Day #8 Math time....Get ready for it....It's a tough one

Face Mask...please

Our house is filled with germs as we being another week!  We have one kiddo getting over a "cold" and another who just seems to keep getting worse as each day passes. (Of course, it is the younger of the two- isn't that just how it goes?) 

We had a good weekend.  We were unable to do our "One thing together" this weekend, as we had Imagination Station planned for Sunday, but with the girls under the weather...we opted to a cozy Sunday, Fun-day at home, instead. 

Hubby and I had a night to ourselves on Saturday, as we had a friends wedding to attend. It was fun because we got all dressed up and actually had someplace to go!  I actually wore heels! (This is a BIG deal for me!) The house is always SOOO quiet when my kids are away, it is almost sad. 

But, don't worry, because it was back to busy and loud on Sunday!  And I am still standing tall, sick free (or cold free, at least) and I am hoping to keep it that way! (Face Mask...Please!)

Today we have another challenge and it is one that I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO! 

Our Challenge:

Calculate how many weeks are left until your child graduates from high school. 

Math, really!  I just want to shout: TOO MANY! Duh!

But, really, I will do the W O R K because I am challenging myself, even if this realization is depressing on so many levels!

Ok, so I figure that we have about 608 weeks left until our oldest Graduates from High School.  That gives me a brilliant idea.  I mean, what if I fill a jar full of marbles. (Why do marbles come to mind?  I guess we could use cotton balls or craft puffs or really whatever but I am kind of digging marbles, plus I have a bunch of really old ones that were found in our Old Farm house, here!)  

some of the marbles found here at Gray Gables

What if we have 608 marbles in that jar and for each week, we take out a marble.  I guess maybe two jars would be necessary for this task.  

But then, I ask myself...do I really want to countdown this tragic event?  I mean, once a child graduates, it is kind of all downhill, right?  

I think back to myself and once I graduated High School, it was onto another chapter and I was working full time, in college full time and when I was not occupied by that busy stuff, I was trying to hang out with friends...so I was never home with my family.

My, Dora..you have grown up!

Yea, I am definable rethinking this "fun" exercise!

The question is different for my Three year old, as she has not even started her school experience yet and to be quiet frank, I would rather not go there, as I feel like that would speed up the entire process. NO THANK YOU!

So, I challenge all my Mom's out there to figure this out.  It is a question that I would rather skip in all honesty, but at the same time it is a reflection of the time we have and how precious it is and how fast it will go. 

Happy Monday Mommies!

~Kel

Day 7 of our MOM Challenge.... Leave a sweet note for them

Are you a Lunchbox Note kind of Mom?

I don't do Lunch Box notes...yet.  My oldest kiddo is JUST learning to read so I am sure she would not even pay attention to whatever I wrote!  (I guess, in thinking about this...I could always leave picture lunchbox notes... hmmm)   OK, back to the topic at hand- don't mind my side-track!

Well, our DAY #7 Challenge is:

Leave a Sweet Note for Them.

So, what kind of note should we leave?  I know that the other morning my daughters found a note from their Dad.  He had used a Crayon from their art table and their tablet to tell them he loved them!  (of course I didn't get a pic- DISLIKE)

Today we are challenged to follow suite...  I know that my Oldest will get, "I love you to the Moon and Back"  because that is "our" thing.  My Youngest will get, "You are my sunshine, when skies are gray" because that is "our" thing.  

The challenge then becomes how I will write it because, although my five year old can pretty much sound things out and read, I want her to notice it...but in a round about way!  I don't necessarily want it to be obvious.  And my three year old will have to have words and a picture because, well, she is three!

Overall, I am excited to do this challenge. I think that this is pretty awesome!  I know that my five year old found her note from Daddy and actually blushed when she read it!  It was very cute and a big surprise because Daddy is not usually like that! ;)  Look for updates on how it goes! 

Gotta love these kiddos!

~Kel

Day #6 (Mom Challenge) Bake, Make, or Buy them their FAVORITE Food

What is YOUR favorite Food? 

Sometimes this can be a great conversation starter for your kiddos.  If I asked mine...I would hear McDonald's from one of them and Chicken from the other.  I have one kiddo that will eat salad's and chicken (real chicken!) and pickles galore and my other one is my "Picky Princess" who ONLY eats chicken nuggets, hamburgers, BBQ chicken bites (we make on the grill) and spaghetti o's.  Fruits- forget it!  She will each apples (minus skin) and bananas and every once in a while cantaloupe.  Veggies- JUST Green Beans... (She is my FUN one- let me tell you!)  

