Ho Hum

We had a long night last night. Murray was awake sobbing from about 1am-3am. We tried all the old tricks, even snuggling with him on the couch; nothing would soothe him. I finally gave him some Tylenol, and he dropped off into a deep sleep until 7:30am. I know his ears are okay, but I'm thinking his throat must hurt. He wasn't feverish, so I don't know. I was just happy that something finally worked. Parenting brings so many mysteries. I wish I could read his mind.



This week is dragging. I think I have vacationitis. We aren't leaving until the 22nd, and until now, the time has gone quickly. It also doesn't help that work is painfully slow, so my short five hours here drag. Today I brought my book and will work my daily cryptoquip. I know, I sound pitiful. Woe is me. :)



I finally signed up as a distributor for Young Living Essential Oils, so if you would like some information, please let me know. I promise never to solicit you, I'm just in this because I receive better prices as a distributor, and it's easier not to have to bother my friends L and C when I need something. I'm not trying to sell anything. :)


I'm off to waste more time at work. Even my post is boring today.

Weekend Update

What an eventful weekend. On Friday, we went to the Fargo Force game. We had a suite (thanks, Olson's)! We had a wonderful time (even though the Gopher's lost on TV). I am becoming a big fan of the Force, but have a lot to learn about hockey!

On Saturday morning, Murray and I, my sister, her friend (and mine) and her four-year-old daughter (the one with the life size Barbie), drove to Grand Forks to see some of my mom's friends. Four year old "S" kept us in hysterics as usual. I swear this child is going to be a famous comedienne. Cheryl & John were the best hosts as usual. We ate (and ate and ate), visited over cocktails, and laughed (and laughed and laughed). It was so much fun to see everyone again. Unbelievably, the weather and roads were perfect much to my relief.

On Monday morning, I woke up with a terrible stomach bug, and spent the day between my bed and the bathroom. I am still not up to par, but better. I'm quite dehydrated, but am trying to push fluids.

This afternoon I will be busy putting the house back together after being sick - I haven't even unpacked from our trip. I don't know what is wrong with my immune system lately, but I seem to be catching everything. I better order some Ningxia, because that seems to be the only thing that helps.

Stay warm. This too, shall pass.

Random Thoughts

What a week it's been! Murray sick, Craig on the road, the Game Feed at the Legion last night, and another Christmas party tonight. Tomorrow I am participating in the Jingle Bells Run/Walk for Arthritis. Phew! Next week looks to be a bit less busy, but that could change in a heartbeat.

Today is Murray's last day in the mobile infant room. I have mixed feelings. . .when I dropped him off this morning, we went over to meet his new teachers (who seem wonderful, as is the rest of the staff). He has been visiting their room since last week; even napping in there one day. I'm sure the transition will be fine for him, it's just a bit difficult on me. There's a bright side, though. He only takes one nap a day now; after lunch with the other pre-tods. That means he's exhausted at night and sleeps until about 7:30 am. It's fabulous, because Craig and I can both get ready for the day while he sleeps, and we're not rushing around running into each other. We don't have to wake up as early, either!

Murray and I have been faithfully taking our Ningxia from Young Living until recently. I kept forgetting, and sure enough, we both got sick. Craig thinks I'm bonkers, but we both remained healthy until we missed several days in a row.

Happy Friday to all; I hope your weekend brings joy!

Toy Box Fun

We purchased an ottoman several weeks ago to house Murray's toys. It's the perfect combination of foot rest/coffee table/toy box. Murray recently discovered how to open it and climb in. He is such a funny boy!

We had a very long night again last night with the croup. I ended up holding Murray in the recliner while he slept upright, though that still didn't help much. We took several trips outside to clear his passages, and also a long time in the steamy bathroom reading books. The cold air seems to work faster and better, so I think we'll opt for that again tonight. I took him in again today, and the doctor expects another rough night, but he should start feeling better tomorrow. Apparently the steroid shot they gave him last 72 hours, so we notice some improvement soon. The diffuser in his room with Eucalyptus seems to help as well.

He's been in a fantastic mood today, even tipping my plant over, after several stern "no-no's", he got that gleam in his eye and the second I turned around - CRASH. He's already testing us, and we're finding that he's quite stubborn, much like his mama.

I have a piano lesson to teach soon, so I best get prepared. She's learning so quickly for a beginner; I'm finding it difficult to challenge her!

Roxane Salonen Works and Misc. Items

I have no idea how, but many thanks to Roxane for makeing the link work. We're ready to go, and I hope you enjoy her writing as much as I do. Check out the link in my blog list to Peace Garden Mama.

