Did You See His Hand Today?

I have mentioned this topic a couple times before. But it means so much to me. Here is a 1 1/2 minute clip that sums it all up. Love this stuff!

Close Call

I have a cell phone so I can be informed on important matters regarding my family and home.

The school nurse will call when a child is sick. Hubby will call while I am at the store to remind me to pick something up. Occasionally we will get calls from a child informing us that one of his brothers is beating the worms out of him.

Thankfully, I have never been called by the children with a terribly urgent message.

Until tonight.

J was babysitting. He was home with two awake younger brothers and a sleeping B. He called only a few minutes after I was gone. The tone in his voice was unmistakably tense. He sounded like he was going to cry and I worried if everyone was OK.

This was his "emergency" he called me with as the three boys were trying to get ready for bed.

"Mom, R went over to his friends house today and didn't wear shoes. So his feet got really dirty. Now his feet stink so bad and I can't breathe. Can you please tell him to wash his feet?"

Yup. That was it.

And OH BOY was it urgent! I have been called for a lot of things, but nothing like this before.

Thankfully, R washed his feet per my instructions and the three boys settled down for a good nights rest, free of foul odors.

Whew!

Happy Birthday -- 14!!!

Today I am really feeling old. My little itsy bitty baby with the gorgeous blue eyes that broke me into motherhood is 14!

S was born on a rainy memorial day weekend 14 years ago. Even though he is in the "teenage years" he always greets me with a hug when he comes home from school.

He is a good honest boy who is growing into a wonderful young man and even though it makes me feel old, I love watching it. (so proud of my Eagle Scout)

He takes care of his siblings, he tries his hardest to keep the commandments and he always tells me he loves me. He is always willing to lend a hand and has been known to let a scared younger sibling bunk on his trundle bed for the night. I love the look on his face as he helps B not be scared of her first sprinkler experience.

He has his dad's gift for music. Among the guitar, he plays violin, harp and piano... He is more musical than he will tell you.

I love this kid!!!

6th Grade no more!!!

Well, its official! I now have TWO (that would be 2) kids "post-elementary". Pretty soon, I am going to start wearing bifocals and commenting on my underarm flab.

It ain't pretty, but you know its going to happen.

J graduated from 6th grade on Thursday and I have been too scattered to get it posted until now.

But here you go, my baby J. Almost 12 and done with elementary school!

If only I could convince him that his real smile (the one with teeth) is downright heartmelting.

Let's hear it for the graduates!!! Look how cute they all are. If you see your kiddo in this picture and want a copy, email me and I will send you one!!

Can't believe they are all starting Jr. High!
I knew some of these kids before they knew their alphabet!!!

Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time

I loved this talk when it was given and I love how they summed it up on YouTube.

It takes 3 1/2 minutes... you have to watch to the end. Brings a smile to my face.

Book Worms

Have you EVER read in the bathroom?

Be honest. I know I am guilty. Sometimes, you just need something to bide your time.

But let’s think about something for a second.

Library books.

Especially the potty training ones I used to check out.

Where do you think those books are read?

Are we really going to try to believe that they are read without one person sneezing, coughing or wiping their – er, nose?

How many of those books are littered with little creepy crawly’s just waiting to spread the latest pandemic??

Just Google Fomite and library books… see what turns up.

Just one more reason why I'm a sucker for bookstores.

Thanks for getting me thinking, Diane!

How many apples would this take?

I have an interesting background. My parents raised me with every sort of alternative medicine you could ever imagine. Things I would have never guessed were real were deemed “medicine” and claimed to heal the most mild to the most severe of all disorders. We ate healthy. We didn’t get vaccines. We didn’t see any doctors that actually had medical licenses. Everything was done naturally.

My junior year in high school, I got sick. Really sick. I had tonsillitis or something to that effect and was lucky if I could down water or jello (made from scratch, minus the sugar of course). I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t swallow. I lay in bed with little life and lost 20 lbs over the course of three weeks (making me a whopping 85 lbs). But, the only “doctors” we saw were one that were hiding from the police (really, not kidding). I finally got better but it took months to regain my strength. I am convinced that it was 110% the hand of God. Nothing else could have made me well.