I have become the gosh darn SNEAKY Mom. I have also been the Head Negotiator!  "Eat 4 of those 6 Green Beans and you can be done."  It gets SO bad sometimes that I actually tell my oldest, picky girl to plug her nose! (true story)

Day #6 Challenge for us Moms:

Bake, Make or Buy them their Favorite Food

So, today my girls got up and the question came...What is our Favorite Food. Lucky for me!  It is Chocolate Chip Pancakes...made by Chef Daddy!!  (Take some time off Mom!) 

I was just HAPPY that they did NOT say McDonald's- YUCK ! We don't eat it very often but even some is to much, in my opinion!  

Of course, they added in Chocolate Chip Cookies- so Mom is back in the Kitchen!  The best part is that they actually are old enough to help me put ingredients into the mixer when we make them, which surprisingly, is great fun for old Mom here!  

(yes, I know...you are probably saying to yourself- "Mom that is A LOT of Chocolate!  But hey, Hubby and I have a wedding tonight ... so they are staying over the Nana and Papa!  Sorry Mom!  I guess that is payback for all the JUNK they come home with everyday after you watch them - totally joking!)

Recipe Share:  (This is MY recipe and has been adapted from a few other tried and failed recipes.  I promise they are the BEST cookies EVER!  And MAKE them thick- it's the ONLY way!)

Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies by Kel

Makes 12- 14 cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Butter (@ room temp)

3/4 cup Brown Sugar

1/4 cup Sugar

2 Eggs (I use brown eggs)

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 1/4 cup Flour

1 tsp Cornstarch

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/4 tsp Baking Powder

1 3/4 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (or Mini Chips are fun too)

What to do:

1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy or about 3-4 minutes. (the mixer is the BEST tool!)

2. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla Extract.

3. With the mixer on LOW speed, add in your flour (or have your little helpers do this after you measure in your measuring cups); cornstarch, baking soda and baking powder.

4. Sire in Chocolate Chips.  The dough will be VERY thick.

5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (I usually put dough in fridge while waiting for oven to heat up)

6. Measure out each cookie using a 1/4 CUP Measuring Spoon/Cup. (No, you did NOT read this wrong)  They should be in the shape of a disc and very thick!

7. Bake for 11-13 minutes.  The center will look under-cooked and that is OK.  Trust me here peeps!

8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 1 minute or so then put on a cooling rack for about 20 minutes. 

9. **Most important** Enjoy! I promise they are DELICIOUS! I can't keep these babies in my house.

I am hoping that all my MOMs out there are having FUN with your Kiddos!  Life can go fast so sometimes it is fun just to remember each other in the midst of all the other busy things going on!

Enjoy your baking, buying or making this weekend!

~Kel

To Quit or NOT to Quit

Yesterday was a day full of tough choices!  I mean, it was time to re-evaluate MY life.  I had to decide WHAT the HELL I wanted to do and what I ACTUALLY had time to do.  

I actually hate this part of LIFE.  I mean, it happens to me every few months or so, sometimes less, sometimes more.  It is when I purge the ineffective things and make room for growth and things that I LOVE to do.  Plus, I am over extended...let's just be clear about that! 


So, what the hell am I talking about, right!  I work from home and not like as an Independent person for a company. I mean, I have a legit work at home for a company that pays me, provides insurance, retirement, vacation, etc.  It's great, I am blessed.  I work a lot of hours because of the freedom I get for being able to be at home and let's face it, I don't have a commute, which prior to this job was an hour to an hour and half round trip!  Here is a chunk of my time- at least 45+ hours.




Well, then I decided (here it is people!) to start Beachbody as a Coach. 

Sure, I was working out...at first.   I was drinking the shakes...before.  

Then, pressure came to sell, to join a challenge that I failed miserably.  Guess what...that did not make it fun!  

It is not like I tried.  I DID!  

I worked my butt off trying to get people interested, trying to show them the results, the work I was putting in, the fun I was having.  When I get bored though...its over.  This is a part of my life that I am purging.  It is not an easy decision, as this is the second time that I have QUIT Beachbody.  I tried this gig last year and with the house situation and money stuff, it just didn't work.  This year, it is kind of the same. This shit is expensive.  I won't say it doesn't work, because IT DOES, if you WORK too!  

Problem is, I feel SO busy  that I don't work out and therefore it has lost some of its LUSTER.  

Then there is AVON.  What a rip off!  I'm sorry! I mean, you don't actually MAKE money.   It is not like they drop a certain amount in your bank account after an order.  Instead, I pay an inflated price to get the products (yes, pay before product), then I get my invoice with corrected pricing based on my sales (could be up to 40% off) and whatever I paid over and beyond I just get a CREDIT within AVON.  

WTH.  

This is stupid.  So, after a few months of campaigns, and a few customers...I kissed it goodbye.  

Maybe my BANK Account will thank me?

