Knocked Down a Notch

Last Friday, I lost my temper over the phone with a stranger. How did that happen? Let me take you back to the beginning of the week...

The previous Saturday evening, The Prophet was complaining about his cheek & neck being sore on the right side. His cheek was swollen, as well as his gland. Even without touching the gland, I could see how big it was. We gave him some Ibuprophen before bed & he was able to sleep.

The Prophet w/ his swollen cheek & gland.

We decided to give it a day before taking him to urgent care. We knew they would be extremely busy on Sunday & did not want to expose any of us to other illnesses. The Ibuprophen seemed to help w/ some of the pain, but the swelling remained.

Monday morning, Matt took The Prophet to urgent care. He called me to say the doctor thought it was an infection settled in his gland, BUT it could also be the Mumps. Sunday, they had seen three similar cases. They took some blood to test & told Matt it would be a couple of hours for the results. They also gave him a prescription for an antibiotic for the possible infection.

About ten minutes later, Matt called me back. It turned out the blood test would take two days, not two hours. They could call us Wednesday if he had the Mumps, but not call if he didn't. (Personally, I'd prefer a call either way!) In the meantime, The Prophet would have to stay away from others, just in case. No lunch out w/ Grandma & his cousin that afternoon. No dinner w/ the church choir & families Tuesday night.

Wednesday afternoon, we hadn't heard anything, so Matt called. (What if they didn't have our correct number?) After being transferred several times, he was told they wouldn't have the results until that night or the next morning. OK - now The Prophet would have to miss band on Thursday (the 1st practice since before Christmas & the 1st of four before their band concert).

Matt called back Thursday afternoon. After the multiple transfers, he spoke to a nurse (?) who said the results were sent to our family doctor. She did give Matt a reading from Sam's bloodwork, but couldn't explain what it meant. Our doctor would have to go over it w/ us & she mentioned that he might want a 2nd round of blood tests.

I called our doctor's office & left a message. They called back to say they hadn't received anything yet.

By four Friday afternoon, we still didn't know anything. I left a message at our doctor's office again. They returned my call to say they'd only received notice that The Prophet had been to urgent care...no test results.

So, calling back to urgent care...I called the lab & the girl I spoke to was not permitted to give me any information. She gave me the number for Medical Records, which I promptly called. By now, it was 4:31pm. Their recording said they closed at 4:30pm! It also gave another number to call if it was after hours.

By this point, I was getting very frustrated! I just wanted to know if my son had the Mumps or not!

I called the next number & reached Medical Records at the hospital affiliated w/ the urgent care. I explained the situation, only to be told that "Yes" she had the results, but "No" she wasn't permitted to give them to me.

WHAT?!?! I'm his mother!

Per HIPPA laws she can't tell me by phone. I'd have to pick them up. OK - it's 4:40 on a Friday afternoon! I got very upset. I raised my voice. My son had been stuck at home for the past week, missing some fun activities even though he felt fine. He was bored to death. I supposed I would have to wait until Monday to pick the results up because they'd were about to close?

Thankfully, no! She was there through the evening & even though their window was already closed for the weekend, she would make sure I could get the results. I apologized for getting upset. She said she's a mother, too, & understood.

I hopped in the car & was at the hospital in about 20 minutes. I descended to the basement & rang the bell at the Medical Records department. She came out, gave me a release form to sign, checked my driver's license, & gave me the results. NO MUMPS!

I apologized again for going all psycho on the phone. She hugged me & forgave me.

I'm not usually so quick to lose (& loose) my temper. As a receptionist, I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of said adult tantrums. So, I normally try to see beyond the situation, realized their being upset is probably something that's been building, & I'm the "lucky" one when they finally snap!

Looking back over the past week, I see how it all built for me & the poor Medical Records lady was the "lucky" one! I have to give her credit...she was extremely calm & kind in dealing w/ me, the psychotic Momma Bear! And I think that's part of why I got so upset...I WAS a Momma Bear looking out for her cub. (Even though that "cub" is now two inches taller than his Momma, he'll always be my baby!)

