The Mom's Book of Worries

There have been debates about the evolution of man and life on Earth for as long as there has been language. I'm not choosing to enter a debate on the matter, but I am constantly plagued with the worry over keeping my kid's healthy and safe from early death, so I find myself thinking of chickens an awful lot lately.

From the time my son could keep down solid food it has been a struggle to get him to eat meat. I was constantly monitoring his diet and worried about the amount of protein he was getting. I was practically force feeding him milk to make up the difference.

Then I read up on what a chicken really is now. It's not just McDonalds switching chicken nuggets to actual chicken meat, it goes way beyond that. For years we have been told that chicken is better for you and to eat more. But that isn't a chicken. It's a deformed mutant that could never be reproduced without a lab tech. Yep! All the chicken you get in restaurants and grocery stores is test tube created and kept alive long enough to slaughter with antibiotics and plumped up with hormones.

These hormones are causing girls to go through puberty much too young, children to have exotic diseases that are hard to diagnose and treat. And the antibiotic use is leading to resistent strains of viruses that have the potential to not just keep our kids sick longer, but even kill like the Spanish Flu in worldwide fatalities. This is the makings of horror/thriller stuff!

Many articles warn about keeping chickens or even allowing your child to hold/pet a chicken at carnivals and petting zoos. Some reasoning is:

Roxarsone is used in many different chicken feeds in order to prevent the birds from contracting parasitic diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the additive because it is the natural variety of arsenic and thought to be less dangerous. However, roxarsone may be more dangerous than previously thought, judging by the high levels of arsenic poisoning in these two Utah children.

So we poison the chicken to keep it healthy? And then wonder why people get sick that eat it's flesh? And what about the veggies that are grown in the soil that has been fertilized with chicken droppings?!

I've gone from trying to get my son to eat more meat to absolutely discouraging anyone I know to ever eat meat or dairy ever again. That is my informed and medical decision. My kid's health is my utmost concern! But I can't do it without help! I need the factory farming industry and USDA to stop spreading lies, poison, antibiotics and contaminated products. And to get their attention, I need EVERY household to start making better choices and refuse to eat meat until it is safe.

If you can't raise it and kill it correctly, then don't do it at all! And if you can't find someone who does this for you, then don't buy/eat it! Because as long as you continue this lifestyle, you are contributing to the development of super viruses, pandemics, and putting my children and yours at risk. (Not to mention paying out the nose for medical treatments to correct the health problems it is causing for you too!!)

I vividly remember the chants we recited without fully understanding as children. "Liar, Liar... Cinderella dressed in yellow... Cross my Heart..."

Honestly that last one was a bit hard for me to say. I did not want to visualize a needle in my eye or worse, hope to die! Although the original is much longer and speaks of breaking a promise to save a friend even if it means loosing the friendship, it is not on my list of favs.

But I find myself thinking about it as my son transitions from his first school to his new Kindergarten. It was a long few weeks and I was worried that I had made a terrible blunder in moving him a few months after the school year, but there was nothing else to do. So I had to make it up to him. I had to motivate him to do his best in school. I had to encourage new friendships.

So I promised him a guinea pig.

That is surely what you were expecting!? We made a vow as a family that if he could go a whole week following directions, completing his work on time, and keeping his 'light on green' at school, he could have a guinea pig.

Well the first week didn't go so hot and I was starting to seriously doubt my instincts, but by the third week he was sailing. He ended the early week on yellow, and had to start over. He kept trying. He chose a name and a color pattern, and would light up whenever he told anyone who would listen about his guinea pig.

And so Jeffrey is fat, fluffy and already attached to his new friend. They were inseparable today and they are even cozyed up under the same blanket! Do I stash him away or see how the first night goes?

Kindergarten parents I salute you! You wake from your beds an hour earlier than usual for days prior to school just to prepare your little one for the change. You find energy to prepare breakfast and pack lunches even though you were up late laying out clothes and double checking those backpacks.

And after all that exhaustion you stay as dry eyed as possible while watching your baby grow up before your eyes as he/she runs off to class without so much as a backward glance. You are amazing! I have always admired exceptional parents that are able to stay present in their children's lives. I just never knew what this experience felt like until now.

