Healthy Life, Happy Wife!

A few of you wanted more information about my last post as to how I kept my kids healthy this year. It's not really anything new, but I guess I didn't fully understand how important diet was to the immune system. I started reading this ebook and it helped me to understand a little more about keeping my kids (and myself) healthy.

The most significant changes I made were:

• Giving a multi-vitamin every day.

• Giving Airborne a few times a week.

• Eliminating food with MSG and HFCS.

• Eliminating sugar or substitute with Stevia.

• Use fewer anti-biotics, instead let infections run their course.

• Adding lots of fruits and vegetables (this was hard with picky eaters- see #2 below for help).

• Eating organic foods whenever possible and drink lots of water.

• Exchange regular salt with sea salt (Jeremy never noticed).

• Expose them to germs. Counter intuitive, I know, but if your immune system is never exposed to germs, it doesn't know how to fight them. The trick is to make your immune system super-powered so the exposed germs don't even have a chance.

• Pediasure. Lots of it.

• Flu Shot

• Yogurt with Probiotics. I found THE BEST Low Carb yogurt at Smiths. It's Kroger brand and only $.50 each. It tastes yummy and has 12g of protein, 4g of carbs and only 80 calories.
  

I'm happy to elaborate on any of those, but here two more resources that helped me:

1- All of the Dr. Oz "You" books
2- The Sneaky Chef recipes

Hope there is something in there you find helpful. It may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it. We are all more healthy and fit, we visit the doctor less, and I am giving my kids the gift of good habits for life.

Knock Knock Knockin on Wood

Just like most parents out there, our kids have experienced an array of illnesses throughout their short lives. We are so grateful nothing has been too serious, but no matter how bad the illness is- having a sick kid sucks. Between the three kids we've experienced febrile seizures, fifth disease, ear infections, hand foot & mouth, ear tubes, strep throat, strep butt, ring worms, RSV, tonsillectomy, yeast infections, urinary infections, countless influenza, and several others that I can't think of right now. Emma was sick so often that we were beginning to test her for more serious diseases like leukemia and cystic fibrosis. Thankfully every test was negative, but we were told that we needed to keep her in isolation to help strengthen her immune system. That's the day I quit my job.

When Livi was born, I was doing everything I could to make sure she didn't get sick; I breastfed, I didn't take her anywhere, the kids washed their hands AND changed their clothes when they got home from school. Despite my efforts, two weeks later she was hospitalized for RSV. She was pretty much sick off and on the rest of that year. Then in May of last year, she was sick the entire month and that was the straw that broke the Mom's back.

From that point on, I was on a mission to break the cycle. My goal was to spend the summer building the kids' immune systems so by the time school started, they would have a fighting chance. I had been to a nutritionist in March and learned a lot about nutrition. It was helping me to lose weight but more than anything, I just felt better. I started to study everything I could get my hands on about nutrition, diet, exercise and the human body. I found it so fascinating and couldn't get enough. I started to incorporate my changes into my children's lifestyle.

I won't go into detail about all of the health stuff, not only because it's boring, but because I think I'm the only one (besides Amy, lol) that has had this issue with her kids. But, what I will share is that my kids have not been sick at all this winter. We've had a few colds, but nothing more. No flu, strep, ear infections- nada (I am currently banging my head on wood). When I went to my pediatrician for Liv's peanut allergy, he thought I had switched doctors since he hadn't seen me all year. I think he was bummed because our visits alone were paying his mortgage. Time to get a new meal-ticket doctor!

I'm sure that by writing this, Murpheys Law is going to come crashing down on me in the form of the bubonic plague. However, I'm pretty quick to complain when my kids are sick, so I also wanted to make note of how thankful we are to be healthy!

Dad's Birthday Party

My parents came into town and since it was the day after my Dad's birthday, we decided to have a little birthday party for him. It was nice to see the fam again and let the kids all hang out.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Valentines Day

Jeremy and I went out for Valentines Day. We tried a new Indian restaurant, Indian Fusion. Since we don't go out without the kids very often, I really wanted to try something different. This was definitely different. The ambiance was really nice- They had Indian decor, belly dancers, and nice music. The food was pretty average, but I've never had Indian food, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. Jeremy described it as "High Class Lean Cuisine."


Then we were off to Wise Guys Comedy Club to see the winner of "Last Comic Standing". It was so much fun! We ran into my friend from High School and we ended up sitting with them. It was fun to catch up with her until the show started. Then I didn't stop laughing until it ended.





Afterward, we went across the street to meet our friends Char and Robert.

It was a great Valentines Day!

Showin The Love

The kids got tons of Valentines at their party on yesterday, and this morning they woke up to a few things from Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Garramore, and Grandma Palmer.

These kids are spoiled with love!!!

Girls Valentines Day Party

I went to Andra's Valentines Day party last night and had a lot of fun with just the girls.
Andra always has great food and cute decorations for her parties. Everyone brings Valentines to exchange with one another and they were all just darling.

