You run, you slide......

Life with slip n slide is the greatest (when you are a kid). I briefly debated about try it, then decided I couldn't stand the cold hose water and would break a bone or pull a muscle. Maybe next time I reply as the kids yell "Come on mom!"

Why do the doctors want to cut my open?

Okay I went to the sleep doctor this afternoon, and he gave me homework; and told me to try a couple this homework-things before we talk about surgery. I said what kind of surgery. He replied with cutting your throat. What the heck? Something is wrong with my wind tube/air pipe and when I fall asleep I stop breathing (average 10 times an hour). No wonder I don't feel rested when I wake up. I will do everything possible before letting him cut my throat. (Talk about being in a cut throat business.) My doctors are all crazy, they are out to get me.
Anyone ever heard of throat surgery?

I went to the Doctor (Wednesday)

It officially summer break, so ready or not start the roller coaster of a ride.
I went to the doctor on Wednesday and he explain some possibilities of the surgery and decided to give me another round of medications. He prescribed me steroids, an antibotic, pain medication and three different nasal sprays. Whew! I asked him if it worked how would he know which one or combination worked. He said it would be a combination. Keep your fingers crossed.
I have tried the nespot (I have one), but he gave me two of the pediasprayers (it just like the nespot only you just squeeze the bottle).
I have an appointment with the sleep doctor today (and this is what he said.... oooh eeee ooooh ahhh ahh ). I can't wait to he what he has to say, I had the sleep study back in April?
Any special events coming up for summer break?
Anyone know how much the local water park is?

Help, Please Anyone?

I have another sinus headache, okay so they just never stop. I have tried to call the doctor, but they don't want me on any medication. They suggest sinus surgery.
I have not been in to talk to the doctor about having the sinus surgery, but I have checked out information online. Oh, that's scary.
I was wondering if anyone is out there that has had sinus surgery or knows someone who has and can give me input. I don't care if it's good, bad or otherwise.

Do you like Goodwill?

For those who don't know me "well", I love to garage sale and goodwill. Anything to avoid paying retail. There is a Goodwill Outlet/Clearance/As Is center in Charlotte (about 45 minutes from me). It is great. Everything is marked with the regular good will prices, but anything with a price tag 99 cents and under is 29 cents; $1.99 - $1 $.59 ; $3.99-$2 $0.79 and so on.
The cashier told me that they refresh the stock (or trade and get new) on Mondays (when they are closed) so Tuesday is the best day of the week. I found jeans for 99 cents, and several nice clothing pieces.

Make Your Own

It's been a ruff couple of days. I had a couple days (in a row) where everything I do gets screwed up or turns out wrong.
I finally got a hold of my doctor about my sinuses to see if they could recommend anything to help me. There solution; sinus surgery. Oh that sounds like fun. Anyone had this or know of anyone who has? Painful? Permanant Solution?
While I was picking up the kitchen for the hundredth time this week I looked outside and noticed our sprinkler was on and there was a rainbow. So here's my comment for those who have bad moments or bad days. Sometimes we have to make our own rainbow! Make yourself smile.

Booger question (Eww gross, I know)

Okay I have horrible sinus problems and may need sinus surgery. I have an air bubble in my sinuses and block pollups.
My mom and I were garage saling this morning and my nose kept acting up. Almost everytime I'd get back into the van I'd blow my nose and "pick" the boogers. My question is should I remove my boogers (in the privacy of my van) or leave them (and take the chance someone could see them)?
Anyone have any suggestions that help with there sinuses? The doctor says I do not have allergies (I am shocked). One minute my nose is running like crazy and the next it crusty.
Thanks for the comments.

Babysitter Follow-up

Sounds like this is a good topic for moms.
I talked to another mom today and she said the girl that babysits gets paid $2.50.hour for one child and $3/hour for two. Wow! what's her number? (Nicole, she lives out in Michigan Center near Lakeside Drive.)
I tried to call for a babysitter the other night, and got the "little" sister. She yelled for her older sister and finally said she'd call back. The dad called back 4 hours later. She hasn't babysat for us before, and I was calling to see what she charges. Should I take this as a sign she didn't want to babysit, or maybe she didn't realize who called (even though I identified myself when I talked to the little sister).
Do you share babysitter names and numbers, or do you keep them for yourself?
How often do you go out?
Do you go out yourself or on a date?
I would love to get out once a week, I would think a babysitter would like that too.