This was so funny. We purchased this ball for him several months ago, but he's finally really enjoying it. Speaking of new skills, all of the sudden, Murray figured out how to sit up on his own, as well as pull himself up in his crib. I am terrified that he'll fall out, but suppose it will going to happen eventually (YIKES). Again, I wish we could put our kids in a bubble. We can't, so we just do the best we can.

Craig has been sick, but Murray and I have been fighting it off with Ningxia Red, and essential oils (if you click on the links, you will learn about it) which are awesome immune system supplements that have amazing results. It's working like a charm. This is a health pitch, not a sales pitch, because I do not sell the product, I just purchase it. :)

Tomorrow is supposed to be a fabulous fall weather day, and I'm so looking forward to just lounging around in the yard. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Splish Splash

Yesterday afternoon we went to our friend Lisa's house for some sunshine and a swim. The weather was perfect and we had a great visit (the ice cold beer was a treat too). Murray enjoyed splashing around and we even got a smile out of him once or twice. He wasn't quite sure about the sensation of not having a solid bottom, but he didn't hate it either. We'll make a water baby out of him yet!

A friend of our family has taken an interest in my condition. She said that she experienced something like what I am going through when she was thirty. She said she felt like she was 100 years old when performing every day tasks, like getting out of bed or standing up from a sitting or kneeling position (FINALLY, someone who understands). She finally figured out that it was a food allergy that was causing her pain - corn, of all things. Corn chips, corn syrup, corn on the cob; anything corn related would cause a flare up. So, in addition to essentail oils, which have helped tremendously, I am going to start a food diary to see if I can pinpoint a cause. I would be so relieved if something as simple as say, tomatoes, were causing my pain (as long as it's not coffee).

We got on the good nutrition wagon when we found out that I was pregnant. Turned out that Craig needed to work on a couple of minor medical issues too, so we started by (trying) to avoid anything food that is boxed or processed. This was not hard for me at all. I think the only food we ever ate from a box growing up was macaroni and cheese. We always had fresh, whole, foods at our fingertips, and my mom was an excellent cook. I grew up never having tasted rice -a-roni or chef boyardee. Now don't get me wrong, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a box of hamburger helper in the back of the cupboard (it's delicious and easy), but we try to eat those things only when an emergency or serious craving strikes.

We have also been working on eliminating the chemicals that we use in our home. I am such a cleaner, but the products I use are incredibly toxic and very hard on our systems. I have discovered several completely natural products that I am happy with, but am still experimenting. Seventh Generation is one that I like, but we plan to try Maleluca and Norwex as well. This is a rather difficult transition for me, because I worry so much about sanitation. However, the more research I do, the more I realize that I have to stop using harsh chemicals, especially petroleum based.

I realize that we are never going to be perfect, nor will we accomplish all of these changes overnight. But we have to start somewhere, and each time we eliminate a toxin from our home we are making a positive change for our bodies and our earth.

Cheerios

I have been researching the benefits of holistic medicine. For the past few years, I've dabbled with essential oils, but I've finally taken the plunge and purchased a diffuser for our home. The benefits of using essential oils are amazing - I have witnessed many different "cures" (for lack of a better word). It all began several years ago when I sunburned my arms so terribly that I blistered. My friend Lisa noticed and talked me into rubbing some lavender oil onto one arm. I was skeptical, but miserable, so I tried it. The next morning, the arm that I used a few drops of oil on was completely healed, while the other arm was still blistered. Since that time, I've become a believer. Essential Oils have THOUSANDS of uses, and most importantly, they remove the toxins from the air in your home if diffused properly. There are only two companies in the world who produce grade A therapeutic essential oils (www.youngliving.com is one of them). It's important to purchase oils only from these two companies, because those sold in grocery stores, health food stores, etc. are not pure. These have added chemicals which can actually do more harm than good. I could go on and on, but I won't, because I'd be writing all day. Anyway, this is another exciting change on our venture to healthy living.

Speaking of healthy living, against our better judgement, Murray had his first "unhealthy" food over the weekend. Craig and I walked into the living room one afternoon, and caught my grandma and Murray sharing an ice cream bar. Well, they weren't exactly sharing it. Grandma's defense was that she was holding Murray and he grabbed the ice cream bar right out of her hand. Hmmm. . .sounds a bit fishy to me, but what the heck. I wish I would have captured the guilty expressions on both of their faces. It was so funny that we let him have it. He and grandma were covered in chocolate and ice cream. I have never seen that child so darn thrilled with anything. Grandmas are about the only people in the world who can get away with giving babies ice cream. Thankfully, it didn't upset his tummy.

I'm looking forward to wine club tonight. Craig went to steak night last night, so now it's my turn. We are staying home this weekend for a graduation and we're going to finish the yard, finally. I will be so happy when we can wrap up this project.

TGIF, almost!