It hurts! It rips out your heart and then slams it back in larger than it was before and inflates it even more with an extra measure of pride and joy. And just when you think it will surely burst your bright eyed little one gives you that dashing smile and waves. Everything constricts back to normal and you go home to lick your wounds and wait for 4:00 o'clock.

 Our little man informed us the night before school that Daddy could go on to work, he was going to ride the bus. So we caved in and let him have that moment. We tagged along to school anyway and walked him from the bus to the school. O what we do for our precious charges! The rest of his school life has begun and his free run childhood has come to an end. I didn't cry in public or embarrass him too much. (I hope)

They really DO grow up too fast!

My son's burn progression of healing. Hard to take as a parent, but he never complained of it hurting. I had to keep him calm and stop his jumping and dancing fast, but it was worth it to limit the pain medicine he required. (only that fist moment)

It may look a bit angry at first, but once we found a way to prevent slipping and sliding over that area (hard to do in the belly of a toddler!) it was smooth sailing.

To prevent scaring you have to keep the edges clear, which may mean peeling away that brown skin that forms. (Like peeling a sun burn, but can be painful)
If you have never seen a burn before, or do not feel comfortable, do not attempt to do this all on your own! See a professional or your pediatrician.

This is what an infection-free, non scaring burn should look like as it heals. Dark pink that fades to a very pale skin tone.  Now you no longer need to cover.

My son will be five in only a few more weeks. He is growing up way too fast. He still loves to cuddle in the chair or couch with me and I enjoy it while it lasts! One of the new cute sayings of his is, "Mommy I'm a good helper! Am I."

It always brings a smile to my face and of course earns him extra kisses! He definitely lives up to his name, as I believe all children do, and is the best little helper this Mommy could every need.

I don't stress about the incorrect grammar, but I do respond with "Yes you are! You are fast too, Aren't you?!" Of course, he loves hearing this and goes on and on about how fast he is. This usually leads to him telling sis that he is so much faster than she is. =)

Abbie completed her first three word sentence last week. "Where's Daddy At?" sounded more like a whispered, "Waysss DA dee AA" Well, not so much like a goo goo ga ga speach as that probably looks, but it was very clear and definitely three words. So I am glad that she is talking more and can't wait for the day I wish she was talking less. Hmmm, maybe I CAN wait for that day! ;)

And why am I posting today? My son is approaching 5 and loves helping making his Cars mac and cheese. Even while being in there with him and watching the pot, one second of helping my daughter was all it took to hear the dreaded screaming. I knew immediately what happened, boil over. His belly. After cooling the skin with COOL water and applying a thin layer of neosporin I coated the surrounding skin with aloe sunburn gel and placed a small gauze pad over the area and LOOSELY wrapped his belly to avoid tape.  Because of his age, he gets tylenol and rest.

Go to Kid's Health Site

If you have kids, you want to know what to do in the case of accidents, and burns are very common in toddler to teen years. The following is some quick guidelines that you can save, print and place in the fridge (close to where most burn accidents happen)

http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?lic=1&article_set=32119&cat_id=20221

Hopefully you never have to deal with burns, but odds are you will have at least one type to treat at some point in your life. Being prepared is always the key. Stay calm, your child is already in pain and scared, so seeing that you are calm and acting quickly to help ease the pain will make all the difference.

My little guy is already back to watching the cartoons and munching snacks, but I'll continue to monitor the burn and watch for signs of infection or any need to go in to see a doctor. Having a medical background helps, but if you are unsure or do not have the proper bandages and ointments, call your pediatrician for help.

It's always best to ask for help if you don't know exactly how to proceed. Remember NO Butter!! on burns and any burns near the face, genitals or large in size need to be seen immediately.

As it heals it will itch, so keep it covered loosely to prevent scratching!

The above link I found the most helpful, go to http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/burns.html# to see the entire article and other informative posts on Kid's Health.

I'm a mommy and a nurse, so medications have always been a part of my life. I have always hated them. I say that literally. I was the kid who didn't want tylenol or a pill when my head or tummy ached. I wanted warm soup, crackers, or a kiss on the forehead.