Flashback Friday

My cute friend from High School, Angie, came into town yesterday and invited a few of us out to lunch. It was so nice to catch up with everyone. I haven't seen them in 14 years, yet it didn't seem like any time had passed. Well, okay, since we all have kids (one is a teenager), it seemed like a little time had passed- but we reminisced and laughed just like we did back then.

It's ironic that two of them live just minutes from me and we haven't run into each other in all this time. Hopefully that will change and we will be better at keeping in touch.

I think these girls are still as pretty as they were in High School!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane ladies!

Lazy Sunday with a little added chaos

My girlfriends and I get together on an occasional Sunday for lunch and a matinee.

Today we saw He's Just Not That Into You. It was a funny movie and would definitely recommend it if you want a good laugh.

Afterward, we went to Red Robin and enjoyed some good food and company.


As I was driving home, I was listening to some relaxing music and was feeling refreshed and ready to return home...then I got a phone call from Jeremy...

"There's something wrong with Livi, she's having some kind of asthma attack. I don't know what to do". I figured she was just getting sick or throwing a fit so I told him not to worry and I would be home in a minute.

When I got home I saw that Livi was red and blotchy and couldn't get air. Her heart was racing and it was clear there was something wrong. I quizzed him about the day and nothing seemed unusual. Then Emma mentioned that Dad gave her some peanut butter candy. Um yea, he forgot to mention that.

We interrupt for a Public Service Announcement:

For those of you that don't know, let me save you the trouble of finding out the hard way. Kids should not have any form of peanut butter until they are at least two. Not the day after they turn two. It should be delayed as long as possible and whole peanuts shouldn't be given to kids under 6.

-End of PSA-

I chose not to give Landon or Emma any peanut products until they were about four. I don't fault Jeremy for it, he really thought it was fine after the age of two.

Anyway, I took her to Instacare and had to bring Emma with me because she was so scared for Livi. Once I arrived, they took one look at her and bumped her to the head of the line and immediately began working on her. They told me that we might have to go to Primary Childrens. Last year at this time I spent a week there with Livi when she had RSV and I really didn't want a repeat visit.

She looked like someone punched her in the face. I wish I took a picture with my phone, but was too preoccupied to think about it. Anyway, after a while, the medicine kicked in and her hives got better, and her breathing returned to normal. We were referred to an allergist and both girls got a popsicle and we were on our way.

So much for a lazy and relaxing Sunday!

We have a toddler!

Livi turned two today. She woke up with her usual smile and cheerful disposition. I wished her a happy birthday and she wished me a happy birthday right back. It actually was "haha dirday!".

I told her to go to the basement where the kids were playing for a surprise.

She was so excited.

"A Die, A Die!"

Translation: A slide, A Slide!

She waited not so patiently as we put it together for her.


She was entertained for ten whole minutes.

Then after Landon's Jr. Jazz game, we all went out to Joe's Crab Shack (again) for her birthday lunch. Even though I don't eat seafood, I love that the kids have somewhere to play while they wait for their food. Livi loves their great big slide (if you haven't noticed, she's currently obsessed with slides).

Then we went home to open presents! All three Grandma's sent a gift in the mail for her (thanks so much!) so we had quite a few to open.

The loot.

I tried all day to get her to tell me how old she is.
She finally realized she wouldn't get her present until she did it.
So cute!

25 Things Random Things About Me

1. I drive a mini-van and I love it! It’s the most convenient thing ever invented.

2. I rarely get ready for the day unless I know I have somewhere to go.

3. I totally think a tummy-tuck should qualify for insurance as reconstructive surgery.

4. I sleep at least eight hours a night- sometimes more.

5. I wish I slept less so I could get more done.

6. I hate to exercise. I’d rather just not eat.

7. I think Jeremy is one of the smartest men I know. I love having long conversations with him about anything and everything.

8. I rarely buy anything that’s not on sale. I love a good bargain.

9. I hate wearing make-up. See #2.

10. Whenever I catch the clock at 4:20, it always giggle. I’m so immature.

11. Something happened to my tear ducts after I had kids- I cry at the drop of a hat over the lamest things.

12. I wish I had a sister, but am lucky to have the best girlfriends.

13. ı uɐɔ ǝdʎʇ ǝpısdn uʍop

14. I love that my kids are getting older- I am so not a baby person.

15. I am not religious, but I am spiritual. I’ve simply removed the Middleman.

16. I'd rather live in temperatures over 100 degrees everyday than live in the cold for just one day.

17. I’m grateful for all the crap that has happened to me in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without those things.

18. I have an amazing vegetable gardening area with ‘the works’ and I still don’t know how to plant a thing.

19. I don’t put a lot of stock into what people think of me. I’m at a point in my life where I am very comfortable in my skin, and anyone who means anything to me already loves me for who I am.