Babysitters

Okay, I know everyone is different, but here is a touchy topic for me; Babysitters. When I was younger I used to babysit (I started at 12). There is no way on this green Earth I would let a 12 year old babysit my children. I don't think 15/16 year old look tall enough to be 15/16. We have several neighborhood teenagers that are great girls, but I am stuck on the age factor.
Not, to mention money. How much to you pay babysitters these days? I have two children (Ben who is almost 6 and Anna who is 2 1/2). What if they babysitter watches them till.... let's say 11, and they go to bed by 8? Okay, I know you think I would know better, but most of our kids lifes we've had family watch them. What if a babysitter is old enough to drive, but wants you to pick them up?
Any helpful hints or suggestions on this topic are greatly appreciated.

Early Bird or Night Owl

I think most parents who have two (or more) children will agree with the following statement.
One child is an Early Bird and the other is a Night Owl.
Anna is our Night Owl. She has no problem going down for nap, bedtime on the other hand.... well lets just say she has a frequent "get out of bed" card that is full every night. Why? why does she stay in bed for nap and not for bedtime.
Ben on the other hand is my Early Bird. His head hits the pillow and he's out (usually one of the times Anna gets out of bed she is checking on Ben; then proceeds to find me to say "Ben, sleeping.")
I think both children are connected, if one gets up in the middle of the night the other will within 1/2 hour. And they are both zombies for about 10 minutes after getting up, then off they go like our life is a marathon.
Any helpful hints with Anna's bedtime?

My Babies are Growing Up

I was talking to another mom the other day and we were talking about Anna going to preschool. I looked up online and found that she is able to go to 3 year old preschool this year. It is the local school district. I talked to another mother and she said the school charges for 3 year olds to go to preschool. Has anyone ever heard this, if I live in the school district can the school charge for my child to go to preschool?
My other child....
I received a phone call from Ben's school last week. They left a message with the babysitter (I was attending the garage sale at moms). They said it wasn't an emergency, but for me to call them. When I called them they told me Ben was bit by a little girl in his class and was sent to the office for ice. There wasn't any marks, but they just wanted to call and let me know. I tried to ask Ben about it when he got home, but it was no big deal to him. I pretty much had to remind him that it happened. Have your children ever gotten hurt at school or daycare? Did you do anything?

It's Tuesday!

Mondays always fly by even if they are Mad Mondays. I don't like to schedule anything on Mondays, because we usually have a crazy weekend and I don't remember things on Mondays. We'll I did it anyway (6 months ago) I scheduled Anna's 2 1/2 year docotors appointment. I did remember, but I scheduled it for 1:30. What the heck; I had to do grocery shopping in sprint speed and pray we'd be in and out of the doctors since 1:30 is the late nap time. We made it.
Friday I took the kids to see my grandma (she's local). We didn't stay long (maybe 1 1/2 hours), and I felt like it was nothing special; but the feedback from my mom about the visit was amazing. You'd thought we took her for a cruise or something. She couldn't say enough about it. I feel bad like we don't visit my grandmas as much as I'd like, but I know I visit more than the other grandkids. My question is how often do you visit your grandparents? What do you do when you visit? My husband is like the family handyman, so when he comes they get projects lined up.

Sunny and 70!

Okay, so it's been a while since I last blogged.
Let's see; we've all been sick (the family), Easter's here and gone and soon April will be too.
Our renters moved out, great now we have to find new ones. Heads up if you know anyone looking for a place.
My Aunt is still in the hospital, and we continue to pray for her.
My Uncle (other side) has surgery on his shoulder, he is doing better.
I got outside yesterday and played in some fresh air (I am not an outdoor person, I wish I was).
I have been exercising daily (on the Wii Fit). I know something is working because my muscles are sore.
We made our monthly trip to the Howell Kroger (where they double $1 off coupons); I save nearly 80% and walked away with over $200 in items.
Not, much new.... except the pictures added of the kids on the right side.
Check 'em out. My babies are growing up (oh no, I think I've heard my mother say that!)

Let the Sunshine In... And Brighten Your Whole Day

Today was a nice sunny day.
It's summer break and I am spending most of it with my two children and my niece and nephew. It's been a fun week filled with some yummy recipes.
Today we went to Chuck E. Cheeses. Wow, what a blast. I packed a picnic lunch, grab the kids and grandma. We printed off certificates for 10 free tokens for each child and used a coupon for 100 tokens for $15. I guess you could say we played for the day inexpensivly.
It was a good day.
Thank you for the comments, I will be checking into several things. First is tomorrow, Friday; a day to myself and my husband would like to spend some time with me, just me! Oh my gosh, I do exsist. My poor husband has been doing so much from working, and helping others to cleaning the garage and barn I was the last thing he got to at night. It's kinda like leftovers after they've sat out forever. It's nice when you are hungry and you don't want to complain; but a nice HOT husband would be good too!!!
I'll report on my success tomorrow.

