2012

It's here.

A new year.

We are older, and hopefully wiser.

In a year's time, you are bound to learn some things.

Many things, hopefully.

Important things and some seemingly trivial things too, I'm sure.

Life is a process,  a series of experiences that teach us about many, many things.

Some of the things we learn are important to our jobs, our daily tasks, our survival.

Some are important to our soul.

I am being very vague here, partly because the important things we learn vary from person to person.

I can only tell you what they are for me.

In 2011 I tried to be "present"..... to really listen.  In the moment.  Appreciating what I have, who I have, right now.  In front of me.  Talking to me.  Sharing something with me. 

I failed.

I tried, and when I didn't get caught up in the "rush rush, hurry hurry" of it all, I did ok. 

But many times I failed. 

I am very thankful for a forgiving, merciful God.  I am very thankful for a forgiving, and merciful family.

I am trying again.  I try every day...somedays with more "awareness" than others.

On those days I tend to do better. 

So again, for 2012 I will try to live in the moment.  I will try harder to be present to those who are with me right now and really listen to them.

I'm sure I'll fail again, on many occasions.

But I will keep reminding myself every day of what's most important.

So maybe this year my goal will not only be to live in the moment, but I think I'll add "simplify". 

Too much on one's plate doesn't leave much room for living in the moment. 

Because you're too busy making plans for or rushing off to the next moment.

Simplify, and live in the moment.  That's what I need to do.

In this moment, I need to get some sleep.  It's 1:40 in the morning and I have a sick little boy.  Poor thing has a stomach virus.  He's really going to need me to be present to him tomorrow.

Hope this is a quick little virus that goes through his little system rapidly.

Also hope it leaves the rest of us alone.

Happy New Year to you all!
May 2012 be a year full of joyous moment and peace in your heart.