Ready for the twist in all of this? You've gotta love those moment when God knocks you down a notch or two!

Saturday morning, just after I arrived at work & got clocked in, I was confronted by a resident's daughter. She wanted to know who was in charge. I told her that I'd just gotten there, but could find out. I asked if she needed who was in charge of in nurses or someone else. She waved her arm & said she wanted whoever was over the whole place. She was very upset & I said I would find out once I got back to the front office.

About 1/2 an hours later, the situation was fine. She came up to apologize & explained how it had built for her. She said her mom was on the brink of death & in the hospital just over a week ago, then to get a call from her mom this morning about how someone spoke or did something was enough to set her off.

I told her I understood & about what happened to me the previous day when I lost my temper. We want the best for our children & our parents. When their needs are not being met or we're not getting the answers we are looking for we need to speak up. Unfortunately, we often end up speaking up louder & harsher than we intend.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for the four days we spent this past week visiting w/ family from out of town. My aunt & uncle we usually see once a year, but we haven't seen my cousins in years. We had a great time catching up & all the little cousins had a blast playing together (despite a few of them having strep throat).

2) Speaking of strep...I'm thankful that we caught it quickly enough for The Archangel. We called the doctor as soon as he got a sore throat & fever. Knowing that he'd been exposed to it this past weekend, our doctor skipped the culture test & went straight for the antibiotics...a good thing, because The Archangel would have had a fit!

3) I'm thankful the weather on Friday was great for our trip to the Ohio State Fair. It was warm (mid-upper 80's) but low humidity. My nephew was singing in the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir & they all did an awesome job! The munchkins had so much fun on the rides, too!

4) I'm thankful The Prophet & The Princess are looking forward to the start of school in another week or two. (I'm still working on getting The Archangel excited.) The past school year didn't end well, so we're all hoping for a great new start! I've already written their "Beginning of the School Year" letters, which I'm going to mail this year instead of just handing them to the munchkins.

5) I'm thankful for the great 30 Day Meme that my dear friend, Angela, posted on her blog, Pretty in Orange. I've really enjoyed it & it has really gotten me back into journal writing. I'm thinking about continuing after the 30 days is up. There are many journal idea websites, so I could pick a topic each day & just write. The munchkins did some for school last year & it was a great writing exercise.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings (2nd Post Today)

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for all the prayers for Casinodad's best friend this past week. He's doing so much better than expected. He was taken off the ventilator Monday & has been talking.

2) I'm thankful for a great visit w/ my friend & her kids yesterday. Our kids gathered up any toys they didn't want anymore & traded. Then any leftovers are being donated.

3) I'm thankful Casinodad has Thursday & Friday off this week. We're going to spend a lot of family time together!

4)I'm thankful for my mother saving us a lot of money. I mentioned last week that I was looking at buying new comforter for our bed. She had one that fit our bed perfectly & is a great match for our walls.

5) I'm thankful that a potentially stressful situation did not happen. It worked itself out!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

Before I post my thanks, I'd like to ask prayers for Casinodad's best friend from childhood (& best man from our wedding). He is in the hospital w/ pancreatitis (sp?), a severely damaged esophagus, & kidney failure. He's on a ventilator & will be for the next 2 weeks to a month. They are keeping him sedated for now, also. Needless to say, Casinodad is very worried about him.

On to my thanks...
1) I am thankful that Judy is back online. I've really missed her daily post from her blogs. Welcome back, Judy!

2) I am thankful The Prophet is finally feeling better. We thought he just had allergies, but it turned out to be a sinus infection also. After just two days on antibiotics, he's almost back to his old self & definitely sleeping better!

3) I am thankful for the dear, sweet residents at the nursing/rehabilitation center where I work on Saturdays. Last Saturday, one of the residents (who is blind & mostly deaf) was having a bad day. She came to visit me up front & said I always help cheer her up. I'm thankful I was able to be there for her.

