Weekly Weigh In: Week 28, December 30, 2019

I have decided that this feature will now run indefinitely, and will replace the My Quarterly Report feature.  It will go live every Monday, and it will be a weigh in that will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my twenty-eighth weigh in:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, December 30, 2019.  {Yes, I got haircut.  Thanks again, sis!} 

2. Weight: Over Christmas, I gained around 5 lbs., but I was able to lose all but a pound of that.  I'm not happy about the net gain of 1 lb., but I'm glad it didn't stay 5!  I am going to do better this week food-wise as there were enough stomach issues that came with the eating indiscretions to keep me honest going forward.  Here's hoping a weight loss will accompany that resolve!

3. Health News: I was able to average just over 8,000 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to at least get my 6,000 steps per day average this week, but I'm not sure the weather will cooperate (we've gotten 2 1/2 inches in the last hour and a half so far).  I'll do what I can, though.  Wish me luck!

My insomnia has been a lot better, so I'm grateful for that.  In fact, I haven't had any of that this last week, so that's especially exciting.  I will definitely be praying that continues!

I think I'm finally basically over this head cold.  It peaked over Christmas, which was no fun, but I definitely feel mostly over it now.  Bad eating choices didn't help me feel 100% either, but I've fixed that over the last few days and that has helped.  Here's hoping things continue to improve!

4. Diet News:  As I mentioned above, my eating choices were not always the best this last week, and I didn't always meet my intermittent fasting goals. I definitely paid for not following my eating rules (mainly with stomach upset), too.  I will definitely do better this week because it is honestly no fun to deal with the consequences of not following my rules.

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For 3 months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue (he's had a host of symptoms from headaches to swollen lymph nodes to fatigue/lack of stamina to upper abdomen pain and more).  

We have plans to discuss his most recent labs with the doctor on Friday.  Please pray for this meeting!  I have a feeling more tests are in his future as he is continuing to have issues and a few old issues have popped up along with some new ones.  It has been a frustrating time for all of us, and I know we would just like to know what needs to be done to help our son start feeling 100% again.

To give you a current update/rundown on his condition, his headaches and belly pain are normally not present now, but he will have days were those spike up in pain without a known cause.  Unfortunately, he has had a few more breakthrough headaches lately and some stomach issues off and on.  He is also having some center chest pain/tightness at times like he did before the Pepcid.  We are starting to suspect the Vitamin D and Pepcid may no longer be helping like they were.  He is also dealing with a raised type of rash that doesn't itch (it looks a lot like the Keratosis pilaris he has had since he was very young, so we're not sure if that is just flared up or if this is something new related to what is going on with his health now).  He also deals with knee and back pain at times, as well as 99 range temperatures with or without chills.  He has also dealt with 2 or 3 cold/sinus-type issues in the last 3 months, and he is normally my healthy kid who is sick maybe twice a year.  All of these things coupled with his fatigue, the lack of appetite and focus, palpable and painless lymph nodes, and mainly "normal" labs make for a really frustrating situation for us and the doctor.  It's hard to know what direction to go in.  Please continue to pray for wisdom for all of us.  Thank you!

As to our week, we are enjoying our last week of vacation before school resumes next week.  We are hoping to do some traveling, but the weather (and some health issues) are not cooperating right now.  We'll see if things change over the next day or 2, but it is looking more like it will be a quiet week at home.  We shall see!

And, because I won't be posting again before then, I hope you have a Happy New Year!  May 2020 be an amazing year for you!

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Family Favorites - December 2019: Hot Cocoa (Soy, Fish, Nut, Wheat and Egg-Free, Can Be Milk-Free)

I decided to keep posting a family favorite recipe from the blog (with any adaptions that we use regularly, if applicable) on the fourth Friday or Saturday of every month this year.  This recipe will be one that we make quite often and that we all enjoy greatly.  This post is the twelfth and final Family Favorites recipe of 2019.