TTFN
~Tina

~~~~The Simple Woman's Daybook~~~~

For Today:  Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am hearing.....

the heat kicking on.  I am not a fan of putting the heat on too early in the Fall as it seems to lead to dry skin, static everywhere, chapped lips, etc., but it was feeling really cold in this house last night.  My numb feet could attest to this.

I am wearing......

light blue long sleeved jammie tee, and light blue striped jammie pants.  I also have my sage green throw over my shoulders.  With the heat on, I am still chilly. I would love to move to Florida....if my entire family would come with us.  Guess I better adapt to the cold.

Outside my window......

seems cloudy so far.  And it's only about 46 degrees.....brrrrrr.

(I miss summer!)

I am thinking.......

I miss summer!....and I hope we can get through these cold viruses soon, so we can start enjoying some of the fun outdoor events of Fall.

Thankful for..............

a positive attitude yesterday.  Even though we couldn't make it to the Fall Festival like we usually do (because of Evan and I being sick), Alexa came up with the idea of decorating for Halloween.  And so that, along with watching some fun Halloween movies, eating popcorn, ordering pizza, putting on a Halloween CD and jamming with Glow Sticks to Monster Mash and other "Scary" tunes, saved the day from being a total bummer.  My kids were rockin' out in the dark with glowing rings all over their bodies.  They used the glow sticks as drum sticks, and had a blast.

I am reading...........

Caddie Woodlawn.  I am working my way through all the books on our shelves.  I need to get some grown up reads, I really do, but in the meantime, I read what's available.  I am really enjoying books....more than I have in years!

In my prayers...........

my mom and aunt who are on retreat.....for their safe return home.  For my dad, whose health always concerns me.  I'm so glad I got to talk to him last night.  It was a short conversation because I have laryngitis, but at least he knows I was thinking of him, as always.  For all unborn babies everywhere.  That they will be welcomed into the world by their loving mothers and fathers and seen as the true gift they are.

I was hoping.....

to participate in the prolife chain that reaches across our town today.  We always try to participate in the prayer chain, showing our support for an end to the tragedy of abortion.  But being sick this year means we'll have to miss. 

I am hoping......

The 40 Days for Life recently began, so I hope to be a physical part of that sometime over the next few weeks.  The innocent victims of abortion are always in our prayers, but I would like to more fully participate, once we are well, by praying outside the local abortion clinic.

From the kitchen..........

bbq chicken pizza, pulled bbq chicken sandwiches, salsa chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, green pepper casserole etc.  Back to the warm-your-house-and-tummy recipes of the cold weather months.

As for education.......

(prepare yourself for some bragging)  my oldest attends public high school.  She did so well last school year that her GPA earned her an award at her school.  There were only 60 in the school of 2000!  We are proud of her hard work and dedication. 

Skylar is taking classes at a nearby church and she is enjoying herself (and learning) a lot.  The classroom environment is fairly new to her (other than CCD and VBS) and she's handling it well.  She's made a few friends, too. 

And Alexa is working hard on her schoolwork.  She's a bright girl and works well independantly, for the many of her subjects.

  Evan hasn't had "school" for the past week due to illness.  Colds...go away!  Right now!

please?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The liturgical year.....

Feast of The Guardian Angels:

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Ever this day, be at my side,

To light and guard

To rule and guide

Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more Daybook Entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

I hope your weekend is/was cozy and enjoyable!  Make every day count!

TTFN

~Tina

A (somewhat grumpy) Daybook

For Today (or tonight): March 28, 2011

Outside my window: dark and cold. It's Spring but really feels like winter. It's annoying.

I am wearing: big, baggy, comfy flannel PJs. "Why would I wear flannel in Spring", you ask? See above.....and it's still annoying.

I am feeling: that's easy....annoyed....... with the weather. And tired, and concerned for my sick children and frustrated with not being able to get up to my dad's house like we planned 2 months ago. So as to not make this the most depressing Daybook ever, I should also state that I'm feeling blessed in many ways too. (maybe this wasn't the best time to do a Daybook)

From the kitchen: Nothing special because I can't get to the store at the moment. ummmm.....let's see..... Tonight we all had Lean Cuisine that John picked up at Costco yesterday. I am blessed that he went there and that he purchased those frozen dinners. They were a lifesaver tonight. The rest of the week's dinners are "your guess is as good as mine". There's stuff in there, so don't fret for my children. I just don't have a "plan".

From the schoolroom: The basics are still coming along nicely, but Sky didn't do school today, because of her throat. I still think we'll be done by Memorial Day. YES!

Liturgical year plans and celebrations: We've been going to Stations of the Cross every Friday so far. That helps me keep on track with my focus this lent. The girls have some Lent retreats coming up, if they are well enough to go. No teatimes lately.