4) I am thankful that we've had two fairly productive days of school this week. I sat down over the weekend to make up our plan for the last five weeks of school so that we know how many lessons we need to complete each week. So far, the boys have been fairly cooperative!

5) Above all, I am most thankful for all that God has given me...my life, my family, my friends, a roof over my head, & plenty of food.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes & ears to Your Word each morning. I've struggled for a long time, trying to hear You. While I'm not anywhere near 100%, the more I read the more I seem to find You in the day to day things.

2) Thank you, Lord, for The Prophet learning to use my coffee maker. He makes a great pot of coffee for me to enjoy!

3) Thank you, Lord, for the sunshine finally appearing (even though it's raining today). It's been a long, snowy winter & I am ready for Spring.

4) Thank you, Lord, for a quick physical this morning. (I pray my tests come back w/ good results.) The nurse came out to get me while I was still at the window paying my co-pay. Although, I was looking forward to getting a little personal reading time in! (Why is it that we wait a LONG time for the munchkins appointments, but when it's just me, I get right in?!?)

5) Thank you, Lord, for reconnecting w/ a long, lost friend through Facebook. She moved suddenly in 3rd grade & I never knew what happened to her. She found me & we've been corresponding lately.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) Thank you, Lord, for the over-abundance of STUFF we have in our home. As I try the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge, it gives me a chance to donate many things to those in need.

2) Thank you, Lord, that the munchkins have been illness-free for at least five days...a record in our family this winter! (And I pray that they will not get sick since I just put this in writing.)

3) Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful conversations our family Lenten devotions have sparked each night. The munchkins are so full of love & understanding of your word, sometimes even more than I am.

4) Thank you, Lord, for vision insurance (& one of the best, at that)! With four of us in glasses & two others who most likely will need them), it can get expensive to purchase new ones each year. Thank you also for great eye care professionals. I've been going to mine since I was in 4th grade & the rest of the family has joined, going to one of his partners.

5) Thank you, Lord, that I am finally beginning to "hear" you in my daily life. Since I've consistently been reading the daily readings & other spiritual books in the past few months, I've noticed those gentle nudges. Yes, I know you've always been there...I just haven't opened myself up enough. I still have a long way to go, but I feel I'm off to a good start.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) Sunday was a very productive day. After Mass, my dad came over to help remove our old toilet seat from our downstairs bath. The nut & bolt were so rusted, he had to cut them off. Afterwards, I cleaned the bathroom & put on another toilet seat. It's amazing how just this one small item can really change the look of the bathroom. Also, I took ALL of our recyclables to the recycle bins. WOW! Our garage was overflowing w/ them. Because of illnesses & lots of freezing, snowy weather, we hadn't taken them in almost two months.

2) We finally bought a Wii Fit Plus & set it up Sunday evening. So far I have used it for at least 1/2 an hour each day since. Right now, I'm just spending time exploring the various activities. Once I find the ones I really like, I'll set myself up on a regular schedule. According to my body test, I am overweight (no surprise there!) & have the body of a 48 year old. I've got a lot of work to do!

3) On Monday, the munchkins & I spent the morning in the basement. They worked on straightening up their toys while I cleaned out the junk underneath the stairs. I've been promising them I would do this for a while so they could play under there. I also managed to get three loads of laundry done while down there!

What's been good for you this week? Go & share at Faith & Family Live!

Wordless Wednesday - The Sick Children (2 Weeks Ago) Edition

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) I have two sick munchkins right now w/ a tummy bug. Yesterday starting at 4am, The Princess started. Every 15 minutes for the next three hours, she was getting sick. Then it was every 1/2 hour until about 3pm. The Saint joined in about 6am. Neither could keep anything down, even water. He is still not doing well so I'm taking him to the doctor later this morning.

My success in this is how patient I've been & that I'm not stressing over getting things done (or the fact that our living room carpet is going to need some serious cleaning when this is all over!) I'm focusing on keeping them comfortable. Thankfully the two older boys have been getting along well & have been helpful & loving toward their sick siblings.