Then I was booted from Scentsy. This was the ONE business that I would go back to.  For one, I LOVE the products.  

I was my BEST customer after all.  

And TWO, it was just FUN.  I did not get the chance to do a party, but I did have some customers and I used the products too, so it made it worth while.  But, that being said, I can not afford to buy every month to keep myself in business.

I kind of feel like a new person today!  I mean, I don' have all that baggage and I feel like i can really just focus on myself and my family. 



Plus, I have this crazy new Gig that I signed up for, it is scaring me to death!  I will be the Daisy Troop Co-Leader. They needed a co-leader to help the Leader out to have a troop and after waiting...what...three months, and hearing that we would not be having a troop this year without a co-leader, I stepped up for the good of the Girls!  My kid is waiting ever so patiently to get this Girl Scout thing going.  I have been doing work with that to pull my weight and help out and surprisingly, I am enjoying it and cant wait to get the girls meeting!

So, goodbye to failed attempts at my own business. I will focus on my family and my real job.  I am kind of thinking of taking my Diaper Cakes to Etsy though...Am I ready for that? EEk... I think I should revisit after holidays pass!

#feelingcarefulandfabulous

~Kel

Day 5 of the 30 Day MOM Challenge...

Did you remember to Kiss your Children while they were asleep last night?  

I bet you did!

Today is day #5 of our 30 day Challenge!  How is everyone doing so far?  I think I am right on track and the previous days challenge items are holding- even the no YELLING!!! (I have to toot my own horn- this is a HUGE step for us!)

So, what do we do about today? I know it is probably bugging you that I did not put it in the Title...right!  

Hey, I have to keep you guys on your toes and ITS FRIDAY, so more the reason to make you READ. (work for it!)

Day #5 Challenge....Drum-roll Please...

Say to YOURSELF, "He/She's ONLY ___ years old. He's/She's still a CHILD."  Then, treat them like it!!!

Quite a concept, right!!

And one that is typically forgotten!  I do HONESTLY, try to remember this with my kids, especially when I am determining behavior lines between my five year old, who is a little bit more mature than my still learning the ropes, three year old!

It still amazes me when I tell my three year old to stop something and yet my five year old will fill her shoes by doing that same thing I just told the other to STOP, -or- vice versa!!

Kids!!

I also think it is SUPER important to remember that THEY ARE JUST KIDS!  

In my own life, I know that some people expect my children to be quiet and sit still....guess what...they are KIDS and young kids at that!  My kids are gems though, really! Ruler with an iron fist..totally JOKING!  But, they are very respectful when in Public- which is ALL I can ask for- as we still have lots of issues with respect behind the scenes.  Mom would def. rather have these issues "behind the scenes" a.k.a. at home than in front of the world! lol

So, as the weekend begins and all those school aged kiddos are home for the weekend- remember to say this to yourself!

I know you can't wait for tomorrow- right!!

~Kel

Let's talk Kids versus Flu Shot/Mist....and a risk of Paralysis??? EEK KNOW THE FACTS!

Being a MOM means...

Being in charge of decisions, tough ones, small ones, ones that mean nothing and ones that can mean the difference between my kids mobility and lack there of. 

It is a scary job.  I mean, seriously, with my JOB-E-JOB, I don't have these kinds of life or in some cases, death... decisions to make if I follow up with a practice or load the wrong template in.... With these kids, I am like the head honcho.  Think about it.  I mean it started with them being born. Suddenly, I was responsible for this little life. I had to make sure it was clean, it ate, it didn't get sick, and most importantly, it stayed breathing.  I can remember with my first checking on her a million times a night and mind you we were up every 3-4 hours with bottles!  It only gets worse the older they get, I can promise you that!

Then comes the GREAT VACCINE debate.  I mean, to vaccinate, to not vaccinate...What do we do?  Well, Hubby and I have a stance on this that is our very own.. I mean, thinking logically, we were vaccinated as kids and look how we turned out.. Wait..wait...don't answer that. So, we chose to vaccinate and KNOCK ON WOOD, we are all still standing!

So, as the world evolves and we have crazy um, for lack of a better word...SHIT all over the dang gone place...it comes to the question..."TO GET THE FLU SHOT/MIST...TO NOT GET THE FLU SHOT/MIST..."  and once again, MOM to the rescue as I have to come up with the decision.  What if I make the wrong one... It is seriously terrifying to me.  We have been doing the flu shot/mist for the past...I think three or four years. Last year my baby got the shot and my big girl got the mist. All was fine, I suppose.  We got a BAD cold and my little one had to go on a stupid breathing machine...but better safe than sorry.  I got the shot the year before (2013) and got the worst sickness of my LIFE!  I was flat out, bed ridden, ill!  So, I opted out last year.  Which is great because I was not sick last year and this year I don't work in an office, but from the luxury of my home (whoo hoo) ..so I will be opting out again.  Great for me, right. Still doesn't answer my grueling question...Kiddo's and flu vaccine..  