If you have a recipe on your blog that you consider a family favorite that you'd like to share, please comment below with a link to the recipe, and I'll make sure to pop on over and visit your site to check it out (and leave a comment), and hopefully some of my other readers will, too.

This month's Family Favorite recipe is Hot Cocoa.  This is essentially my original Hot Cocoa recipe with a few more variations mixed in.

This recipe is a family favorite because it is so easy {Only 4 or 5 ingredients!} and delicious, and because it is the perfect {indulgent} way to warm yourself up on a cold, wintry day.  It is also free from soy, fish, nut, wheat and egg (if all your ingredients are), and can be milk-free (see variations).  What's not to love?  Once you've made your own hot cocoa, you'll never buy store bought again!

Hot Cocoa

4 1/2 Cups milk (divided)

(We always use whole milk, but you can use whatever you have on hand.)

1/2 Cup white sugar

(We always use cane sugar.)

1/2 Cup cocoa powder (baking kind)

1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

(We always use the salt, and normally just the 1/8 teaspoon.)

1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

(We almost always use McCormick brand, and generally the 1/2 teaspoon.)

1. Simmer 1/2 Cup of the milk, sugar, cocoa powder and salt (if using) in a medium saucepan over low-medium to medium heat, stirring constantly (preferably with a whisk), until all the lumps are dissolved (about 3 minutes). (Note: It is best to stir the dry ingredients together first THEN add the milk, giving it a good stir to get it all well-blended BEFORE turning on the burner.  Also, I highly recommend adding at least a pinch of salt as it enhances the flavor, but you can definitely leave it out, if you wish.)

2. Add the remaining milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer (about 5 minutes). (Note: You are trying to get the milk hot, not boiling.  Once the milk is to the temperature you like it - just warm or very hot - it is ready.)

3. Remove the cocoa from heat and stir in the vanilla just before serving.  (Note:  The amount of vanilla you use is based on personal preference.)

This recipe yields five 8 oz. (1 Cup) servings.

  

Variations (Please keep your individual dietary needs in mind when using variations!):

• Milk-Free: Use a dairy-free milk of choice for the regular milk.  If you use a top 8 free milk (like certain types of rice, hemp or coconut milk), you can have a top 8 free cocoa!
    
• Other Flavors: If you want say a peppermint flavor, you can substitute peppermint extract for the vanilla extract.  You could also use almond extract, strawberry extract, coconut extract - any flavor you like with chocolate that fits your dietary needs.  You could also use a combination of extracts, but I would not use more than 3/4 to 1 teaspoon total between them.
    
• Topping Ideas:  If you desire to top your cocoa, you can top it with whipped cream, cinnamon, marshmallows, marshmallow fluff, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, crushed candy cane - any topping you like that fits your dietary needs that you like.  The possibilities are endless!

I hope you will give this recipe a try soon and that it becomes a family favorite for you, too!

Weekly Weigh In: Week 27, December 23, 2019

I have decided that this feature will now run indefinitely, and will replace the My Quarterly Report feature.  It will go live every Monday, and it will be a weigh in that will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my twenty-seventh weigh in:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, December 23, 2019.  

2. Weight: I lost a pound!  I'm so happy!  I wish it were more, but I'll take any weight loss.  Progress is progress. :)  Hopefully, I will be able to keep the weight loss going.

3. Health News: I was able to average just over 8,500 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to at least get my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and I may get my wish as the weather is supposed to be unseasonably mild.  Wish me luck!