2) Did four loads of laundry (including folding & putting away) yesterday due to the little sickies. Granted, they were small loads mostly of towels, sheeys, & kids clothes, but they still got done in between clean-up patrols!

3) Thankfully most of our Christmas shopping is done. Not sure if we'll get cards out in time, but, Christmas STARTS on the 25th & goes for 12 days. We've got plenty of time to send those greetings!

Well, that's my week! How about yours? Share & see others at Faith & Family Live.

Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1) This morning, I (by myself) took all four munchkins to get flu shots & they all did great! The Archangel volunteered to go first. Now, this is the child who jerked his leg a few years ago & snapped the needle off of the syringe. His comment afterwards today was, "That was so fast, I didn't even have time to say OUCH!"

2) I decided to not try to control something & leave the decision in God's hands. What a tough thing to do!

3) Since putting up the Christmas decorations, I've been doing pretty well to keep the house somewhat uncluttered & clean (the downstairs at least...the upstairs I think needs a demolition crew!!)

Your turn. Go to Faith & Family Live to share & check out other Small Successes.

I Think the Scooter Has to Go!

Thursday was our last day of school for the summer. What better way to start off summer vacation than a trip to Urgent Care for a broken arm! The Archangel was playing on his scooter that afternoon. He wasn't outside more than 15 minutes when I heard his cry. He had fallen off & landed on his elbow. It didn't seem too bad, just really painful for him. He was able to move his arm, hand, & wrist, so I put a bandage on the scratch & off he went to play more.

Throughout the rest of the afternoon, he continued to whimper off & on, eventually complaining that his wrist hurt too. About 8pm, I decided to take to Urgent Care & have it X-rayed. I still thought it was just a bad sprain, maybe a hairline fracture. Well, I'm glad I took him. He ended up breaking the radius right at the elbow. His wrist hurt because the bone was pushing against his wrist bone. He now has a cast that covers most of his arm & it will be on for about 6-8 weeks. He chose blue & was a very brave boy while they put it on him. The nurse was teasing him, saying they only had pink ones left. The Archangel didn't react at all - he was so tired by that point, I don't even think he heard!

We go to the bone specialist tomorrow to see how it's healing. In the meantime, we're doing a lot of elevating to alleviate the swelling hand, staying off scooters & bikes, & no swimming or getting it wet. This is definitely tough for a very active six year old boy!

Lenten Ideas

Ash Wednesday is almost upon us - are you ready? I've been thinking a lot lately about what I would like to do during this very special liturgical season. My energy levels have been very low, so a lot of what I plan in my head does not get implimented into our daily lives. (BTW - My doctor's office did call the other day w/ my Vitamin D test results. Yes, it is low so he wants me to take some extra Vit. D supplements for a month & see if it helps.)

Back to Lenten ideas: Every year, we participate in Operation Rice Bowl through our church. We set the bowl on the table or island & throw in any extra change. The munchkins really look forward to doing this. As soon as we bring the bowl home from church & put it together, they run to get their banks. 75% of the donations go to help Catholic Relief Services in their worldwide efforts & 25% goes to our local diocese.

For the past two years, I've taken The Prophet to our church's Stations of the Cross. He looks forward to this each year. Afterwards, we stop at Wendy's for fries & a frosty to spend some time together. I've not taken The Archangel & The Princess because I knew they wouldn't sit still long enough. Last year was extra special for The Prophet. My dad, the deacon at our church, didn't have any servers show up so he asked The Prophet (a first-grader) to assist. (In our parish, servers have to be in fifth grade.) He carried the crucifix to each station as it was prayed. It brought tears to my eyes to see him participating in such a mature manner. He's hoping Grandpa will ask him to help out again this year!

Last year, I found a recipe for Resurrection Rolls. Basically, it's taking a large marshmellow, wrapping it up in a crescent roll & baking it. The marshmallow disappears into the roll as it is baked, signifying the empty tomb of Jesus. They taste really good too!