After MUCH thought, consideration, going back and forth, lists of PROs and CONs...with Hubby, we decided that since our oldest is in school and there is crazy, acrobatic germs that live in such places...we would be getting her the MIST again this year.  Praying to GOD that we do not get sick. Our little one will also be getting the MIST, as she seems to catch everything that her big sissy gets!

But, then, as if a BALL dropped once I made this miraculous decision... I read about the FLU shot leaving a 10-year old girl....PARALYZED.... WHAT?   So, let me break it down...

Flu season is a time of year where parents are left to decide what is best for their children. (It is truly the time of year when it is so awesome to be a Parent...wait...no ITS NOT!)  

So, there is this 10 year old girl in Florida who loved school. She received the flu vaccine (2013) and since that point, she has been bedridden. I want to note that it seems that this was not her first flu shot- she seems to have gotten them annually but her parents are stating that the day after her shot she was unresponsive when they tried to wake her. When she finally opened her eyes, she did not speak.  

Doctors have diagnosed her with Acute Disseminated Encephalitis (ADEM), which is a rare condition associated with inflammation throughout the brain and spinal cord. 

Today this little girl is in a wheelchair and eats through a feeding tube.  How terrifying for her parents, right!  But, do you think that the vaccine was to blame? 

Well, her Parents are convinced and studies are showing that about 5% of all cases of ADEM might be triggered by recent immunizations. 

We need to keep our heads on straight here, Parents.  Now, there are key words in that above statement, like MIGHT!  

According to a 2014 study in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, which analyzed an ADEM case in a 59-year old man who received the flu vaccine 10 days before showing symptoms, says that the overall rate of post-vaccination ADEM is extremely low, breaking it down to about 10 to 20 people per million individuals who get immunized.

For ADEM it is about one per 10 million doses.  Usually, ADEM is associated with a recent infection, not an immunization.  It is said that ADEM could develop as a consequence to the flu- as there are more cases related to infections than vaccines.

 

But, it is extremely rare in any case. ADEM is like multiple sclerosis, but with M.S. you have one area of inflammation, affecting one part of the central nervous system.  With ADEM, it generally clears up within three months.  With this 10 year old girl, and her symptoms lasting a year, it is considered an extreme case and linked to incomplete recovery.

The science says that you have a better chance of winning the lottery than having ADEM happen due to the flu vaccine.  Plus, studies show that between 3,000 to 49,000 people in the U.S. alone will die each year from the flu. 

The Flu can be very serious for young children with studies showing that last flu season more than 100 U.S. children died according to the CDC. 

Source: yahoo.com/parenting

With that, this MAMA is getting her kiddo's the mist!  I like the mist because the cold/flu usually starts with the nasal cavity and works its way into the body.  This way, the mist goes straight into the nasal cavity and it also allows my scared of needles children some relief! ("Would you rather have a mist in your nose and your nose feel funny or the needle" and of course the answer is always MIST!) 

Know the facts people.  Do your research and protect your family in the way that best suits YOUR needs!  My family seems to get sick a lot.  We are actually just over the HUMP of a pretty awesome cold that has wicked coughs to match!  I do not want to be dealing with fevers and muscle aches, puking and pale faces too.  Our appointment is made and we are DOING THIS!

(& this Mama will pray to my God the whole way through)

P.S. be careful what you read on the internet.  Some things may be printed at face value without any additional research being done.  Do the work people and make your own decisions based on your own research!

~Kel

The choice is always yours..but make sure you are making the decision for your kids and you know the facts!

Day #4- Kiss your children when they are asleep

I know it isn't something that you might think about.  It is kind of something that just happens!  

I know that I don't necessarily think, 'I am going to go into my kiddo's room and kiss them because they are asleep.' I usually I just go to check on them and they are so sweet, lost in their dreams, that I just kind of have to kiss those gosh, darn, too cute chubby cheeks and whisper my 'I love yous' to them on my way out. 

Lucky for me, I have been doing this since birth- so...they do not wake and I can creep back to my bed and sleep soundly knowing they are safe. 


The kicker is that my Hubby, who works seconds, does the same thing! 

What a good Daddy!! 

Round of applause, please!  

He doesn't go to bed without checking on them first, and he knows that I am getting up right after he settles in. 

So, Kiss your babies in their sleep and send them wishes of good, peaceful dreams of butterflies and rainbows and everything that does NOT exist in this crazy world we are raising them in...

P.S. I gave lots of hugs yesterday! ;)