From the yard: Spring "looks" like it's begun, but doesn't feel like it. It's beautiful....the blooms, the buds, the birds and small animals all around the yard. Can't wait to start our container gardens and flower boxes!

I am thinking: I need to go to bed. No deep thoughts flowing tonight.

I am hearing: The sound machine, the heater, Evan breathing heavily.....and my conscience telling me to go to bed.

I am planning: .....you guessed it....on going to bed. Beyond that we have doctor appt. tomorrow and I've started looking into some summer fun activities. Summer makes me smile.....a really big smile.

I am reading: a Lent devotional. Can't remember the name of it. It's small and purple. That's all I remember. Oh....I think it's in the Amazon spinny wheel thing in my sidebar. Check there if you're interested. It's a good little book.

Praying for: my children to get well, a trip to my dad's to finally pan out, and Spring to come once and for all. Many more intentions, of course.

A picture thought I am sharing:......not this time....too tired.

Good night.

And for more Daybook entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

Have a great week!

This n That

I haven't been on here for almost a week. I've just been either busy, or preoccupied. Just thought I'd give you some idea of what's happening in our little world right now.

• The kids have been sick. Really, at least one child has been sick since we got back from our Christmas vacation. They've had a variety among them...sore throat, fever, body aches, upset stomach, headache, and a cough that just won't quit. And now my little man is dealing with a stomach bug (yucky~poor guy) and is finally able to keep food down. BUT, this led to a bad cough and runny nose. I'm thinking ALL of January will be our illness month. At least we don't have any place major we HAVE to be. This too shall pass.
• It was about 14 degrees here this morning. I don't care to go out in that at all.
• A man that went to high school with my older brother was killed last weekend. He was only in his 40s. Although police aren't saying yet, most people get the feeling he was murdered. He leaves behind two children. Such a tragic situation. Been sending up a lot of prayers this week in regards to everyone mourning that loss.
• On a much better note, the Steelers are in the AFC Championship game this weekend! We are hoping they'll be headed to the Superbowl, yet again. Lucky Number 7! Looking forward to watching that game tomorrow.
• Taylor has midterms coming up this week. She's a bright girl....I'm not worried. Despite her January illness, she didn't miss any school. She just got some extra rest at home and kept on keepin' on.
• Sky and Lexa have been just been doing the basics, when they've felt up to doing anything at all. Evan's had to miss preK group the last 3 times!
• Sky is definitely missing karate. I'm hoping and praying she doesn't have pneumonia again. Could you spare a prayer for her? And not to be greedy, but a prayer for all my "little sickies" would be much appreciated. :)
• This house needs cleaned. But a good cleaning will have to wait until the sicknesses pass...maybe a few more days at least. Can't wait until spring to air this place out!
• I love texting. So very thankful for that advancement in techology. I know it's been around for a while, but it's fairly new to this family.
• Had some time to talk and watch a little TV with my hubby last night. I enjoyed it very much. He's been really busy with his new job, so times like these aren't as common as they used to be.
• I am soooo glad I made a big grocery store run the night before Evan got the "stomach thing". So, so glad.

Well, the kiddles need me, so gotta run. Have a wonderful weekend. Hope you and yours are keeping warm and staying healthy!

Go STEELERS!

TTFN

~Tina

A New Look.....

So, what do you think? I was getting bored with the looks of this blog, so I opted for some major changes. I like them, how about you?

I haven't posted for a while, but I still have SO much to say. Just have to find the time to say it. ;) We've been so busy with Easter, Confirmation, planning for First Holy Communion, a dance recital, testing, a HUGE trip to Florida to see family and enjoy a week at Walt Disney World, and now, unfortunately, illnesses. I plan on being back on track soon. So hang in there. I'll be back!

TTFN
~Tina

So Proud

Life has been crazy this week here in our house. Evan got a terrible stomach virus Saturday night, then around 5 inches of snow fell starting Tuesday night, then that nasty stomach bug got me Tuesday night.....ALL night. My oldest daughter has been sooo incredibly helpful, holding down the fort for us. Since I got sick she's been making the meals for our family, packing lunches for her dad, watching her younger sisters all day, doing dishes and even entertaining her sisters with stories and crafts! Not to mention, she brought Evan and I a bell to ring when we need her. He and I (the sickies) have been quarantined in his room to try to prevent the others from getting this. Taylor has been so helpful and not complaining one bit! She is such an amazing girl! Thank you, Taylor! We love you soo much!

~Simple Woman's Daybook~

FOR TODAY: February 2, 2010

Outside my window......it is starting to look and feel gloomy with the impending snowstorm that is soon to arrive. The clouds are making it feel like it is later than it is. The temperature is almost 40 degrees, though, so the storm will begin as rain.

I am hearing.....Evan playing on his bedroom floor as I sit here in his room with him. He is acting fine, but apparently still fighting this stomach virus that attacked his poor little body this past Saturday night.

I am hoping.......that he is well soon and that the other children, John and I can avoid getting this sickness.