One of the mothers in my homeschool group asked for some ideas & some of the other mothers gave some great suggestions. Some I'd like to do are:

1) Place a grapevine wreath in the center of the table w/ toothpicks sticking out of it to signify the crown of thorns. On Easter Sunday, replace the toothpicks w/ flowers.

2) Give each person a twisted pretzel at dinner each night. It shows the form of arms crossed in prayer to remind us that Lent is a time of prayer. More details can be found at www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities.

3) I also signed us up for Holy Heroes Lenten Adventure. They email activities to do throughout Lent w/ you children.

As to what I'm giving up for Lent this year, I've been reflecting on the things that take me away from my family & the computer is the first one that comes to mind. I spend far too much time reading blogs. Even though the ones I read have been a great inspiration to me, I'm going to give them up for Lent, including my own. I will still post my Small Successes each week because they really help me to focus on the things I'm doing good in my life (& I really need that reassurance.) Basically, I'm going to avoid the computer except for those few things I need to do - checking my email (but only a couple times a day as opposed to anytime I sit at the computer), preparing our church bulletin, & ebay stuff.

I'm also going to try to get up earlier & be better at starting my day w/ prayer & reflection. This has been a big struggle for me since The Saint has been waking up more often to nurse throughout the night. Growth spurt or teething? I'm not sure, but regardless, I've been losing a lot of sleep.

Well, the munchkins are getting restless - a sure sign that I've been on here too long already this morning! Have a very blessed Lenten season! My prayers are w/ you all, that God may grant your every need.

Peace & blessings,
Munchesmom

Small Successes

Here's what I've been successful about this past week:


1) Along w/ another lady from my church, we coordinated a donation drive for a center run by a Franciscan Sister about an hour away from us. About 6 1/2 years ago, this Sister came to our church & gave a talk about the center & the poor people she serves. It really hit me hard & I talked to a dear lady from my church about it. Since then, we have organized a drive through our church in January. Parishioners donate clothing, food, household items, toys, & books. Last year, we asked for new shoes. That went over so well, that this year, we decided to ask for new socks & underwear. Due to inclement weather in January, we went on Valentine's Day this year. This was our biggest year - we had about 18 vehicles fully loaded to caravan to the center. The Prophet told me on the way down that Valentine's Day was the perfect day to go - "a gift of love for the poor people of xxx County." Here is a picture of the sorting area at the center after we delivered our stuff. This is just over half of what we took there.



2) For the past month or so, I've had a large storage tub in the basement full of clean laundry. I finally took it upstairs & put all the clothes away. Hmmm...I knew The Saint had more sleep sacks!


3) I went for my physical on Monday. They called yesterday w/ the blood work results & everything was right as it should be (except Vitamin D levels - that test takes a little longer, so I don't have those results yet). I was expecting my triglycerides to be high. I was on medication for them before this last pregnancy, but obviously had to stop. Thankfully, they've stayed down! Even w/ insurance, the medication wasn't exactly cheap.


So, what are your Small Successes for the past week. Hop over to http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/ to share yours & check out more!

Random Tidbits from Munchkinland - Updated!

Just a bunch of random stuff from around here:

• Casinodad is home sick again today. He went to the doctor yesterday & has a sinus infection & conjunctivitus.
• The Saint has another sinus infection & conjunctivitus.
• The Archangel has a sinus infection, conjunctivitus, AND a double ear infection.
• The Prophet, The Princess, & I are battling sinus stuff, but not bad enough for a trip to the doctor.
• I'm wondering if the household will ever be well again!
• Speaking of the house, I think we have one under the piles of clutter & dirt!
• My nephew got his temps yesterday. I'm still in denial!
• Did I mention that I can't find my living room floor?
• It's been snowing all day & it was 17 degrees at 1pm.
• Thanks for 75% off at Target. I got a grater, a basting brush, measuring spoons, an apple corer, & a pair of girls' sweatpants - all for under $10!
• Hydrogen Peroxide performs miracles on breastmilk poop stains!