My Whole World's, Upside Down

Life is bringing me some challanges and my whole world feels upside down.
These challanges include:
Mother Nature coming two weeks early this month (WTH I'm on bc)
Our renters having trouble paying rent, and giving 30 days.
My health, from strep to head colds to the flu.
Medical bills diagnosing different health problems
An extra family member living in our house
The image stareing back at me in the mirror.
Okay, I know I have depression (no, I haven't been to the doctor to be put on something; I'm on too much already and have another prescription waiting when I'm done with the ones I'm on). Any suggestions to help a depressed woman are greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Diaper Deals

As most of you know I love to shop, but it's very important if I shop that I get a great deal.
Well, today I am share a couple diaper deals with you.
Coupons.com has two coupons.
1 for $5 off on Huggies Gentle Care package of diapers
1 for $3 off on Huggies natural Fit package of diapers
You can print two of each.
(rumor is these coupons work on any huggies diapers)
Also another website, you'll have to use the link, you can print $3 off Kroger Comfort Diapers/Pants. Kroger has these diapers on sale this week for $5.99; making them $2.99 after the coupon. I believe you can print two also.
Keep in mind if you have more than one computer in your house you should be able to print two coupons from each IP address!
Here's the link for the Kroger coupon:
http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?nid=10&pid=13223&zid=he00

(hopefully it works)

Baby Itch

Three of my friends from high school are now expecting, Leslie, Carrie and Maria.
Maria with her 1st child, Leslie with her second, and Carrie with her third.
Lately I have been getting the baby itch. (Anna is almost 29 months old).
Brian and I were blessed to have a boy and a girl. Several people ask us if we are done, being that we have one boy and one girl. I wonder why that means we should be done. Maybe they are trying to tell us, 3 is more than we can handle; or we aren't the worlds best parents.
I have stuck with the information that we are not sure if we are done having children. I enjoy my nights that I can sleep through with waking to feed a baby and the fact my children are old enough to listen to me (it doesn't mean they do, but they can).
How do you know when you are done having children?

Wired and Ready for Bed

Last night was my sleep study.
I arrived at 10 pm with lots of nervousness. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was early, which is very unusual. The worker showed me to my room, which was on the corner of the building. I took my coat off and set my bags down. It was cool, I checked for thermostat, but couldn't find one. So I sat cuddled on the bed and turn on the cable television. (We don't have cable at home.)
Just before 11, the worker came back and had me fill out several questions on the questionnaire then wired me up. I felt like a puppet on a string. That wasn't all, when I crawled into bed I was hooked to what looked like giant double sized serge protector. Not to mention all the cords, I thought there is no way I am going to see. I manage to reach for my drink and the medication the doctor okay for the sleep study. It took about 15 minutes to knock me out and the only think I remember is the worker coming in telling me it's 7 am. I thought it was a joke, but it wasn't. He couldn't tell me much, other than have sleep apnea. He wouldn't go into detail as they will call me with more instructions and want another sleep study.
I drove home very groggy and proceed to step in the door to collapse on the couch and sleep until 10:30 am. What in the world was in that pill. They did forewarn me that by taking that pill will put me to sleep, but my body will still act. Like if I am a sleepwalker I will still sleepwalk, but won't wake up and won't remember. I don't think I'll take another one of those pills again.
I will be going for another sleep study and don't see the sleep doctor until May, but hopefully we can get some results before then.
Any suggestions for ideas to help fall asleep and stay asleep are greatly appreciated.

Morning Coffee

I am not a coffee drinker, and never have been. I do like the latte's, and expensive coffee drink every once in a while after all my husband plays coffee houses.
I was exploring our new laptop and heard a sound, like Anna playing with the dog food in the dog dish, this is normal. Usually she puts the dog food in one piece at a time, in the dog dish. (Kinda like doggie cereal.) I fish it out and the dog loves it.
I walk into the kitchen to find she moved a chair over to the island and grabbed daddy's coffee container and was eating raw coffee by the spoon full. She looked up and replied "coffeeee!" Brian let the kids try coffee beans before and of course she loves them. This doesn't surprise me, someday I think she'll move on to espresso or chocolate covered espresso beans.
Here is a picture of my little coffee eatter. Silly girl.