In fact, once I was on the mend, my mother admitted to me that she didn’t know if I would make it. She actually thought I was going to die. It is something I have always wondered about, but try not to dwell on. I could live a lifetime of blaming if I chose to, and I don’t want that. I know my parents were doing their best to do what they felt was best. I know they loved me. And while I completely disagree on medical issues, I respect their desire to do what they felt was right.

So I usually don’t mentally approach the subject.

Until recently.

There is a young man in Minnesota who has cancer – not tonsillitis – who needs treatment. He is 13 and his tumor is growing. After one treatment of Chemo, his parents opted to go a natural route of treatment. They have similar opinions to those my parents had. They want to treat this cancer (which has a high survival rate when treated by chemo) with other methods. Since the tumor is growing, a judge ordered this child to have chemo against his will, saying the parents were medically neglecting him. The child says he will physically fight off anyone who tries to force chemo on him. There was even speculation that the child would be taken into temporary custody in order to obtain treatment.

Consequently, Mom and child ran. Maybe to Mexico, who knows?

My sense of right and wrong is torn at the very core with this one…

On one hand, you have a mom, not unlike my own, who loves her child and is doing what she feels is best. The child says he doesn’t want the treatment. And while I don’t agree with this decision, it is her child and their choice. Who do we think we are to step in and take over?

On the other hand, this child, not unlike myself, could be following his parents blindly because of his love towards them. He may be echoing his parents feelings and may not realize the magnitude of what CANCER is. He may be grateful in the years to come if someone steps in and helps him.

And yet… at what point do we justify removing a child from his home? Because we disagree with their views? In my limited experience I have found that most of the “natural” stuff just doesn’t work. But – some of it does. And what if, what this family chooses to do, it does work?

In trying to force their opinions (supported by fact or not) on this family, the "powers that be" have actually made them fugitives.

What is right?

Looking for a little dialog...

Keeping party politics aside, let me know what you think about this...

Apparently, in the past, Pentagon briefings were headed with quotes from the bible. Now, with the new administration, the quotes have been removed for fear of offending someone.

You can read the story here.

So who is right? The one who quotes scripture before meetings or the one who removes it?

Should people really be offended if someone quotes scripture? Should they be offended if the scripture is removed?

Does it violate the division of church and state or is it an expression of freedom of religion to quote scripture?

If we were to expand this issue to other areas in life, what would it mean? Are we doing ourselves a favor or disservice by removing all references to God?

At what point does it go to far -- in favor or against -- in expressing religious views in a public or government setting?

Speak up! There are no rights or wrongs here... I want to know what you have to say

Little Treasures

Tonight I look at my sweet children with their sleepy eyes and smile at how the Lord has blessed me. I spend a fair amount of time complaining and whining about the hardships of motherhood. I realized tonight I spend too little time on its joys.

Being a mom is one of the hardest things I have done. And heaven knows that I need improvement. I pray that somehow my children will grow to their potential in spite of my weaknesses.

Moments get rough. Weeks sometimes drag on. But mostly, when I stop to think about it, I realize that the greatest blessing I have in my life is my family. And truly, as long as I have my family, I will be fine.

I used to tell my husband I would be happy living in a cardboard box as long as we were together with our family. I know he may wonder if that is true, but in all honesty, it is the family that makes the home. The sounds that fill our walls are what bring character to our home. The memories we build within the rooms are stronger than brick and mortar. And the bonds we form here, last far beyond this lifetime.

Why, then, is it so easy to set these treasures aside for things that don’t matter? Why do I feel the need to explore and create new things when what I have in front of me is more worthy of my time? I need to remember the pure joy that fills my heart when I think of my children.

I love the warm hugs. I love the goofy, mischievous smiles that can’t hide what trouble they are concocting. I love the little noises they make while they sleep. I love that, during good times, they are inseparable. And even when they fight, they can’t stay mad at each other for long. I love that when one gets hurt or sick, the others worry for them. I love the little evidences of themselves they leave behind; a toy car, a doll or Pokémon card.

These little beings that my Heavenly Father has seen fit to bless me with are what drive me to keep going from day to day. They are what bring a smile to my face when I feel there are no smiles left. These little children, who are growing so, so fast, are truly my joy.