So, if you're wondering why you haven't heard from us in a while or why I haven't posted much lately...now you know! Hope you're having a better start to your new year!

Twenty Things I'm Thankful For - Part Three (No. 11-15)

11) Doctor's offices that can get all four munchkins in on the afternoon of the day before Thanksgiving.

12) Health Insurance - I'm not quite so thankful about co-pays in the doctor's office for all four munchkins & four pharmacy co-pays, but I am thankful for insurance - it could have cost a lot more, esp. since the antibiotic would have been $83 per child!

13) Coffee - I'm only doing 1/2 regular & 1/2 decaf right now because the full caffeine bothers The Saint. I love the flavored creamers & flavored coffees. Sometimes, if I'm out of flavored coffee or creamers, I'll just sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the grounds before I brew my coffee & it adds just the right amount of flavor. Bob Evans changed their brew about a year or so ago & it's really good. McDonald's has a good brew, too. This may come as a surprise to many people, but I really am not a big fan of Starbucks coffees. They're okay & I will drink them, but not my favorite.

14) Chocolate - Even the munchkins know that their mom loves, loves, loves chocolate! (Did I mention that I love chocolate?!?) Reese's PB Cups have always been a favorite of mine, as have M&M's. I'm so glad they came out w/ dark chocolate M&M's - much healthier ;)

15) Casinodad has the next two days off of work. We can spend the time together as a family & disinfect the house from all the sinus infection germs floating around!

Bed Rest Time!

Well, the proposal story will have to wait a bit longer. This is a short post to let you, my dear readers, know that I won't be posting much for a bit. I am on bed rest until little man comes on his own or I reach 37 weeks in about a week & a half. My blood pressure went up some this past weekend so I am to lie down as much as possible. I'm feeling fine - I just need to check the BP occasionally & rest. This is nothing new to me, but in previous pregnancies the BP didn't go up until closer to my due date. Do you know how tough it is to lie on the couch watching your mom & mother-in-law take care of the munchkins, clean up, do the laundry, etc.? I keep wanting to hop up & help.

I'll keep you all informed!
Peace, munchesmom

Time for a Cold!

Well, on top of all the last trimester aches, pains, & general tiredness, I have a head cold! The munchkins each had it last week for about a day & a half. Casinodad's sister came down w/ it on Sat.

Yesterday we took a trip a few hours north to visit Casinodad's dad for Father's Day. I felt fine other than a few sneezes (which is normal - for some reason the air up there really plays w/ my allergies). On the way home, my throat felt sore all of a sudden & by the time we got home, I was very congested. Sleeping last night came in very short spurts. Then I woke up this morning w/ a huge headache. I told the munchkins that I wasn't feeling well this morning so we weren't going to be doing much. I said that I must have caught their colds. Later this afternoon, The Princess came up to me & said, "Mommy, I tink you dave me my told back." (translation: I think you gave me my cold back.)

Despite feeling like I've been hit by a truck, I did manage to change all our sheets (w/ Casinodad's help), do two loads of laundry, do our couple hours of school, & Casinodad helped me move a few things around in our room.

Now if I can sleep tonight I should be fine!

Donuts, Martial Arts, & Support Hose, Oh MY!!

My sister & her family got me a giftcard to Kohl's for my birthday. I always put a lot of thought into how I spent my giftcards & try not to use them for "needed" stuff. Last week, on one of the blogs I found, the mother talked about homemade donuts that she'd made for her kids. I thought it sounded like a great idea. Last night, we went to Kohl's so Casinodad could buy some work clothes for himself. I decided to check out the bakeware & sure enough, they had a donut pan -- on sale, too! So, I used my giftcard. This morning, I made chocolate cake donuts for us & they were delicious & healthly, too! The pan makes one dozen & they are baked instead of fried. I used Splenda instead of sugar & skim milk. It was a hit w/ the kids! Next time I might even add a glaze or frosting...