Tests, Tests and more Tests

I made it I survived. I waited in the waiting for over an hour at the doctors.
I finally got into the ENT doctor today. The doctor was having a day, everyone was coming in with all kinds of time consuming problems (they scheduled me on the right day.)
I have some hearing loss in my left ear, they don't know if it's temporary or permenant; yet.
The doctor and I decided a tube was best, so they went it vaccumed out my ear, cut the ear drum, and insert a tube. (It was horrible, like torture).
He numbed my nasal passage on the right side so he could insert a scope and make sure i didn't have a tumor. (I don't).
I have to get to a lab for testing for allergy test, and thyroid test.
I am waiting a call back for a sleep study and a sinus MRI Scan.
Has anyone had a sleep study?
Do they predict accurate results?

Quick Note, due to Illness

Ever since we came back from Florida I have had a headcold. I went to the doctor almost two week ago and she said it wasn't strep and there wasn't anything they could do. I commonly get sinus infections through out the winter due to bad sinuses. She did prescribe me some prescription nasal spray. It doesn't help when your sinuses are so clogged. I suffered through the week trying cough syrup, nasal spray, and the nes-pot (off brand). Wow the nes-pot is interesting. If you sinuses are REALLY clogged it will come out your nose (and gag you). The doctor told me one of my tonsils are growing back. This is very weird, I had them removed when I was 3.
By Sunday I was at Med Plus with a horrible ear ache. It was diagnosed as an ear infection, and both tonsils are growing back and they are infected. He wrote me a strong prescription.
I cried myself to sleep that night, waking at 1:30 with a busted ear drum. My ear was bleeding and leaking. I visited my doctor on Monday, the infection was so bad the doctor couldn't see anything in my ear. She confirmed the prescription was a good strong prescription to take care of the infection in my re-growing tonsils and for my ear infection. The normal, come back on Friday if you don't feel better. I called on Friday and asked for a referal to an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat doctor). It took most of the day, but I got one. I called the ENT for an appointment, they were going to give me March 3rd, I couldn't wait. I told her my situation and she bumped me up to this Wednesday. Wednesday can't come soon enough. My ear is still plugged and continues to drain on and off, with minor pain continully. I am mostly deaf (hopefully this is temporary) in my right ear. I say "huh?" all the time.
My question is have you heard of anyone with grown back tonsils?
If they grow back, do you have to get them taken out again?

Everything Happens for a Reason

Have you ever heard the saying "Everything happens for a reason?" I have heard it several times, but mostly I never hear or notice the reason. This time within weeks we noticed the reason.
On Christmas Eve we spend the whole day cleaning up a wet basement due to a broken water pipe. After trying to call the insurance company for days, I finally got a hold of someone (and not a machine) on Monday. She asked if I called the cleaners. What? The cleaners? All I knew was that when I called the office the machine said they were closed for the holidays. She was very nice and directed me to whom I needed. The cleaners came, the next day, and said most everything looked dry. They estimated some damages; and cleaned carpets.
Flash ahead to Thursday January 15th we ran to the emergency in Florida. There is no cheap way to travel. We did drive, and family in Florida helped with meals and a place to stay ( Thank you Jack and Melissa). Gas alone was over $200. While down there our maintance light came on. Brian checked it out when we got home and said we needed to replace the timing belt and water pump. This is almost $1000 to have done, but I married a mechanically engineered man. He replaced both of them for $250, I owe him for "labor". I wondered how bills would get paid this month, but knew somehow we'd make it.
I'll be darn if we received the insurance check in the mail for our "clean-up" fees (we got paid for the cleaning Brian and I did), replacement of flooring, and more. It wasn't enough to buy a new car, but Florida and the van repairs are covered.
Things Happen For A Reason.

White Everywhere

Okay, I had some motivation today and decided I would repaint some of the doors white. One door lead to the trim inside and out, and the door jam. Then into the hallway was base trim, more door trim, another door with several more possiblites. I went through almost 1/2 gallon of paint. Ah, fresh white.
I finally leave the house tonight (I was sick of riding anywhere after the long hall back from Florida) and to my surprise flakes are falling. For some reason when I see more snow falling lately my stress level flies through the room. I think it even starts before I see it. Great, I am like those people that get body aches before it's going to rain.
The van is up on jacks in the garage while my personal mechanic is fixing it. I am one luck wife. (I wonder if my husband knows I sleep with the mechanic, plumber, construction worker, handy man for our house.)
What consitiutes as a Once A Month House Project?

