Time Flies

I can not believe it. Where has the time gone?
I am a Stay-At-Home mother once again. Like everyone says, your kids are only young once.
Anna will be starting Kindergarden this year and Ben in 3rd grade.
We have one more week of summer left.
This week we managed the follow:
Chuck E. Cheese
Toledo Zoo
Kids n Stuff
Garage Saling
What to do the last week before school.

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.