Sometimes I try to breathe in every second of their happiness, their embraces, their trusting eyes. If only I could capture their hugs, giggles and smiles before they are stolen by the greatest of all thieves, Time.

So tonight, I am grateful for these five precious gifts Hubby and I have been given. Tonight I sleep well, knowing that when I am with my little family, I am right where I need to be.

Blog Management

So a while ago, I had to do a hard thing and cut back on the blogs I follow. I decided to take everybody off I didn’t know personally, with the exception of about 6 people… That makes A LOT of blogs to keep up on. My comments for others have been dwindling because, let’s face it, as fun as blogging is, it just doesn’t replace those hugs and kisses you get from your kids. And I don’t want my kids hanging out at my side for attention while I comment on someone’s blog I have never met. So, I cut back… on blogs I follow and on comments I make.

But I kept thinking about a post I read a while ago about managing your subscriptions on Google Reader. I didn’t even know you could manage them…

Well, this awesome blogger, gave me a great idea. So, following the Goddess’s example, I have sorted my favorite blogs into folders for days of the week. Some of you I will be visiting on Monday, some on Tuesday, others on Wednesday and so forth.

Now, I hope to enjoy all of your blogs AND my kids… (maybe I can even add back a couple of those blogs :))

Have a great weekend!

Come out, Come out, where ever you are....

Because at least 3 of my 5 kids are having major meltdowns... I am upstairs hiding in my bathroom.

Do I really have to go back down there???


UUUGGGHHH!!



*** I've been discovered -- wish me luck! ***

Just so you know...

Putting your hair into a ponytail

is not the same thing as washing it!!!

I heard or read this a couple days ago... I loved it and had to laugh. But now I can't remember where on earth I heard or read this.

So, if this brilliant saying was on your blog, will you please let me know so I can thank you for your brilliance!!!

(By the way, my blogging friends, I am still reading your blogs! I know I am not commenting as much but I am still loving to read about your life!)

A Fight Worth Winning!!!

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to teach the young women in my church – ages 14 &15. They were remarkable girls. All of them. I see them every so often and I am amazed at some of these girls, how they have turned out and what they have done with their life.

But probably the most inspirational is one girl’s fight through cancer. Kenna has kept a positive and humble outlook through this whole thing. She shown a sense of humor and is always smiling. It warms my heart to see her. Kenna finally finished all TWELVE rounds of chemotherapy and has come out on top. I am so happy for her. Her perspective on life is amazing. I hope you will take a chance to go tell a wonderful girl, “Congratulations”

Way to go, Kenna!! Love you!

Being TWO is HARD to DO!!!

Every desert has to have its own oasis. For most Arizonans it is a swimming pool. Either their own, a friends or a community pool. Because of all the pools, a kid has to – HAS TO – know how to swim. It can literally be a matter of life and death. With so many swimming pools around, a parent has to – HAS TO – be a stickler with pool safety.

We keep our pool gated and locked, the kids can not get the key – only an adult. I pick my battles carefully and this is one battle I am prepared to fight… absolutely no breaking the pool safety rules. But not everyone has a gate around their pool. Not everyone watches the kids around water. I need my children prepared. So one rule is that a child needs to learn to swim.

Each of my boys has had the chance to suffer through swim lessons. Each of them can keep their head above water and become stronger swimmers each year.


As a two year old, B is new to this whole swimming thing. Last year, I just held her. This year its time for her to learn. But guess what? B is terrified of swimming (she is actually afraid of too much water in the tub!). When we are in the pool, she won’t release her death grip on me long enough to transfer from one arm to another. SHE IS SCARED. She won’t allow me to teach her. So I have to take her somewhere to learn to swim.

Then there is the whole stranger thing. She is terrified of strangers. She wants her mommy. Or daddy. Not anyone she doesn’t know. So, combine fear of water and fear of strangers – you get B’s swim lessons!


We have the greatest teacher and she does very well. But today, our second day, B cried the WHOLE time. She cried during the kicking, she cried during the superman float, she breathed big sobbing sighs during the back floating, then cried again during the ring toss game. She cried, “I want my mommy.” Then, “I want to hold you, mommy”


For the longest ½ hour of my life. She cried.