But when nothing was getting me out of my dark, quiet room I went to the specialist and did what I was told. They just about killed me! Honestly, why is it acceptable to leave your patients drooling in their dinner plates? That is just wrong!

I turned to Acupuncture. Which when you think about it has been around and WORKING for hundreds of years longer than our Western 'medicine'. My regimen of needles and herbs had me off the hard stuff and well on my way...

Then the babies came. Wow, I was surprised since my doctor said I wouldn't be able to get pregnant! It was all the work my acupuncturist was doing. (He specialized in fertility and hormone imbalances.) I had to give up my treatments and focus and the new issue. My bones decided they didn't need to conform to rules and guidelines any more. They started doing the Watusi while I was steadily growing larger.

The long story short? My health has declined for years, and now on the cusp of my youngest's 3rd birthday, my headaches are back with a vengeance! If you are steady reader you know I had brain surgery, so you're probably rolling your eyes and saying Duh!

But these are just like they used to be and then some! My surgeon's regimen of pills was not helping and so they sent me to a neurologist. After a few trips in, I'm now off everything the surgeon started and taking Zanaflex and Tegretol. The purpose is to treat the muscle spasms from the unsteady spine, and relieve my trigeminal neuralgia, which I didn't even know I had!

Honestly? This pill hater has to bow down to modern science there. I feel much improved. The seizure drug is commonly used following surgery like mine, and can treat several different conditions. What it's helping correct in me I'm just beginning to realize.

I'm a more balanced Mother, and feel awake for the first time since May 13th (My surgery). Here's hoping that this is a new chapter and a preview of great things to come! I was beginning to think my kid's would be better off without me than to have an empty shell. I'm so glad I struggled on. And I'm glad that not all doctor's believe more pills will quiet the average woman.

My Mom graciously bought me my choice in diaper bag when I found out I was having a little girl. I still love the pattern! Now that my daughter is turning 3 and is potty trained (almost) ;) it's time to part with my favorite bag. Time to switch back to a mommy purse! LOL But that's ok, I have my new denim and leather bag from thirty one, so I'm still in style.

It is Raspberry Fizz, and still just as bright. Now I know why Vera Bradley is so popular! Bold colors that are hard to find when not in production, and so well made they could be heirlooms!

If you want my favorite bag and matching wallet, you can pick it up off eBay .

Click for directions

I saw this post on my facebok page from Money Saving Mom. Click on their name to 'like' them and get similar daily posts. They always have great ideas and coupons!

This idea caught my eye since my sister and I used to make our own dollhouses from cardboard boxes all the time.

This creative idea uses night stand drawers! Very cute idea! Don't take my word for it. Head on over to http://www.nicegirlnotes.com/dollhouse and see the details for yourself!

I've often heard that girls are easier to train than boys, so I wasn't very anxious when we started thinking of training our daughter to use the potty.

The only pause was finding panties or pull ups in her size! She is a tiny little thing. She met every checklist, but one. She couldn't pull up her own pants. So we waited and went looking for sizes that would work, and collected under pants. I'm so glad we were better prepared. She's doing great!


Is your little one ready? Here is the readiness checklist:





 Physical signs

1. Is coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily.
2. Urinates a fair amount at one time.
3. Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
4. Has "dry" periods of at least three or four hours, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.

1. Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.
2. Can pull his pants up and down.
3. Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
4. Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear).
5. Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
6. Demonstrates a desire for independence.
7. Takes pride in his accomplishments.
8. Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet.
9. Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one.

1. Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy."
2. Understands the value of putting things where they belong.
3. Has words for urine and stool.

1. Training pants or toddler underpants. (6 pairs at a minimum, 12 would be great and 18 pair would be excellent.)
2. Potty Chair or Toilet Seat Adpater
3. A Step Stool
4. Flushable Wipes
5. Foaming Hand Soap (for little hands) We use Melaleuca Kid's Hand pump
6. Extra Towels and paper towels
7. Cleaning Supplies (for the accidents)
8. Whatever you decide on for rewards

Be assuring, excited and patient. Expect accidents, that way you'll be less likely to be upset when it happens. Think of it as one down and one closer to being trained!

