Medical Update from Cotton-Top Hills

Okay, just to add to my list this am we went to the doctor. All three of my girls this time. Last night I got a call telling me Little One had two types of bacteria growing in her nose culture (nice, huh?) so she needed a shot plus ten days of antibiotics. I just want to stop here and put in a small plug for breastfeeding. The fact that I am nursing gave my Little One the extra boost she needed to keep from coming down with pneumonia, which was one of the bacteria strains growing in her nose! And the fact that she had these two nasty bugs in her body and she only ran a low grade fever one day and had a runny nose. She possibly would have been able to fight this off on her own, but since we are going out of town didn't want to take the chance. I just had to mention that because sometimes when children who are nursed get sick it's like a banner for those who don't nurse to say, but see your kids get sick too so why should I breastfeed. *

Em's cough was turning a little croupy and Soph's nose was beginning to show signs of infection. Once again allergies turned bad! So more meds since we were leaving town for a few days. This time we were in and out of the doctor's within 30 minutes, yee haw!!

*Disclaimer: I am in no way insinuating that if you choose not to nurse or can not nurse that I am better than you.

Added later: Didn't mean to sound trite. Just want to give all those nursing moms encouragement!

Frugal Friday

Okay, I don't know about you all but I wake up every morning to a list of toys being recalled and I just wonder are any toys safe. So in the spirit of not only wanting lead free gifts for my kiddos this year, I also have some frugal homemade ideas for baby!

Ever seen all those Baby Einstein videos?!! Did you know it was started by a woman in her basement with just a video camera, music and some toys! She sold it to Disney for millions (why couldn't I thought of that), but I digress. The point is if you or a friend have a video camera you too can make your own videos. Just play some classical music, have some puppets or toys dance around, maybe some close-up shots of pictures of landscape or animals you have or cut out from magazines and you've got a video for baby. My little ones loved to watch these from the time they were old enough to sit up to toddler hood. Older siblings would love to help with the production!

At the fabric store they have seasonal cloth books you can sew together to make books for the little ones. And you don't have to be an expert seamstress! You could just get pieces of felt and make your own. Plus, there are all sorts of things you can do with transferring pictures to fabric etc. where you can make your own picture books.

More toy ideas here and for those a little older here.

For more frugal tips head over to Biblical Womanhood.

All in a week...

I've spent exactly four hours and twenty minutes in the doctor's office this week (I have another trip tomorrow so that number will be higher).

Made 12 trips into town, 18 trips to school, and used half a tank of gold, I mean gas to do it.

I've talked to two different doctor offices at least five times for appointments, test results, etc.

Driven through the pharmacy drive-through twice.

Discovered I left my wallet at home after driving all the way into town for dry-cleaning.

Been rear-ended by a big ole pick-up truck while I was attempting to obey the law and actually stop at a stop sign, he obviously didn't feel that was necessary.

Been disillusioned by the lack of voters and the outcome of our failed school bond.

I've had very unkind thoughts ( and maybe words) for my fellow mankind. (see above two comments)

Had to cancel a must needed hair appointment.

Neglected my blog.

But...the weeks almost over and I'm sure next week will be a breeze:)

Memorable Moments Monday

I have learned from my 5 year old that I need to send canned goods to school for the pilgrims. Upon further questioning I learned that these pilgrims don't have very much food and that they might live in tee pees like the Indians. And they might not have stoves so they will have to build a fire to cook their food.

Interpretation that came from my 7 year old was that they were having a canned food drive. It wasn't for the pilgrims, but rather in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Like when the Indians shared their food with the pilgrims, we need to share with those that need help.

I just love these conversations I have with my kids!

Tribute

Today I mourn for a little one I was able to know only through his story. His parents have been through an amazing journey and little Ian has taught us many valuable lessons. Please pray for his family.

Godspeed little Ian, Godspeed.

Frugal Friday

Most of you are familiar with Dave Ramsey and his ways to living a debt free life. One of his tips is to always use cash, to put your cash into separate envelopes labeled groceries, gas money, entertainment, clothes, etc. We try to do this every payday, after we sit down and make a budget spending every penny that comes home. That includes money that goes into savings. Anyway, I used to use just plain white envelopes and by the time the next paycheck came my envelopes were a mess, plus they were bulky and took up a lot of room in my purse. Soooo, hubby found these:

on Dave's website. The wallet has envelopes that allow you to write where each penny was spent, plus room for your checkbook, drivers license and other cards (not credit cards!!). The great thing is if I do use my debit card I can just keep track of what I purchased and how much on the corresponding envelope. The other little wallet is for coupons. It has divided tab pouches for all your coupons, which really beats the crumpled coupons I stuff in my pocket or wallet that I can never find when it's time to check out.

Anyway, I think it's a good investment if you are a Dave follower and want to get better organized.

For more tips head over to Biblical Womanhood!

Noah and the Ark

I felt like Noah today. No, I haven't been building an ark or collecting animals in pairs. And we aren't experiencing any rain or flooding in the weather around here. I felt like Noah because I had to take my daughters ( yes plural, both Em and Soph) to the doctor today.

I knew it was coming, I had seen the signs. The sniffles, coughs, bloody nose, sleepless nights...yes, God gave me intuition and I used it to prepare myself for the inevitable. I gave extra vitamins, I enforced early bedtime, I pushed the liquids, but to no avail. The flood, I mean sickness was here and it was time to set sail, ahh umm, go to the doctor's office.

I won't bore you with the details of getting my three girls into the car, but lets just say Noah probably had an easier job of herding the animals onto the ark. Anxiety and tension built the closer we got to our destination. Why you ask? I guess it's the fear of the unknown and the knowledge that doctors could give shots or swab your throat!

How did Noah keep peace on that ark filled with lions, tigers, bears, sheep etc. while the storm raged outside. I have no clue, because if I did I would be able to use it on my children in the waiting room. Instead I was clawed and climbed on and just plain worn out by the time we got in to see the doc. And yes, horrors among horrors, a throat had to be swabbed. I looked to the heavens for a piece of blue sky, but I realized the storm was still raging as my daughters screams vibrated off the little room's walls, and later the halls, and later still in the car. I listened to screams so deafening that it would no doubt have drowned out that raging storm outside the ark.

And then just like that it stopped. I swear I might have seen a rainbow overhead, because suddenly the flood of tears was gone, the thundering cries were silenced and just like the sun overhead, my daughter's smile lit up my world once again.

Yep, just like Noah.