But, she HAS to learn to swim. It isn’t an option around here. I have know too many children that have drown, I want to do what I can to prevent that.


So I let her cry. I reinforce the great job she did from the edge of the pool, then turn my head so she doesn’t see my pained expression.


Afterwards, I asked B if she went swimming like a big girl. “Yes,” she answers proudly.


“Did you get scared?” I ask.


“No, I was happy!” She tells me with the most cheerful voice I ever heard.


Go figure. I know tomorrow, she might cry again, but she is already kicking on her own. And this is one battle I can't lose.


We got home and I made B lunch… (she loves to eat on her “table” while she watches one of her kiddy shows). She didn’t last more than a couple minutes -- her hair is still wet from the swim. (sorry for the blurry cell phone picture... I should have gotten my camera, but I was afraid she would move.)

A story that has to be told

This post is not for the weak stomached... Consider yourself warned...

I tried to tell this story before, when I first started blogging, but I ended up removing the post because it embarrassed some people. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize this story needs to be preserved for posterity (and possibly blackmail purposes)

Now it is important for anonymity to remain... So suffice it to say this took place within my family. Only the names have been changed to protect the not so innocent.

We used to do the tball/baseball thing a lot. And anyone who has been to these children's leagues - and if you have boys - understand parents tend to look the other way when a little boy needs to use the tree... Or the wall.

The problem lies in the lack of restroom facilities. Nine out of ten games or practices were held in a place where there were no toilets... And just what are you supposed to do with a 6 year old boy who is in thrashing fits of pain and will definitely burst if he doesn't mark his territory? Nevermind he just went at home 20 min earlier.

So, we look the other way.

Until my children came into the picture.

You see, I was at home with our newborn, baby Jerry. Hubby, being the great husband he is, offered to take Newman and Kramer to George's coach pitch game so I could rest. He even called his parents for backup support.

The stage was set for a wonderful evening for all of us.

Shortly after the game started, Newman and Kramer announced their need to "go". Looking around, hubby could see neither bathroom, nor inconspicuous corners. Seeing the portables close by (they were at the local high school) hubby suggested they go behind those for some privacy. They were happy to comply with his request and hubby sat back to enjoy the game.

A short time later, Kramer comes back alone. “Newman is stuck,” he says.

“No he isn't,” answers hubby, refusing to believe what that meant. “Tell him to get back here.”

Even though Kramer was slightly confused, he obediently returned to Newman to deliver the message. He soon returned to hubby with another message.

"Newman is really stuck. He says he needs you."

Frustrated, hubby left Kramer with his parents and went to retrieve Newman. Imagine poor hubby's horror when he found Newman precariously perched like a little lost crab over a pile of runny poop. It was all over his underwear, his shorts, his legs, his arms, his tummy, his bum, his hands – E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E.

Hubby had no baby wipes, no tissue, no paper towels and nothing else to make this situation any better. After all #2 wasn't supposed to be part of the equation.

Remembering a trick he learned from scout camp, hubby looked at the thick blades of grass and got an idea.

“Newman,” he says. “Scoot around a little and wipe off.”

What he didn't plan on was Newman plopping his rear right into the mess… and his scooting? Well, that just smeared what was already a mess - everywhere. So, with all determination, Hubby kept urging Newman to keep scooting; wiping here, wiping there. Every time one part would get cleaned, another would become more smeared.

After much trial and tribulation, hubby managed to mop up some of the mess with Newman's underwear. Then, he put the dirty shorts back on Newman and deposited the underwear in the nearest trash can. The messy pair walked over to some empty bleachers and placing Newman on a bench, Hubby left strict instructions not to move while he went to tell his parents he would be leaving early. (His parents weren't far, so Newman wasn’t being left in an unsafe situation)

When hubby came back for Newman he discovered that Newman had not sat still. He had moved. And, he had left a trail – all over the bleachers. With messy child in tow, hubby went to the snack bar to see if he could obtain a few napkins.