My insomnia has been a lot better the last 2 days, but I have also had some rough days.  I am certain now, though, that my insomnia is linked to dietary choices, so as long as I keep those in check, I think my insomnia will eventually disappear (with rare exceptions).  That's definitely encouraging. :)

I am either in the middle or towards the end of a head cold of sorts.  I feel ok mainly, but there's been quite a bit of sneezing, nose blowing, and a little coughing here and there.  I've been so grateful that I have not been kept awake at night with coughing or sneezing fits (that has happened in the past), so I really can't complain.  I know plenty of people dealing with a lot worse, so I will take this mild head cold with a smile and gratitude that it isn't any worse. :)

4. Diet News:  I think I can say that my emotional/comfort eating is a thing of the past as I haven't even been tempted to do it in a month or more.  I am so grateful for that!  I had a few hiccoughs with the intermittent fasting, but it was definitely better this week than last.  The biggest thing I want to avoid with Christmas and New Year's is the temptation to eat too much sugar and junk.  Thankfully (and yes, I am thankful for this), my body will not play nice if I eat too much sugar, chocolate, etc., so I am less tempted than I was a year ago.  We'll see how I do, and hopefully I can avoid eating those things that bother me.   

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For nearly 3 months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue (he's had a host of symptoms from headaches to swollen lymph nodes to fatigue/lack of stamina to upper abdomen pain and more).  

The results of his neck ultrasound were "normal", but the radiologist did advise us to do a CT Scan with contrast if he continued to experience issues with swollen lymph nodes and health issues.  His doctor doesn't yet want to do that, but did order more labs, and we are to meet after the first of the year to discuss how he is feeling.  She definitely does not like that his lymph nodes continue to be swollen (I should use the word palpable, because they are not huge, but you can definitely feel them when you otherwise wouldn't and they are painless for him), that he is experiencing such fatigue, has little appetite, and is overall just not the kid he was 3 months ago.  Hopefully, we'll have a little direction after the labs come back and we meet with her again.

To just give you a bit more of an update/rundown  on his condition, his headaches and belly pain are normally not present now, but then he will have days were those spike up in pain without a known cause.  We feel that the Pepcid and Vitamin D are helping with the headaches and belly pain, and we're grateful, but we also feel like those medications are just keeping him comfortable, and that he'd be back to where he was at the beginning (migraines with major nausea and belly pain) if we took him off them.  That knowledge coupled with the fatigue, the lack of appetite and focus, palpable and painless lymph nodes, and mainly "normal" labs make for a really frustrating situation for us and the doctor.  It's hard to know what direction to go in.  Please continue to pray for wisdom for all of us.  Thank you!

As to our week, Christmas break has officially started, and we are looking forward to some quality family time!  I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Recent Reflections - December 2019: The Christmas Story

This is the twelfth and final Recent Reflections post of 2019.  Recent Reflections goes live the third Friday or Saturday of each month.  Each Recent Reflections post covers something that I'm reflecting on.  If you'd like to share a post with a similar theme, feel free to leave a comment with a link to your post, and I'll hop on over and leave a comment (and maybe some other readers will, too).

This month, I will be reflecting on the Christmas Story.

Every year, we read the Christmas Story in Luke 2 before we open our presents so that we remember the true meaning of Christmas - celebrating Christ's birth.  In honor of that tradition, I have decided to share that story here.

Luke 2:1-19 {KJV}

  1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

This Christmas, may the true meaning of Christmas touch your heart and cause you to take a moment to reflect on the Savior Who came to die for your sins vs. Santa and presents and all the commercialism that comes with them.  May you see Christmas through new eyes and truly enjoy your time with family and friends with Him in mind.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have an amazing one!

I truly hope this post has been a blessing to your heart, or at the least made you stop and think a little.  What has God done in your life lately to bless you?  What are you reflecting on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Weekly Weigh In: Week 26, December 16, 2019

I have decided that this feature will now run indefinitely, and will replace the My Quarterly Report feature.  It will go live every Monday, and it will be a weigh in that will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my twenty-sixth weigh in:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, December 16, 2019.  

2. Weight: My weight stayed the same again.  I'm glad I didn't gain, but I'm really hoping to get back to weight loss next week.  Wish me luck!