Last night as we traveled home both our little darlings were snotting and miserable. I always hate to see my babies sick! And I know they have to be miserable when they get the body aches.

Some common sense mixed with medical fact...

The old standby of chicken noodle soup is the way to go for most stuffy heads. The warmth and steam will help loosen it up! For adults add in extra pepper! (Works for me!)

For sore throats go soft, but avoid just giving them ice cream. Scrambled Eggs, soups, oatmeal. For a cough that won't stop, try Honey! Swirl into hot tea at night to help them drift off to sleep.

Honey Stick From Aunt Kelly

The adage about starving a fever is a big no no! In fact our bodies need more calories when we have a fever, not less! Slip in extra calories wherever you can. Mash up bananas in peanut butter, powdered milk in the mac n cheese, even try fruit smoothies instead of plain ice cream.

Saltines are great for upset tummies of any age, and yogurt is usually fine. Popsicles are your best tool and can be homemade with real fruit juices.

Sugar should be avoided during sickness and recovery. It actually causes inflammation and can make you feel worse. So avoid fast food favs after an illness and try to get them eating grains, veggies and lean proteins.

Do your kids love mushrooms? They are natural viral attackers and can shorted the life of some flu viruses. (Read this article for more than ever wanted to know.)

Want something other than food tips? Steamy showers, warm washcloths for the face, vapor rubs (Try rubbing on the soles of the feet and applying socks to lessen coughing at night!) Saline irrigation, and aromatherapy steam sessions like adding Eucalyptus (which is known to open up bronchial tubes, ease congestion, and make breathing easier) or fresh ground ginger to a sink full of steamy hot water and leaning over with a towel draped around your head to capture the steam.

Go at their pace when your kids are sick. Try to let them have what their bodies are craving but limit sugar and replace with healthy calories. Let them play for little bursts and try to keep them at rest whenever possible. They'll appreciate the tender loving care. (Maybe when they're older) ;)

I'm like everyone else, I think, in that I'm a sucker for a good deal. And my new obsession (I use that term very loosely) is totes! I have vintage made, handmade, customized and collected ones from my childhood. They are perfect for a few notebooks, magazines or the latest Shana Abe' book while waiting at the doctor's office.

I was always a tiny purse kind of gal and even when my babies came along, I had an itty bitty thing that fit into a side pocket of the huge diaper bag they required. Now I've discovered Thirty One bags! They have the purse of my dreams! A chocolate brown leather deal with an assortment of colorful covers. But my obbsession? Oh my! I could have one of every color they produce and still have more options. My favorite is probably the mini retro metro bag in taupe.

But since this is primarily a blog about my life with the kids... I wanted to share this other new fav. I used to use baskets with colorful liners to separate their toys and other sundry items. :) 
Now I'm rethinking my color scape and crushing on these Thirty One cubes!

We can stylishly keep the kid's things in the living space without sacrificing my designer touch. Brilliant! And they easily slide under the train table or onto a book shelf.  Even more fun is the customization and monogram options.

Want one?? I'm hosting an online party, head over to http://www.mythirtyone.com/sarahsmith/ and choose "Crystal Barton" as your host under 'Place An Order'. What is your favorite Thirty One product?

My little princess hates to sleep in her bed I think. I haven't found a pea under the mattress yet, but I'm still looking for one.

One day we find our peanut in her closet fast asleep with her blanket under her head. most mornings she is lying across the width of her bed with her blanket over her head, or with it tucked under her pillow.

We tried darkening the room, but this morning we find her passed out on the living room carpet. Thankfully she couldn't get any of the doors to the outside open.

We don't know if this is sleepwalking, or just her way of being independent. She loves to get her beauty sleep, so we are scratching our heads at this one. Our son, we would know he just didn't want to go to bed, but with our daughter the reasons elude us.

I found a helpful tidbit on sleepwalking toddlers if you ever experience this with one of your precious charges.

