Catching Up

Well, Ivee has been quite the busy lately: learning to climb EVERYTHING! The couch, the stairs, the chairs, the table! All of it. And getting into every cabinet and pulling up on everything. It's like she just woke up one day and said, "Today is the day I do it all!"
Emmett is on vacation this week, so we'll be taking some time to do somethings with the older kids. They have not had much fun time in the last year and half. They need some daddy time. We leave with Ivee to go to St. Jude next week. Pray that we have a safe trip and that all goes well. Britt will spend the week with my parents and niece and Ethan will be at the Harman's house.
That is what is going on for now. Until next time..

A Full Week

"I'M A SURVIVOR"

The family spent last Saturday morning volunteering for "Ride Yellow" to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Cancer Foundation. It is bike ride that has taken place in Bay Minette for a few years now. Ivee, our inspiration of course, is wearing her "I'm a survivor" tag. They had a great turn out. Em and I donated and volunteered in honor of Ivee, and in memory of Jennifer Busby and Jody Caraway. We are still fighting for a cure and better treatments. The kids had a good time helping, as you can see below with Ethan's smile!

Sunday, Father's Day was great. It was my friend and long time boss, Tony's, last Sunday leading Faith Family in worship. We ended the day with the choir singing the national anthem at Hank Aaron Stadium, the home of the Bay Bears. Ivee didn't enjoy the heat at first, but as the sun was setting behind us, she found her "love" of the game.

Here is Ivee and papaw enjoying the game.

Next, Ivee got the chance to try the water pad in Bay Minette in her first swimsuit ever. Mommy wrapped her gbutton up really well in bandages and saran wrap so that it would stay dry. I was a little scared it may not work, but when I unwrapped her it was as dry as a whistle!

She had so much fun that when it was time for her to get out and dry off she was NOT HAPPY. She wanted to continue to play with Brittney and Ethan. It figures that the kid who loves water and bathes is the one who can't have them! Oh well, mommy found a way. Unfortunately tagederms (the bandages that cover wounds and medical stuff) cost too much money and are not covered by insurance, so we can't go play or take a bath everyday. A shame isn't it! SO, we all enjoy these moments that come so few times.

Thanks for checking in. Life is still busy here, but all is well. We will be leaving for St. Jude on Sunday, July 6th. We'll be gone a whole week with a ton of test and procedures. If I don't update before then keep us in your prayers.

Been a while...

It has been a while since I have blogged. There is not much new going on with the Foley's. Em has a motorcycle now, for those who don't know. It is helping with the gas prices. Luckily, he hasn't been rained on yet. Ivee has had diarrhea for two days, but we have kept her hydrated. Good thing she can't throw-up, cause she has tried often. The kids are enjoying a break from school. We'll start up again after we return from St. Jude in July. I did well on my yard sale. Craigslist is working well for me too. No bites lately, but still trying.
NOW, for my south beach diet friends and those who just want to eat healthier, I have a recipe for you. I made it last night, and the kids and Em loved he. He couldn't believe something that good could be healthy for you. So, I am going to share. (Ange and Cathy, you'll love it). I have modified it a bit to work for us, and you can do the same as well.

Harvest Grain N' Nut Pancakes

In one bowl mix the following
3/4 cup Quaker Oats (not instant)
(important: grind oats in a blender or food processor until fine, like flour)
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (not enriched)
1/3 cup all purpose flour (not bleached or enriched)
2 tsps baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Mix dry ingredients together. Set aside.

In another bowl mix the following
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup milk (fat free or 1%)
1/4 cup olive oil (or canola)
2 eggs
1/4 cup Splenda or raw sugar (you can use reg. sugar if you are not dieting or on a health trip)
Mix with electric mixer until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients. Then add...
3 tablespoons finely chopped blanched almonds
3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
I put mine in the chopper to make them real fine.

Ladle 1/3 cup of the batter onto the hot skillet (set on medium to medium/low and spray with cooking spray). Cook the pancakes for 1 to 3 minutes per side or until brown.

I had to lower my griddle and cook longer to make sure they got cooked all the way through. Makes a thick, delicious and healthy pancake. Use sugar free syrup! Makes a great breakfast or supper!
Makes about 12 pancakes.
You can also freeze these after they cool. To reheat, just put a stack in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes.

Hope you all enjoy, and if I find any more yummy recipes, I'll be sure to share.