3. Health News: I was able to average just over 7,000 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to at least get my 6,000 steps per day average this week.  Hopefully the weather will play nice!  We shall see.

The insomnia is still improving overall, but it is not 100% gone yet, and I have had a few rough nights (like last night) where I found myself staring at the ceiling or tossing and turning at 2am for a few hours.  Normally, the bad nights are when I don't follow my eating rules, so I know I really need to focus on eating right and in the right way {for me} more often than not.   

I am still dealing with some winter stuffiness/head cold-type situation, but I feel better than I did a week ago.  Other than that, I really can't complain.  

4. Diet News:  I am still able to avoid emotionally/boredom eating, but I did have a few days this last week were I did not stick to my intermittent fasting and other eating rules (namely the no sugar or caffeine in the afternoon/evening) and paid for it with insomnia and some stomach upset at times.  Needless to say, those are not mistakes I want to repeat, so those rules will get priority this week.  

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For nearly 2 1/2 months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue (he's had a host of symptoms from headaches to swollen lymph nodes to fatigue/lack of stamina to upper abdomen pain and more).  

We are still waiting on the results of his neck ultrasound.  We plan to meet with his doctor to discuss that and his continued health issues on this coming Friday.  Please pray for wisdom as we decide next steps as he is still dealing with the major fatigue/lack of stamina, swollen lymph nodes, lack of appetite, etc.  Thank you!

On a side note, all his labs came back looking good for the most part, though not 100% normal.  Though we are very grateful that he doesn't have some of the things they tested for, we are no closer to any answers on what is causing his health issues right now.  I have a feeling more labs will be in his future on Friday.  {Poor kid!  I'm sure he feels like a pin cushion, and I know I'm convinced that the lab techs are vampires. ;) }

I'm not sure what the Lord has in store for our son and us, but I sure am glad He will be with us through it all!  Again, we appreciate your prayers!

As to our week, it is going to be a little busy, but shouldn't be too bad at this point.   We are also finishing up our last week of school before Christmas break.  We are all ready for this break! :)

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Oreo Truffles (Fish, Nut and Egg-Free, Can Be Wheat, Soy and Milk-Free)

Every December, I make some goodies for our neighbors, our Pastor's family and our Youth Pastor's family.  It's my way of showing love and kindness to them as well as showing them that we appreciate them.  This year, I made these lovely yummies - Oreo Truffles.

These little nuggets of deliciousness contain just 4 ingredients (5 if you count what is sprinkled on top), and super easy to do!  I am going to give you the basic recipe (that's the one that is fish, nut and egg-free (if all your ingredients are)), and then give you some variation ideas that can be more allergy-friendly (those will be the ones that are wheat, soy and milk-free) or even a little less allergy-friendly (i.e. contains peanut or tree nuts).  The combinations are limitless!  You are sure to find something to please everyone on your Christmas list, for sure!

{This recipe is an adaptation of this recipe.}

Oreo Truffles

1 package (14.3 oz. to 15.25 oz. size) Original Oreo Cookies

(Here's a link to these cookies so you know which ones I mean.)

1 (8 oz. size) block of cream cheese

(We recommend Philadelphia brand cream cheese, but we've also used Happy Farms brand cream cheese from Aldi)

16 - 24 oz. allergy-friendly semi-sweet chocolate chips

(We recommend Enjoy Life chocolate chips or Nestle Simply Delicious chocolate chips.)

2 - 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

sprinkles (optional)

1. In a food processor or blender, blend the Oreo cookies until they are a fine crumb as pictured below.

2. Using a mixer (stand or hand), blend the cream cheese a bit and then pour in the Oreo crumbs and blend until well blended. (Note: The texture will remind you of play-dough.)

3.  Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. 

4. Roll the "dough" into small balls and place on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.  (Note: You should get between 42 and 48 balls.)

4. Place the balls into the freezer for at least 10 minutes to firm up.  (Note: I think these balls dip better if you freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes vs. 10 minutes, but 10 minutes is definitely sufficient.  You can also freeze them overnight, if desired.)