"We don't have any here,” they said. “But you can get some paper towels from the bathroom.” At that point, hubby followed the directive finger with his eyes and saw the real bathrooms only a short distance from where they had originally been sitting. (I think I would have cried, but Hubby sucked it up and attempted to clean up some of the mess)

By the time Newman was relatively cleaned up, the game was over and he met his parents walking back to the car. After telling his parents the story, his mom commented, “You know I always have baby wipes in the car... You should have just come gotten some.”

It wasn't hubby's favorite night. And I am sure it wasn't the school's grounds crew favorite morning the following day.

Battle Wounds

One of the things that I like to do is volunteer at my kid’s school. It makes me feel better knowing I am close to them. And I like to think it makes them feel more secure.

This last year, I have, again, had the chance to volunteer in a program called Art Masterpiece. Basically, a volunteer goes into the classroom every other week and explains a piece of artwork to the children. In the past, I have been able to do presentations for my own children’s classrooms. This year, I had a change of pace when I got to present to my two nephews (ages 10 & 5) and niece (age 8).

The other day I was presenting for my last time of the year. The last class was my five year old nephew’s class. It is the best class to teach because no matter what you are trying to talk about you will have someone raise their hand and say something like, “my babysitter has a trampoline” or “my dog barks really loud.” In addition to the ultra important comments they make are the “super-duper-going-to-hug-you-more-than-my-classmate-hugs!”

It’s just plain awesome! I LOVE ending my presentations with that class!

So, I am finished with the last presentation of the year, for the last class of the day (the 5 year olds) and I am walking through a sea of arms hugging my legs and saying goodbye. I am feeling the euphoric pride of being a successful volunteer, patting myself on the back for a job well done, listening to the chorus of “I love you” and “goodbye.” All of a sudden, my "sweet-adorable-have-to-squeeze-him” nephew stands up, points to my very un-pregnant, although aptly padded belly, and announces, “You’re going to have a baby.”

Bubble. Burst.

I quickly crash landed from my self-inflated cloud nine, patted my belly, and responded, “Nope, these are just leftovers.” ("leftovers from 5 children," I said, under my breath)

Happy Mother’s Day!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

You know the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes? Well, we have had our own little version of it playing at our house lately.

You see, my son downloaded this ringtone for his phone. He swears he can hear it. His friends swear they can hear it. Even little B says she can hear it.

Me? Not so much.

Evidently, I am a little slow on the uptake. There is this way cool ringtone made just for kids that adults (including teachers) CAN NOT HEAR.

How do I know the kids aren’t all just pretending? Am I just an emperor being made fool of, or is this thing real?

I have mixed feelings.

First off, that is way cool that someone even discovered that. But, wait a second, I am not sure I like being old enough to be discriminated against.

Oh, and then it brings up the other issue of, “what other things am I missing?" What things SHOULD I be catching but can't because it is out of my "frequency range?"

So is this cool – or is this scary?

What do you think?

Funky Smells and Close Calls

For once, the strange smell in my home has nothing to do with my children…

Last night, about dinner time, we noticed a melting plastic smell filtering through our home. I just assumed something had gotten onto the burner of the stove without me noticing. It was a busy night with concerts, scouts, church activities and other appointments. So about the time, we all settled down at 10:30, we noticed the smell wasn’t just lingering but was active.

Nothing was on. Dishwasher, stove, washing machine, dryer… all off. We couldn’t locate the source of the smell. It smelled strongest in our garage-turned-family-room and in the laundry room, but we couldn’t locate the source of the smell.

Getting into bed, we figured it must have been an element or something that melted in the stove when I went to use it. Lights out and we tried to go to sleep. B had wandered up to our bed (again) and usually, we just roll over and let her snuggle. Instead, I got a distinct feeling to take her downstairs and look again for the smell.

After laying B in her bed, I went back into our garage and, while walking around, noticed puddles of water on the carpet and tile. I followed the trail which led me to the cause of the smell.

Our 23 year old water heater.

This thing was in bad shape. We had been told by our plumber it needed to be replaced, but had set it on the back burner of our mind while life happened.

Now, I was looking at our water heater, sweating water from the seams, into the electrical fixtures on the water heater. Not only that, but we had a TV, A/C unit and a couple other items plugged into a power strip that had somehow slipped into the oncoming trickle of water. The wires were short circuiting and causing the burning smell. I called Hubby in, and we were investigating further when he saw the sparks.

