Amazingly yummy chicken

So supper was a HIT tonight!  I had my 4 kids and one of their friends over for supper.  3 out of 5 of them LOVED it....and I consider that a big hit.  Plus they all asked me to make it again.  Score!  What's so funny about that is tonight was "clean out the freezer and pantry" night.  Double score!!  Hahaha

Here's the recipe.......

frozen chicken breast (I used an entire 2.5 lb bag)
apricot preserves (18 oz jar)
2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
2 Tablespoons dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (this could be left out)

I dropped the frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot.  In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients together.  Pour mixture over the chicken.  Cook on LOW for 6 hours.  I served this with rice and cheesy veggies.  Sooooooo yummmmmmmy!!!!!  Enjoy!

Adjusting

Noah has been home from the hospital for 5 days and I couldn't be more thankful!!!  There is always an adjustment period but the first night having all 4 of my kids under the same roof again was an incredible feeling.  I went into the boys' room several times just to check on them and smiled.

We don't have any answers....that would have been too easy.  I understand that the main objective in the hospital is to make sure the child is no longer feeling suicidal, learns new coping strategies, and has the opportunity to practice them.  But, since this is where I am completely honest about things, it would have been really nice if the psychiatrist would have finished the testing/evaluations that we had started prior to his hospitalization.  I had been promised that they would do that....but they didn't.  Instead, they put him on meds because the few disorders he MIGHT have would be helped by this medication, made sure he didn't have any immediate side effects, and told us to follow up with his therapist.  Fantastic!!! (said dripping with sarcasm)  It's a frustrating process but no one said parenting was easy, right?!?!?!

Right now I'm thankful my son's moods are stable and he's home where he belongs!

It doesn't get easier

Noah is still in the hospital.  He will be until at least the middle of this week.  He doesn't like being there but he's making the most of it -- learning as many coping tools as possible for dealing with his anger and practicing them.

I have been able to see him everyday for about 30-45 minutes at a time.  I treasure our times together...the hugs he gives, the stories he tells, the things he tells me he's learning....and I struggle to keep my composure when it's time to leave.  It never gets easier to say good bye....to not be the one tucking him in at night....to see his eyes well up with tears....to know that he still cries at night....to hear him say "take me home with you" and know that I can't.  We all know this is the best, safest place for him right now....but it doesn't make it any easier.  I pray with him when I'm there and share Bible verses.  I made him a notebook with notes from his brothers and sister, from me, from my parents, and a few Bible verses.  It's something he can look at when he feels lonely, scared, sad and he loved it.

Thank you for all the prayers and support for our family.  We definitely still need it.

Prayers and support for Noah

It's interesting that the last post I made on my blog was celebrating Noah's 12th birthday.  I have started so many posts with pictures from the summer that I just haven't finished....but this way you can read all about what an amazing kid my oldest son is and how much he is loved.

Noah has been struggling with anger, fits of rage, and even off and on thoughts of suicide.  He's been receiving help and has connected with an amazing therapist.  But, last night, he was transported via ambulance to the hospital because of suicidal thoughts and actions.  The doctors felt the best course of action was the admit him inpatient to a different hospital.  So at 11:00 pm he was transported again, via ambulance, to a different hospital.  We got him checked in and settled.  But this time is incredibly different from any other hospitalization any of my other kids have had.  This time I didn't get to bring him in myself.  This time they didn't bring a cot in for me to sleep on.  This time I had to turn and leave, listening to him cry and not want me to leave.  This time, they locked a door behind me when I left.  This time, I only have certain hours I can talk to him or see him.  This time, I'm not the one he can turn to for comfort.

I know this is the best place for him to be.  He's safe.  He's around people who can help him.  And I am praying nonstop for him.  Will you please join me?