5.  While the truffle filling is freezing or after it has been 10 minutes or whenever you are ready to dip them, get your double boiler ready.  (Note: Keep your truffle balls in the freezer until the chocolate is ready.  You can also melt the chocolate in the microwave, but I think you are less likely to scorch the chocolate using a double boiler.)

{You can make a double boiler using a pot filled about halfway with water with a metal bowl sitting on top of it.  Super easy and very effective!  See the picture below for reference.}

6. Over medium heat, melt your chocolate with the oil until it looks like the picture below.  (Note: I find that 16 oz. (2 Cups) of chocolate is normally not quite enough to dip all the truffles, so I suggest using the 24 oz. (3 Cups).  The amount of oil you use is based on how many ounces of chocolate you use.  If you use 16 oz. (2 Cups) of chocolate, use 2 teaspoons of oil.  If you use 24 oz. (3 Cups) of chocolate, use 3 teaspoons of oil.  If you use 20 oz. (2 1/2 Cups) of chocolate, you can either use 2 1/2 teaspoons of oil or 3 teaspoons of oil.  If you don't want to add oil, you can leave it out, but your chocolate will be thicker and the truffles will be harder to dip.  You will probably need more chocolate, too.  You can also use candy melts, but you would not need to add oil if using those.  (I'm not a fan or candy melts, but if they fit into your dietary needs and you like them, feel free.))

7. Take your truffle centers out of the freezer and dip them one by one into the melted chocolate.  (Note: The easiest way to dip the truffles is to skewer them and then spoon over the melted chocolate.  See the pictures below for reference.)

8. After dipping your truffle centers, place the balls back onto the parchment and either sprinkle them with sprinkles while they are still wet or leave them plain, whichever is your preference.  (Note: The easiest way to get the truffles off the skewer is to use a toothpick and press between the tongs.  You can touch up the chocolate with a toothpick once the truffle is off the skewer.  See pictures below for reference.)

9.  Place the truffles back into the freezer until the chocolate is hardened.

10. Once the chocolate hardens, you can just store these truffles in the fridge until ready to serve or enjoy immediately.

Makes 42 to 48 truffles.

Variations (Please keep your individual dietary needs in mind when using variations):

• Wheat-Free: Use 14.3 to 15.25 oz. box of gluten-free crunchy, gluten-free cookie of choice to replace the Oreo cookies and make the recipe as directed.  Enjoy Life makes several to choose from that are very allergy-friendly!  Crunchy-style cookies are key for these to turn out properly, so do not sub soft baked cookies for the Oreos.
    
• Soy-Free: Use 14.3 to 15.25 oz. box of soy-free crunchy cookie of choice to replace the Oreo cookies, make sure your chocolate chips are soy-free (Enjoy Life chocolate chips or Nestle Simply Delicious chocolate chips both are), and make the recipe as directed.  Enjoy Life makes several to choose from that are very allergy-friendly!  Crunchy-style cookies are key for these to turn out properly, so do not sub soft baked cookies for the Oreos.
    
• Milk-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the cream cheese (Daiya makes one), make sure your chocolate chips are soy-free(Enjoy Life chocolate chips or Nestle Simply Delicious chocolate chips both are), and make the recipe as directed.
    
• Top 8 Free: Use 14.3 to 15.25 oz. box of Enjoy Life crunchy cookies of choice, Daiya brand cream cheeze, and Enjoy Life chocolate chips or Nestle Simply Delicious chocolate chips (Nestle Simply Delicious also makes a white chocolate and a dark chocolate) and make the recipe as directed.  Note that Daiya does have coconut in it, so if you are allergic to that, this recipe will not work for you.  Also, crunchy-style cookies are key for these to turn out properly, so do not sub soft baked cookies for the Oreos.
    