From the kitchen......I winging it with what I have in stock. I usually grocery shop Monday afternoons with my weekly menu in mind. But since Evan was sick, I didn't get to go. John did get to Costco and Aldi this weekend, so we have food, I just have to figure out what to make with what we have. I'm sure we'll be having soup, Salsa Chicken, bacon and eggs, possibly grilled chicken salad....not sure what else.

I am wearing.......still in jammies. Yeah, that's the kinda week we're having. Big kids did do school this morning and I even did some school with Evan in his room, but I'm still in jammies. Oh well.

The rest of the week......hoping Evan will be well for co-op Friday. If there is any doubt, though, we won't be going. I do not want to give this to anyone else. I think that's where he may have picked this up, this past Friday. Also hoping to get to dance and karate IF I can work it out somehow.

Around the house......should start laundry back up. I had it caught up Sunday, then didn't do any Monday. Can't miss one day of laundry around here or I'll pay for it!

Noticing that.....Alexa is VERY lonely without Evan. They are buddies and she misses being able to play with him sooooo badly.

I am remembering......how much we wanted a snowy winter, and wondering why that thought ever crossed my mind. Be careful what you wish for, I guess.

A picture thought I am sharing.....

This is from last week.....back when my little man wasn't sick. :( He and his buddy Alexa having some energetic fun together!

Hope you are having a great week!

For more Daybook Entries, stop by Peggy's.

TTFN

~Tina

Relief for a Common Winter Problem

Winter can be so beautiful, but it can also be rough on our bodies. We try to smile our way through it, but it's hard when we get dry, cracked, painful lips. I've tried many products. Every form of lip balm has been used here....gels, sticks, creams....you name it, we've tried it. They all seem to give some relief for a short time, but they don't solve the problem.

Recently I received some Neosporin products from Mom Central. I accepted a 3 Day Challenge to see how the Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy and the Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy could help my family deal with this painful wintertime problem.


Poor Alexa had such a severe crack in her bottom lip, right down the center. It was painful and bleeding. We applied the Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy right away. Alexa is 7 and can be, shall we say, "choosy" about lip products. She's always afraid they'll either taste bad, burn, or just feel wierd. She had no problem with this product. She applied it herself, as I watched. Within a minute or so, she completely forgot about it. And I know this was a 3 day challenge, but Alexa's lips were already looking so healthy only a few hours after the initial application! Although my lips weren't cracked and bleeding like Alexa's, I still applied the Daily Hydration Therapy at the same time she did, because my lips were quite dry. They looked and felt so much better within a few hours.

I continued to use the product, to give my lips a chance to completely heal and it worked wonders. Alexa, too, continued to apply the Daily Hydration Therapy a few times a day, sometimes only once a day and now she looks like she has healthy summertime lips! The Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy was a huge help, too. It worked so well to just put it on before bed, then overnight it renewed the damaged tender skin on the lips. The Daily Hydration Therapy has an SPF of 20, so I'm thinking we'll probably use this product year round, especially during the harsher months.

For more information about these products and the 3-Day Challenge, head on over to this Neosporin Website!

TTFN
~Tina

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Neosporin and received a sample of the Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy and the Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate.

Thank You!

My father is out of the hospital and happy to be recovering at home. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers.

Please Say a Prayer

For my dad who is in the Critical Care Unit of the hospital for brain swelling. They do not know what is causing it. No matter how old I get, he will always be my dad and I will always be his little girl. Thank you!

Above is a picture from our trip up to see my dad and his wife a couple of weeks ago. It is my dad with my children.

Love you, DAD!

Don't Be Fooled

Little Joys of This Day....

Evan said, "Mama, you're my best mommy ever!" He's told me this before, but it's been awhile, and it sounded especially cute with his stuffy nose.

Watching Taylor work hard on her sisters' Halloween costumes. They especially enjoy it when she wants their input. She's the oldest, so her asking their opinion is a big deal to them, even if it is their costumes.

Listening to Alexa as she told me about a dream she had last night. She cracks me up, but it's even funnier when she cracks herself up!

Skylar says, "I think somebody needs a hug!" everytime someone is angry or upset. It's not always a welcome hug, unfortunately, just due to her "timing". But it is just so sweet of her to always want to make people feel better.

Despite a long day at work and tons of traffic, John came home in a good mood. He even played a game of cards with Taylor after the other kids went to bed.

It is quiet at the moment. So that means that, at least for now, some sick children are getting much needed rest. I'm not actually minding this myself. ;-)

Beating the Summer Boredom Blues

