and evil, and love and hatred in a man. All my life it is as though I’ve had two wolves inside of me and each of them are fighting for dominance of my spirit. One of the wolves is good, and lives in harmony with all around it…never takes offense when none is intended, and only fights when it is the last possible alternative and even then only in the proper way. Ah, but the other wolf is so consumed with his own anger and hatred that he will fight with anyone, over anything at anytime. And all my life it is as though these two have been warring within me.”<br /><br />McCutcheon asks, “Carlito, which one wins?”<br /><strong><br />“Ah…the one I feed…”</em></strong><br /><br />At the time of the concert this song and story struck me, and going back this weekend and listening to it brought several incidences to the forefront of my mind. I’ve been struggling to come up with something to write about here (to my sister’s severe protestations!) and tonight as I thought about some things happening at work, the story and song came back to me. <br /><br />There are times that I become very frustrated with individuals that I work with. Recently there has been one person who repeatedly presents me with times of frustration. This has been going on all year, and affects not only myself, but an entire team. While I’m frustrated with the situation, there is another individual that has been affected even more than me. This person is a good friend of mine, and as I’ve watched the entire thing play out, I have seen her struggle with how to handle the situation. Yesterday, she reached a breaking point, and it was hard for me to watch. She was frustrated, and in her frustration she spent a good amount of time venting. While I understand that this is what she needed (and honestly it is sometimes what I myself need!), I also reached a point where I realized that sitting around the table and hashing it all out was only making us more upset. At some point, the disgruntled comments have to turn into a plan. I am a fixer at heart, and I can’t stand seeing someone so upset about what is going on. <br /><br />I spent a lot of time yesterday and today thinking and praying about how I might go about fixing the problem. The situation with our team is beyond repair, I feel. We will be able to make it through the rest of the school year (just barely), but a new plan must be made for next year. My question to myself then was what I should do…and the only thing that came to mind was talking to the director about the issue. I struggle with this because it feels like I’m jumping the chain of command and turning into a tattler. We have tried to mediate within the group, and the truth is that the situation has only gotten worse and tenser. Today I spent much of my “free” time gathering my thoughts, and deciding how to phrase things. I’ve written a letter to the director, and tried to be as fair as possible about the whole thing—attempting to present facts, and not just my opinions about what has gone on. I was tempted to send it this afternoon, but I realized that I needed to spend some more time in prayer. My prayer tonight is that when I send the email tomorrow with this letter, that I will be feeding the correct wolf. I am uncomfortable with discord, and in constant pursuit of creating peace for myself and those around me. I worry that this letter will create discomfort for us as individuals, and as a team; but as a friend reminded me tonight, peacemaking includes dialogue and a resolution to the situation. The only way that will happen is if we open the lines of communication, and involve someone other than ourselves in the situation.SchwesterGagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930174365030247727noreply@blogger.com1