• Flavors Galore:  The flavors you can make are absolutely endless!  You can use any Oreo or crunchy-style cookie of choice (chocolate chip, double chocolate, sugar cookies, ginger snap, etc. - as long as they are crunchy style), any chocolate or coating you wish (white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, etc.), and top it with any type of decorative topping you wish (candy cane, sprinkles, chocolate or other flavor drizzle, chopped nuts, coconut, etc.).  Here are just a few you can try:

Mint Oreo cookies dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy cane.

Peanut Butter Oreo cookies dipped in peanut butter chips and drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. (Note: Let the peanut butter layer harden first before adding the semi-sweet chocolate drizzle.)

Birthday Cake Oreo cookies dipped in semi-sweet chocolate and covered with sprinkles.

So easy and so good!

Enjoy!

Weekly Weigh In: Week 25, December 9, 2019

I have decided that this feature will now run indefinitely, and will replace the My Quarterly Report feature.  It will go live every Monday, and it will be a weigh in that will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my twenty-fifth weigh in:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, December 9, 2019.  

2. Weight: My weight stayed the same.  I'll take it, but I'm really hoping to get back to weight loss next week.  Wish me luck!

3. Health News: I was able to average nearly 8,000 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to at least get my 6,000 steps per day average this week, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.  The weather may not cooperate, but I'll do my best.

The insomnia is still improving, but it is not 100% gone yet.  If I follow my eating rules, it is definitely better than when I don't.  I still normally can't fall asleep before 10:30pm, but I am normally able to fall back asleep if I wake up before 4am and sleep until at least 6am now more often than not, so that's good.  Progress is progress. :)  Hopefully it continues.

I am also dealing with some winter stuffiness.  It may even be a head cold, but it isn't too bad.  I'm trying my hardest not to share if it is a virus.  I really can't complain, though.  I know this is the time of year when sicknesses ramp up, so I'm grateful that I'm doing pretty good for the most part!

4. Diet News:  I am still able to avoid emotionally/boredom eating, and that thrills me as that has always been my biggest struggle.  I did have a few days this last week were I did not stick to my intermittent fasting rules, and that did mess with my sleeping a little (and may be why I haven't lost weight - that and I ate outside my rules a little, too, at times), so I plan on being better about sticking to my intermittent fasting (and eating) rules this week to help with that.  Overall, I feel like I am definitely making positive progress for the most part.

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For just over 2 months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue (he's had a host of symptoms from headaches to swollen lymph nodes to fatigue/lack of stamina to upper abdomen pain and more).  

The abdominal ultrasound did note that his gallbladder was contracted, but there were no signs of stones, wall thickening, or other issues, so they are not overly concerned with those results for now.  A pediatric GI may be in his future depending on test results from labs that were done and an upcoming test.  

His biggest issue right now is major fatigue with no stamina, lack of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes, so he is getting a neck ultrasound on Friday to check said lymph nodes.  Hopefully, we will get the results from that before too far into the following week after it is done.

He has also had a ton more blood work done to check for a wide variety of things.  Basically, if they think he has even a 0.1% chance of having it, they are testing for it, though I don't think we've gone into checking anything autoimmune just yet.  I am hoping to have the results from those blood tests by the end of the week, but we'll see.

My son and I (and hopefully my husband, too) with meet with his doctor and discuss next steps after we get all the test results back, so I'll keep you posted.  He may end up needing to go to a specialist or 2 before this is all said and done, so we really appreciate prayers for the doctor's wisdom and for our wisdom as we try to decide on what tests to run and not run,  who to see and not see, etc. 

I'm not sure what the Lord has in store for our son and us, but I sure am glad He will be with us through it all!  Again, we appreciate your prayers!

As to our week, it is going to be insanely busy!  We have something or several somethings (other than school and work) going on daily from Wednesday through Sunday, so it will be non-stop.  I am glad Christmas vacation is fast approaching!  I think we could all use a little break. :D

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!