Today, as I stood behind the sink washing dishes. I noticed that my little guy looked....well.....bored.

I can usually tell this by either, a) his nonstop whining, or b) his constant need to get into things and do things that he knows he's not allowed. Now, he IS sick. He has a sinus infection and an infection on his skin. But he'd been acting like he's feeling better lately. I knew he was just bored. We are pretty much quarantined at home for the next day or so due to Evan and Alexa BOTH being sick (Alexa has a throat infection, but they ruled out strep).

Then, as I'm listening to Evan fuss, Skylar walks by with yet another polite request to watch TV. Ugh. The kids are fighting more and everyone is getting cabin fever.....in the middle of summer! I felt like I could just see their little brains melting away and desperately begging for something to do........a challenge or an activity or a craft or game. SOMETHING.


Then I remembered that I discovered something out in the garage a few weeks ago when I was cleaning it out. I had saved these packing peanuts that stick together when you dampen them. That's it!

So I finished the dishes, ran out to the garage and called all the children together at the dining room table. I showed them the peanuts and they were confused and intrigued. I said, "We are going to do a project." I could see it in their eyes.

????????????confusion????????????

So I demonstrated. I had a very damp dishtowel in the center of the table. I took a packing peanut, touched it to the towel, then placed it on a cardboard square. It stuck! Then I did the same with another one and attached it to the first. It stuck! Their eyes lit up. I think I even heard a few comments such as, "cool", and "awesome!". I told them they could make anything they wanted. Or it didn't have to BE anything. Just play around, be creative, whatever.
I was actually quite amazed at how well Evan got the hang of this. After that one demonstration, he just took off with it. LOVE his dinosaur (below). He explained to us that the head was on the right side and then the long neck led up to the rounded back. You can tell in the picture above that he took his work very seriously. :-)Alexa started by making a house. She immediately began constructing the walls. She likes to make things that she can use to play and pretend with, once the project is completed. You can see (below) that she also made a bed.
And later she made a playground, with just a little help from me to reinforce the swing. The Joker looks like he's enjoying it....then again he does have a "permanent" smile. ;-)
Skylar had a blast making her sculpture. She just couldn't stop!
The end result was impressive!
And big!

Taylor was a not sure what to make of this at first, but soon her creative juices were flowing and she set to work on some really cool stuff. She made the heart, then the girl in a dress, then the rose! I had never dreamed that these packing peanuts could turn into that!
The results were amazing. Not just the projects they came up with, but the transformation of the children themselves was better than I had expected. They were laughing and having fun and they were NOT bored anymore. They even complimented each other's work. This actually occupied most of them for over an hour and a half!

God knew what my children needed this afternoon and then gave me the means to provide it for them. I am so thankful! And I'm going to do my best to do things like this more often.

TTFN
~Tina

March Madness

Things have been crazy this month. Yes, we had Taylor's 13 birthday bash......22 teens and tweens here in our house. It was.......an experience. It was fun, just crazy. I'll post about that another day.

The main reason it's been hectic this month has more to do with our insurance change. John's company, like so many others, is trying to find ways to cut back. So they went to a cheaper insurance that will not only require us to pay more out of pocket, but is just, well, for lack of a better term....crappy. We've had it before, and ALWAYS have trouble with it.

Keeping things in perspective, though, we understand that we are fortunate that he at least still has his job......for now, anyway. So hard to know what the future holds, especially in this economy. I'm getting a bit off track. The main reason for this month being so hectic is that I tried to fit in as many appointments as possible before April 1st. It's always a pain in the neck straightening everything out when insurance changes. There's all this proof of prior coverage and preexisting conditions, etc. etc. All very frustrating. Been there and done that before. So this month has been chock full of appts.....dentist, eye doctor, and regular doctor.....all four kids and us, if possible.

Here's what we accomplished in this frenzy of March...

Evan- dentist, eye doctor, well-check, and pediatric cardiologist (he checked out fine with all of them!)
Alexa- dentist, eye doctor (she got her first set of glasses), and well-check (needs some tests, but nothing urgent)
Skylar- dentist and eye doctor (no well-check ~just not enough time to fit it all in)
Taylor- dentist (1 cavity, already filled~great experience for her with our new dentist), eye doctor ( she got contacts), no well-check for her either
Me- dentist (this was done in Dec and Jan, but it's still done), no eye doctor or physical due to lack of time
John- eye doctor, no dentist or physical due to lack of time

Sigh

So I'd say we accomplished a lot. I tried to prioritize and do the most important things first. At this point, what's done is done. I will get on all that new insurance stuff ASAP. I find it's best to be proactive when working with insurance companies.

Now I just need to get my van inspected. Did I mention that expired today too? Oh well. I hope to make that the very next place I go.