Quickly, with the help of our Next Door Angel (who just happens to be an electrician) we got all the appropriate circuits shut down and stabilized the situation until morning.

Our super cool plumber showed up within a couple hours of calling him and was able to replace our ancient water heater safely. He told me that he was surprised it didn’t start a fire the way it had been going. He also pointed out that even though we had a pressure release valve, it wasn’t hooked up all this time (we have been here 8 years). Without that in place, we basically had a rocket waiting to happen in our home.

I am grateful and humbled for the direction the Lord gave me. I am grateful that He watched over us. And SO grateful for a new water heater.

I took a look online and found a couple things of interest. The first is a photo of what happened when a water heater DID explode in someone’s house (actually here in AZ)



The video is of the Myth Busters seeing if a water heater really will explode. (should have just asked the guy from AZ.)



Anyway, listen to your plumber when he tells you to switch out the water heater. More importantly, listen to those feelings you get.

What is it with girls?

None of my boys ever made me sit for a half hour just to do my hair!

I was trying to descreetly take pictures with my cell phone (excuse the blur) But check out this girls face -- this is serious business to her! I had to laugh when half way through our hair session she donned the sun glasses!

Oh, and you can see the newest haircut she is sporting. This is the one she did herself, after climbing on the cupboard to get the scissors from their hiding place...

Ready for a good laugh???

Because I really think some of you are missing the BRILLIANCE that is my husband, I am linking a three part series of posts here...

I do have his latest posts on my side bar, but some of you may need that extra nudge to go have a laugh...

Seriously -- this is funny stuff


Like My Dad (Camping)

Like My Dad II (Swimming)

Like My Dad III (Dogs)

Come back and let me know what you think...

I don't even know how to title this one...

Here is our dialoge this morning, just as we are sitting down for scripture study:

(Because some mom’s of my kids friends read this blog, I am changing their names, so you won’t know for sure who has done what.)

Jerry: Mom, Newman peed in our room.

(Newman wears pull-ups to bed so I answered half listening): um - okay

Jerry: no he peed on our floor!

Me: What? Are you kidding? (then hollering to Newman) Why on earth would you do that?

Newman: (smiles his mischievous grin and shrugs shoulders)

Me & Hubby: Lecture ensues… punishment delivered… slight shudder and gagging on my part

Jerry: and he put his hand in it!

Me (to Newman): you TOUCHED it?

Newman: (shrug)

Me: (to Jerry) did he just touch it or did he put his hand in the way of the pee while he was peeing.

Jerry: He put his hand in front of his P*N*S while he peed.

Me: (frantically trying to remember if and when I touched that boy’s hand today) Newman, if you ever do that again, I swear….

Kramer: Do what? (he hadn’t heard the conversation earlier)

Me: Newman peed all over his floor

Kramer: oh – he does that all the time in my room.


W.H.A.T.????

Just a Spoonful of Sugar...

Remember how cool that Mary Poppins lady was? Snapping her fingers to clean up everything, Fitting all her belongings into ONE bag, chalk inspired adventures. But maybe the MOST miraculous of all her tricks was giving the kids medicine. Just HOW did she do that?

I have had a lot of opportunity over the last 14 years, and especially the last few months, to figure out just the best ways to get medicine down a child’s throat. And you know what? It is NOTHING like Ms. Poppins. In fact, I am beginning to think she is a fraud…

Here are some of my very UN-Poppin like methods.

Eye drops. It is horrible to give these things to any aged kid. In fact, I am pretty sure it was invented by some crazy Howie Mandell type mad-scientist that just wanted to make mothers insane. My MIL gave me this idea for giving them to babies and it seemed to work. Although I worry Child Protective Services will be knocking on my door later… Sit on the floor with the baby on his back between your legs with his/her legs facing your body. Hold baby’s head with your feet (preferably they will be clean) that frees up your hands -- one to hold the flailing arms, one to deliver the drops. I never felt so mean – but hey, pink eye disappeared!