On the way home, we stopped by a local martial arts academy & signed up The Prophet. We've been wanting to do this for years. Last summer, at the Relay for Life event we participate in, they had a demonstration & he really liked it. We've got him signed up for the four week trial period, which is $39 for 2x per week & includes his uniform. Not sure how we'll pay for the sessions afterwards, but I think it will be worth it for him.

Because it was so late, we stopped at a drugstore to get the munchkins their bedtime snack to eat on the way home. While there, I decided to see if they had support hose. Now, I'm not really wanting to wear them, but w/ this pregnancy, my legs having been sporting these wonderful varicose & spider veins! They started when I was pregnant w/ The Princess, but they didn't hurt until this time around. I figured that support hose might help, especially when I'm at work.

Forget the WIndex...

...use Vaseline instead! Remember the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Her father thought that Windex was the cure-all for everything. Got a cut on your finger? Just add a squirt of Windex! Well, in our household, our cure-all is Vaseline.

Chapped lips? Spread on some Vaseline.

Dry patch of skin on your (insert body part here)? Add a little Vaseline.

Sore throat or scratchy neck? Vaseline. Yes, that one actually seems to work for The Prophet. A couple of weeks ago, he was complaining of having a sore throat & his shirts seemed to irritate it. Casinodad suggested putting a little Vaseline on his neck & Voila! he was instantly healed. Now whenever his neck is bothering him for any reason, he just asks for some Vaseline.

Allergies? Me?

Okay, remember my post last month about how I have this thing about shots & needles? Well, this morning I went for an allergy test. Basically, it is just to cover all the bases from the ENT appointment I had a few weeks ago. Other than seasonal & a couple nuts, I've never had a major problem w/ allergies.

I had gone in because of fluid in my ear that I'd had for at least 5 months. At that appt., he didn't find any fluid, but he did discover that I have chronic sinusitis. No surprise there, but I've never had any major problems - maybe an infection once or twice a year & all the rest I took care of w/ OTC stuff. Anyway, he wanted me to see an allergist, have a CAT scan of my sinuses (this coming Monday), & start using a sinus rinse & a steroid spray.

Knowing that I would have the allergy test today, surprisingly I wasn't all worked up about it. Once she pricked my back w/ all the allergens, it didn't feel bad at all. In fact, it just felt like someone was scratching my back. She left the room & said the Dr. would be in shortly to check for the results. I still felt fine. I read my book for a bit, then all of a sudden, I started to feel strange - dizzy, cold sweat, dry mouth, slightly sick to my stomach. I put my book down, put my head between my knees, & pulled the trash can over (just in case!) I contemplated going to the door to ask for some water, but didn't think I'd make it w/out passing out. Next, I sat down on the floor & rested my head on my arms while leaning on the chair. That seemed to help & after a couple minutes, I felt fine. I know it wasn't a reaction to the test, just my own nerves I guess.

So now you want the results? The doctor walked in the room & said "Oh My!" (Yeah - that made me feel better?!?!) They use a four point scale in measuring the welts from the test & on my back there were about 3 welts that were 4++. The welts were about the size of a half dollar. & were for dust mites, ragweed, & grass. I wasn't surprised by the first two, but I'd never noticed a problem w/ grass. There were a couple other minor reactions (pets & histimines) & none for the nuts. She was concerned about the nuts because of the metallic taste I get in my mouth from certain ones. She wants me to keep an epi-pen on hand & to also have a blood test to check for the allergy since it didn't show up. She also suggested allergy shots, but I really don't see a need at this point. The seasonal allergies have never made me too uncomfortable & OTC meds seem to help the congestion from them. She want me to continue the sinus rinse & nasal spray.

Casinodad went through all this allergy testing about 7 months ago. He does the same treatment & the shots as well. He's been telling me since then that the sinus rinse would be great for me, but I just kept putting it off. He finds my situation humorous & keeps telling me "I told you so!" What a loving husband I have :)

Peace, Munchesmom