Not sure when that will be, though, because Skylar just threw up twice tonight and has a massive headache. :-( Poor thing. (sorry for the TMI) Could you say a prayer for her, please?

Hope you had a great March. I, myself, am really looking forward to April....which will be here in about 45 minutes.

TTFN
~Tina

Evan's First Time at the Dentist

We love our new dentist, and all of the wonderful people in his office. Recently all of the kids had their checkups. They did wonderfully! And Evan had his first official visit and he did great! He sat still when they needed him to, and chatted with the dentist and all the staff. Evan is very social and loved the attention. They didn't do a thorough exam or cleaning....just enough to get him used to it. I thought he was going to fall asleep during the cleaning with the "tickly toothbrush". He was so cute! And they put sunglasses on him to protect his eyes from the light. So he was totally relaxed.

Then they let him be an assistant for Alexa's cleaning. He got to wear the gloves and push the button for her x-rays!

And Alexa, who has had trouble in the past, did very well! She loved it! She even got an awsome pack when she was done.

Yep, we're lovin' this new dentist!

TTFN

~Tina

Big Change for Alexa

Alexa was so excited to go from this......

To this....

Yep, my little girlie's got glasses.

And she couldn't be happier about it.

She was just lovin' this little photo shoot. Can you tell?

I think she looks older, which makes her happy.

And this cute little glasses case was just icing on the cake.

She's so adorable. And she's been doing great with her new glasses. Two days of wearing them, now, and she already seems pretty used to them.

At Mass this morning, I looked over at Alexa sitting there beside me and noticed how she was looking all around and up at the lights on the high ceiling. So, not only is she enjoying how cute she looks in them, I think she's realizing just how much better she can see now.

TTFN

~Tina

Evan's First Eye Appt.

I'm one of those people who likes to have photos of as many "firsts" as possible. I know my oldest daughter was thinking I'm a bit silly, but I just had to snap a photo or two of Evan at the eye doctor. He did so well and was just so darn cute sitting in that big chair. I didn't take any during the exam because it would have distracted him, but I took these ones right before the eye doctor came in.

And this is the kids waiting room. The children were enjoying Kung Fu Panda on this day.We just love this eye doctor. She is so good with children. And actually all of the people that work there are friendly. Evan loves it there!

Have a great Sunday!

TTFN

~Tina

Good Morning

I'm sitting here on this cold, very wet Wednesday morning eating my breakfast at the computer. My two blond earlybirds are eating cinnamon toast mini waffles as they watch "Sid the Science Kid" on PBS. It's dark in the house due to the overcast skies outside. I can hear the garbages being picked up by the trash collectors right now. Poor guys, having to be out in such a downpour of cold rain.

I have to share what I'm eating for breakfast with you........it's leftover gingerbread cake with vanilla icing drizzled on top. And I'm enjoying my coffee with Chocolate Eclair Creamer.....yummy. I realize this is not a healthy choice for breakfast, but once in a while things like this do for the spirit what they don't do for the body. I'll eat a healthy lunch and dinner. Rats! I forgot to thaw the chicken for tonight's dinner. BRB. Speaking of tonight's dinner......I'm making a southwest salad. I will prepare strips of boneless chicken breast in taco seasoning on the stove. Then add them to a salad of lettuce, broccoli, onion and possibly corn. We purchased Newman's Own Southwest Dressing (haven't tried it yet, but it looks yummy). It's not advertised as "low fat", but it only has 8 grams per two tblsp. so that's actually not too bad. And we'll top this with bits of tortilla chips. Taylor and I can't wait. Ooooooh! I wonder if corn bread would go well on the side? I have a mix in the pantry I have yet to use. Hmmm. I'll have to ask Taylor her opinion on that one. My girls and Evan aren't big on salads so I'll serve their chicken with salsa and melted cheese and rice on the side.

That leftover gingerbread cake, I should mention, is from our Teatime for the Epiphany last night. It was such a basic Teatime, due to my lack of time. But it was nice. I'll try to share the highlights and some pictures later.

Oh, as I was setting up for the teatime, I put Evan in his chair so he couldn't grab the statues and candles. He was keeping himself busy with his plate, fork and napkin. (I'll be typing slower now, as my little man just climbed into my lap~he's so cute and so cozy to hold). Then, Alexa mentioned that Evan was sticking his finger up his nose. I didn't pay much attention, just told him to stop. Then he said,"somethin' in there". I assumed he meant the gross, natural stuff that is in there, but figured he might need help getting it out. So I took and look and low and behold the boy had shoved a wad of wet napkin up into his nostril. I could see it, and tell what it was, but no way could I reach it. Anyone who tried to reach it, including Evan, would only shove it up in there further. I was concerned but not panicked. I did give a thought to how I might be ending up at the emergency room for my very first "child shoved object up his nose" visit. I never had this problem with my girls. 3 girls.......nothing up the nose. One boy.......and it's happened at only 2 and 1/2 yrs. old. Is this a boy thing?!