SLEEPWALKING TODDLERS:

"Sleepwalking and sleep talking happen when a child is in a deep sleep. While sleepwalking, your child may have a blank, staring face. They may not respond to others and be very difficult to awaken. When your child does wake up, they will probably not remember the episode. Sleepwalking children will often return to bed by themselves and will not even remember that they have gotten out of bed. Sleepwalking can be common, and tends to run in families. It can even occur several times in one night among older children and teenagers.
How to handle sleepwalking and sleep talking:

• Make sure your child doesn't hurt them self while sleepwalking. Clear the bedroom area of potential hazards that your child could trip over or fall on.
• Lock outside doors so your child cannot leave the house.
• Block stairways so your child cannot go up or down.
• There is no need to try to wake your child when they are sleepwalking or sleep talking. Gently lead them back to bed and they will probably settle down on their own.

Sleepwalking and sleep talking are more likely to occur when your child is overly tired or under stress. Keeping your child's sleep schedule regular may help prevent sleepwalking and sleep talking."

From the Ranger-Rick/Activities/Outdoors Blog post...

Go out exploring in your backyard and create a little house for little people! Your kids will love pretending that fairies are going to move in!! I have tons of pine cones, so I can't wait to try this out.

Post your pics on our facebook group page!

We never really grow up when it comes to fast rides and adrenaline. Who was the first person to think, this lawn tractor is pretty cool, I bet it can out pull my neighbors? Whoever it was, and I'm counting on it being a guy, we can thank them for the fun we all had this weekend.

The kids loved climbing the 'wall' and getting a good look at those loud tractors. It was a slow day, but when you are having a good time, eating grilled food and laughing with friends and family, the times goes by quickly!

Its a highly competitive yet friendly sport that kids of all ages can enter. Look up the fun in your home town and see if it's something your young aspiring gear head would love. They have pedal powered ones for the young kids and have stock classes for those of you who would rather put them on your mower than go out and supe up a custom one.


My son fell in love with a 'blue one' and put in his order to Dad. He loves anything he drive, my daughter likes to ride and watch so far, and I'm fine with that! She'll probably be a cheer leader in high school! :)

It was a breezy evening, and a fun family friendly event. It looks like we've already hooked the kids and will be returning soon. Maybe we'll see you there!

 Happy Independence Day from the Mom's Book of worries! I'm taking a break from blogging to enjoy the fun and fireworks...

Well almost :)

I can't take a break from worrying though, I wish it could be otherwise!! The heat was a big factor in our plans for the weekend. Most activities were indoors until late in the evening to prevent heat stroke.

We did make it over to the family home to celebrate with the relatives as the sun went down and the storm front came in. We hadn't planned on doing much of anything, but ended up eating out on picnik tables in the yard and grilling out too. It was fun, but both the kids wore themselves out quickly! Oh, to be that young and carefree again!

As we prepared to beat the storm home, we soon discovered that our littlest family member (the tiny dog) had snuck indoors and had chilled in the AC while we were making  the most of the humidity and heat.


A special thank you to everyone who made our weekend memorable. I sincerely hope that each of you have a special weekend surrounded by the ones you love!

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Make Your Own Paint with Water Pages!

I wish this was my idea! Nope, Found it on the "I can teach my Child" Page (See new link box to the left)

I am planning on searching for free color pages my children will enjoy (I know NickJr has a ton of online printables) and then using my watercolor pencils to start them off. There are some great printables at http://disney-stationary.com/coloring-book/ that include all the favorites!

I'll post the results on my art blog and facebook group page later. If you play along, please post your fun results on our new facebook page! I can't wait to see what you create for yourself and those tiny fingers you love most!!

Flowers decorate the graves of our relatives that have died recently and long ago. Flags flutter across the cemetery honoring those that fought to preserve our freedom. And children duck in between all this and marvel at these large stones that jut out of the ground.

My daughter stops and attempts to smell all the pretty, yet plastic, roses that catch her eye while helping Granny place even more at the foot of pretty stones. My son, along with his cousin, drive their toy trucks along ledges and haul their trailers and boats along with all the several 'real' boats and trucks we've passed along the way.

This day was created to honor fallen soldiers, then all deceased family members, and now it's a day to show our support to those that have fought and continue to fight for our way of life. It has also become a weekend to enjoy this great nation of ours with boating, camping and cooking out.

Stay safe out there. Enjoy one another's company and remember to thank those in uniform or those in your family that are veterans.