She Came Back

The last week has been full of stress.
We packed up and left 1 week ago for a long 20+ hour drive to Florida.
We received a phone call Thursday that my mother-in-law was in the hospital on life support with no response. We tried to get flights, but we couldn't afford them (almost $500 per person, not to mention we'd need a rental car). We drove staight through with Brian's 2 sisters, brother and their spouses.
What we witnessed when we arrived to see her was so scary. The nurses in the unit she was in were horrible, and she was not herself. I touched based with some of my family and prayers pulled her through.
We stayed with family down there and they cooked for us. What a giant help!
While waken every morning not knowing what to expect; she continued to get better.
By some miracle she was able to come home Monday. We stayed and spent some time with her and left Tuesday evening.
One of the scariest parts is how she talked about seeing the white light and somehow she was pulled back.
Praise the Lord she is still here.

It's Hard To Hear the Truth

Why is it that it is hard to hear the truth? And sometimes it comes better from one person than another.
Brian and I have been studing the Fireproof Your Marriage Couples Kit. (We loved the movie) Every Tuesday night him and I sit down together and have discussions. Some of them feel like a pin pick to me, and others are eye openers. I say nothing negative, sometimes I can't say anything I'll let his words soak. I really believe as we are following the instructions and guidelines we are learning so much, even after 7 years!
I have noticed a major difference in my husband. I have been up early, really early for me (5:20) to watch my nephew the last two days and he gets up after that and he is made the bed. A thoughful gesture for someone who doesn't normal do it. When he gets home from work he is really considerated of my feelings. I know he may not agree, but he doesn't show it.

What are somethings that make your marriage better?
What date nights do you enjoy?
Do you vacation for our anniversary?

Are you Green?

All the talk going around about people being green, and I think to myself not me.
Today I paused and thought to myself, I am green; maybe not as much as I could.
Here are some of the things I do:
Resusable grocery bags (Kroger gives you 5 cents per bag you reuse!)
Carpool to out of town events
Let my child ride the bus
Recycle plastics, glass, cans, and cardboard (and when I need boxes for donations guess where I get them?)
I make my own laundry soap (reusing the old laundry soap containers, this save's tons of money, I can make approx. 4 bottles for $1.50)
I use the dishwasher, if I washed dishes I would use 10 gallons of water each time!
Bake extra cookies or bread and freeze, this saves electricity and time; very convient!
Reuse tissue paper and gift bags.
Reuse mailing envelopes (do you know how expensive bubbled envelopes are?)
Reuse Ben school notes paper to print coupons on the reverse side.
I email instead of mailing, saving postage; including bills.
Cramming a bunch of errons in one run.
Making "fast food" at home; saving gas and money. I challange you to find one of your favorite foods you order and make it at home.
How are you green?

Landing after the Holidays

I love Christmas and the joy of seeing the family, cooking and eating fun and exciting new recipes, opening presents, and the fun on everyone's faces. After Christmas I feel is a crash landing, especially with the first snow storm. I have winter depression, or depression that worsens in the winter, so the snow accumliation weighs on me.
Christmas Eve we awoke to a broken water pipe in the basement and a good 2 inches of water on the floor. Guess how we spent Christmas Eve? Cleaning the basement. It didn't look like much, until we started and couldn't stop. We did break and let the kids open their Christmas presents. We started a tradition about 3 years ago. Brian has Christmas Eve off and we don't do anything so we let the kids open their Christmas presents. On Christmas Day they get 3 presents from Santa representing the 3 wise men and the 3 presents they brought Jesus on Christmas Day. Then off to Mom and Dad's we go for Christmas. The kids did good on playing with their Christmas toys while Brian and I cleaned the basement. The kids argued at one point, I broke a piece of furniture, and got so overwhelmed I broke down in tears. It was time for me to get a timeout!
Needless to say we got a hold of the insurance company on Monday December 29th because the office was closed Dec 24-28th. When I talked to my insurance lady she said if I stayed on the phone the message would have told me about emergency clean up. What the heck? I have never had an insurance claim and didn't know how to deal with it. Live and learn, that's all I can do.
We managed to re paint the kitchen cupboards and Brian made me doors, since some smart-butt took the cupboard doors when they moved out of this house and we can't buy new kitchen cupboards. I need to touch up the paint and we need to apply the handles and then I will post the before and after picture. Let me remind you before hand we are on a limit budget and can not afford a new kitchen so we will make due with what we have.
House project after house project is what we do, and when we take a break it stresses us out because so much needs to be done.
Any de-stressers or advice for house projects?
Has anyone every asked another couple to help with a project and then went to their house and help them? Kind of a house project swap.
Lisa