Anyhoo, back to the story. So I got the tweezers. As I carried them down the stairs, I noticed how sharp they looked and worried about "what if he moves?". I was so afraid I might hurt him. But I just kept going, said a prayer, and went for it. I told Evan what I was going to do and he stayed very still. It took me 3 tries. Then it all came out in one piece. Whew! Huge sigh of relief. So happy that was over and that it went so well. Then it was a prayer of thanks to God and on with our teatime.

I'm off to get the brunette's up. Those girls can sleep! Actually, I could too, if I wasn't awakened by my little blond alarm clock every day.

Hope your day is a special one!
TTFN
~Tina

So Sorry for My Lack of Posts (TMI alert)

Yes, I'm finally back. So sorry for the long absence. It was unplanned, I assure you. I went to the dentist on the 10th. Mind you, I haven't been to any dentist for a very.....long.........time. I do brush and floss my teeth and take care of them at home. I just don't ever go to the dentist (although I take my children regularly). I was nervous as all get out. To say I fear the dentist and "all things dentistry related" is an understatement. It comes from many bad experiences, I suppose. Not from my childhood, but from my young adulthood.

Anyhoo. There I was. At this wonderful dentist that my hubby (my handsome beloved with the well-taken-care-of-teeth and no fear of the dentist) found from a radio ad. This ad basically said they offer "sedation dentistry". Yippee Skippee! No kidding. I would never be excited about any dentist unless they knock me. I can assure you this wonderful dentist rocks! He was so nice and understanding of my fears. All of his staff are the same way. They don't make me feel like a total weenie for avoiding "all things dentistry" for the last......well let's just say..... many years.

He took a look, took some x-rays, then told me what needed to be done. I should mention, too, the other factor that got me into his office was the fact that I was in extreme pain from a toothache. Turns out that tooth was infected, along with another one (not good at all for people with heart murmurs) and both were going to have to come out. He started me on antibiotics for those immediately. And I had some cavities and old fillings that needed repaired, too. Oh, and a crown needed replaced.

Ok, so lots of stuff. But the great part is he knocked me out! Well, not him, exactly. His office has anesthesiologists who come there for wimps like me. I went back the following week. I was knocked out for at least 3 hours, while he did what he had to do. I woke up, still very groggy, but not feeling any pain. I was quite out of it. So much so, that when we got home, I had to go to bed to shake off the rest of the drugs. I woke up an hour or so later feeling pretty good.

I had the follow up today. My stitches are driving me crazy. He said they have to disolve on their own. But I have no pain. And with the help of Dr. Aunon, I will be a person who has regular dental visits from now on. I've even decided to start taking the children to his office.

I do have to go back to get my new crown on in January. It will take about a half an hour. I'm not looking forward to that at all. I'm trying not to think about it, for now. But, I know that I'll be fine and it's important that I take care of this. I have to be a good example to my children, too.

Between all this unplanned dental stuff and all of our Advent preparations, there's not been much time for anything else. I'm still working on our handmade Christmas. I hope to post some pics of my progress, soon.

Hope you are having a blessed Advent!
TTFN
~Tina

It's That Time of Year Again

With the onset of cold weather always seems to come the illnesses. We, like most other people, get the vast majority of our viruses in the Fall and Winter months (although we had our share this past summer, too).

I know viruses just have to run their course, and there's not much we can do, other than fluids and rest, to help them along. But sometimes we get sick from infections, and sometimes those infections can be dangerous.

I recently found out about something called MRSA.

"MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of Staph bacteria found on the skin and in the nose that is resistant to antibiotics. More than 90,000 Americans get potentially deadly MRSA infections every year and in 2005, nearly 19,000 Americans died from MRSA infections. More deaths are linked to MRSA infections than AIDS."

The above quote is from the website stopmrsanow.org. This site is full of information that we can use to educate and protect ourselves and our children against this deadly infection.

This site also gives the following tips on how to prevent the spread of MRSA:

Scrub up - Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds - the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice - or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer.
Wipe it down - Use a disinfecting bleach solution to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces. Make sure to use clean cloths to avoid spreading MRSA from one surface to another. (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart of water)
Cover your cuts - Keep any nicks or wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage until healed.
Keep to yourself - Do not share personal items, like towels or razors, that come into contact with bare skin.
Use a barrier - Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment.

Getting sick is an unavoidable fact of life, but it only makes sense to take steps to lessen our risks, especially for the potentially serious stuff. So, please take a minute to stop by this site to get more valuable information on MRSA.

Hope you are having a happy (and healthy) holiday week!

TTFN

~Tina