Eye drops for older kids is very similar to that of younger kids – except I don’t hold them with my feet (mostly because their feet can now reach my head) But I have to fight off their hands just the same.

For oral medicine, if you are nursing, wait until feeding time to administer medicine. While feeding the baby, slip a syringe medicine dropper between your (hmm, hmm) and the baby’s mouth. Slowly (cuz you have to be sneaky) drop the medicine into the baby’s mouth one drop at a time with each swallow he/she takes. (you might get a little sticky, but hey, your babe doesn’t know what hit them) Of course, this only works for so long, unless you are like my mom who nursed her babies until they were 3 – but then I suspect if that was your thing, you probably wouldn’t be the medicine-giving type. (no offense meant to anyone)

If you are giving your baby oral meds, definitely do a syringe. And, if they are anything like mine, they will spit it O.U.T. , leaving you wondering how much they actually swallowed. So, you have to trick them. You aim the syringe at the inside of their cheek, towards the back of the jaw. Then let it out slowly. They can’t spit it out, but oh boy, do they ever get mad!!! If you just drip it towards the back of their throat and not to the side, they will either choke or spit it out… neither is a good option.

We have told B that she was drinking Princess Juice (not the juice FROM a princess (cuz that would be gross), just juice that would help her grow into one) The boys we told they would grow muscles… I think they really think they did. They would strut their stuff around and we would OOH and AAAHHH over their muscles they had grown with only one dose of meds… I am pretty sure this can lead to serious issues later, but later isn’t here, so for now – dream on kiddo!

We have awarded one popsicle for every dose of medicine. I DON’T recommend this. Not only is it sticky, but soon your child will eat ALL the popsicles in advance. Talk about a “buy now, pay later” attitude. Problem is, he doesn’t want to take his medicine if there are no popsicles. Which there aren’t, because they are all sloshing around in the bottom of his stomach.

We have chased the kids around the house and played airplane. I think the kids like seeing mom and dad do this, but I don’t really like it so much. I get tired. And the game isn’t really that fun when the sticky goo drips all over you.

We have pretended we are sharing the medicine. Each of us pretending to taste it (Mmmm, Mommy some. Mmmm, Daddy some. Mmmm, brother some.) Works well for little ones, not so much for the big kids. In fact, they look at us funny.

For the “swallow whole” kind (pills) it’s all about bribery. And psyching the kid out to realize the pill in his mouth is really MUCH smaller than the piece of pizza he just swallowed. We don’t have so much luck with this one. Even though my children are exceptionally smart – they can’t seem to comprehend that swallowing a pill is much easier than swallowing food. Most of the time, the child is convinced the pill is lodged in their throat and growing larger by the moment.

For the older kids, we turn their bottles upside down at night. If they are right side up in the morning, we know they took the medicine. Except when they take the time to flip the bottle and NOT take the medicine. Hmmm, maybe that’s why J isn’t getting better.

And I don’t care what people say about generics being the same as brand names… maybe the medicine is the same but brand name medicine tastes WAY better. And whatever Mary Poppins had in her bottle definitely wasn’t generic – actually it may not have been legal.

So what are your tricks?

One website you won't mind your kids spending hours on...

The church just recently put out this amazing website? Everything here testifies of Jesus Christ. I love it. Spend some time looking around. It is a wonderful testimony that HE LIVES!

Happiness

The REAL Pandemic

Just a little perspective...

As you can tell from the previous post, I complain. A lot.

I complain about how tired I am, how under appreciated I am, how messy my house gets, how hot my car gets... Poor me. I really have it rough.

I tell myself that by complaining about these things, I am helping myself release frustration. Become emotionally healthy. So, I complain.

I stumbled across this video that sort of brought everything into perspective.

I am afraid I "suffer" from Affluenza. (Its not limited to just teenagers) Again, poor me.

Take a look and see if you have any of the symptoms. The video is 5 1/2 minutes long. I doubt you will soon forget it.

Because he loves me...

... and maybe because I am a whiny head...

Hubby is getting back from his latest business trip and sending me away for the weekend for some R & R.

Thanks everyone for your love and support. It helps me feel so loved!

I am fine, and a little embarrassed with my last post.

I am off to Sedona -- just me -- and looking forward to it.