Carmen is doing ok but she has been moved back downstairs.

Carmen has been moved back downstairs into the 1500 room at Portland Adventist Medical Center in Portland. although she is making progress.... she is not sleeping through the night. She has been placed on a hospital hold and will have to meet with a court appointed Investigator again to determine how long she has to stay. Her job will probably not be there when she comes out, but she will be able to reapply if she decides she wants to continue working for the Red Cross. I need to have a job in place so that she doesn't feel like she has to work to support our family. I am grateful for all of your love and support. Maddie and I have been spending lots of quality time together when I pick her up from boys and girls club after school. And she has gone to see Carmen a few times. She doesn't want to go into the ward that Carmen is in right now but she will talk to her sometimes on the phone.

Carmen is making progress

Carmen is making some progress. The doctor is hoping to move her up to the 4300 room by the end of the week. That move is depending on a room becoming available. She still has a long way to go ,but her progress is promising.

Maddie and I are doing OK we have a great support system

available and that has made coping with the trials much easier.

We are so grateful for your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. Maddie is having a great year at school despite all that she has been through this year. I guess kids are pretty resilient thank goodness for that.

Our family has been and is a great support for us.

Carmen's brothers are

dealing with his quite a bit differently.

They have only inquired about her a few times.

They are having a difficult time dealing with all of this ,

they have lost both of their parents in the span of eleven years.

Thank you for all of your love and support.

Tomato basil parmesan soup

This recipe is from http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/.  The girl who wrote the blog came and talked to our Relief Society one night and gave us tips on slow cooking.  I made this the other night and Jared even ate it and he hates tomato soup.  He actually ate three bowls of it.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup


Makes about 2 quarts

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice

1 cup finely diced celery

1 cup finely diced carrots

1 cup finely diced onions

1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano

1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil

4 cups chicken broth

½ bay leaf

½ cup flour

1 cup Parmesan cheese

½ cup butter

2 cups half and half, warmed

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil (if using fresh oregano and basil, if using dried oregano and basil add it in the last hour of cooktime), and bay leaf to a large slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft. About an hour before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for another hour until ready to serve.

Happy Birthday Novemberites!

This month is such a special one, it's birthday time for me (and Sheri).  We'd really like to celebrate this happy day with us.  (Some lyrics to that song are missing here) There's something we can do...we'll sing a song that you should know...Happy Birthday to Me...oh and Sheri.

Happy Birthday Todd!

Happy Birthday Sheri!