20. I can cook pretty well, but never do because no one will eat my 'healthy stuff'.

21. I’m highly organized to the point of OCD.

22. I love karaoke. I’ll do it anytime and anywhere.

23. I can recite the ABC's backwards.

24. I love a good party and being surrounded by people, but I’m mostly a homebody.

25. I love getting facials and massages. I’m the easiest wife to buy for because that’s all I ever want as a gift.

Junior Jazz

Jeremy coached Landon's Jr. Jazz basketball team last year and they had fun, but we had no interest in doing it for a second year. However, a few months back, his friends from school put a team together and wanted Landon on it, so we did it again. This was definitely the last year we do it- I don't care if Kobe Bryant calls and wants Landon on the team. It wasn't really the fact that they never won a game, or that they rarely even scored. It was that they all had more fun on the bench dripping water on each other and telling jokes...getting called in to play seemed like such an interruption to their fun. I'm so glad he got to hang out with his school friends outside of school, but let's face it- kids in private school aren't exactly known for their athleticism. The Moms all agreed it would be better to just meet at a park next time.



I took Landon to his game this past weekend and I told him I would take him out to eat anywhere he wanted and we would celebrate his recent award at school and have a Mom & Son date. He decided to go to Village Inn. Okay, odd choice.

My favorite part of dinner was asking him questions about his life. We rarely sit down and just talk without any interruptions. I love the way his brain works. I love how much he adores people and how he has nothing but nice things to say about people. I asked him about his girlfriend and if they get to see each other very much since they aren't in the same class. He told me at recess and sometimes at lunch. I asked him if he gets to sit wherever they want at lunch or if they have a designated place to sit. His response made me laugh so hard that I choked on my Diet Coke:

"Where we sit depends on if we have hot or cold lunch. All the hot lunch kids have to sit together and all the cold lunch kids have to sit together. I don't understand why they do that...haven't they ever heard of equal rights? I don't think Martin Luther King would like that at all!"

Through the Eyes of a Child

Livi's impression of me.

Growing Up Has Perks

When we sold our house in 2005, we had a massive garage sale. I got rid of all my maternity clothes, all of Emma and Landon's clothes, toys, car seats, cribs, strollers and everything else they had outgrown. We were so done having kids.

Fast forward to March of 2006 when we moved into our new home. We have four bedrooms upstairs and we only occupied three. What to do with that extra room? I thought of a few ways to use it, but every night I kept having dreams about it being a nursery. There's no way I can have another baby. I already got my little girl (if you knew my family history on girls, you'd know that was quite the feat) and a perfect little boy. Plus, I was 29 and I wanted to be done having kids by the time I was 30.

Oh yea, and I already sold EVERYTHING.

A month passed and the room stayed empty. I focused my efforts on decorating all the other rooms. Finally, the first part of April, I approached Jeremy about having another baby. He was opposed to it, only because we had already made this decision and with Emma being 3 years old, we were finally out of diapers and able to travel and be more independent...blah, blah, blah.

Okay, fine.

Wait-

He continued with..."but"...

What's that? But what??????

He went on to tell me that as the Mom who would have to carry the baby, and be the primary care taker, it was a decision he would leave up to me.

It took me about a month, but I made up my mind. We would try for three months. That's it. That would still accomplish my goal of having all my kids by the time I was 30. I approached Jeremy with my plan, and he was all for it. I think he figured there is no way we could get pregnant in that short amount of time, and that just guaranteed him a fabulous three months!

So, as Murphy would have it- I got pregnant that same month.

Now I'm getting to the point of this story ;)

I had to buy everything all over again. I hated it. I hated knowing that everything I purchased would be used for such a short amount of time, and then it's just money out the door. I started saving Landon and Emma's clothes, but she was three and he was five, so I knew they wouldn't get used for quite some time. Meanwhile, I bought new clothes every 2-3 months as she outgrew them. Money out the window.

A few days ago, I noticed Livi had another growth spurt and could no longer fit into size 2 (welcome to my world sista). As I went online to do a round of shopping, it hit me that I had Emma's old clothes stashed away. Has it really been that long already?

I got the clothes and tried them on her- and they fit! I couldn't believe how much there was...I never have to buy clothes for Livi again. You have no idea how happy that makes me!

Here is her winter collection. Luckily Emma loved Elmo and Dora at this age, so some of the shirts are still relevant.
Here is her summer stash. I had so many memories of Emma when I was going through these clothes. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can see my little cutie in these outfits.

The Conclusion of Emma

Today was jam-packed with fun!

We started the day with Emma's final birthday party with her friends. We rented out a gymnasium and so the kids could just go wild. They had such a blast. Ten six year olds. Wow.

Landon had his Jr. Jazz basketball game and then pictures afterward.

Then we went out to Chili's.

When we got home we put Livi down for a nap and the four of us enjoyed a family movie night with popcorn and candy.

After that, Landon and Jeremy went to see "Mall Cop".

Now I have 14 whole days until Livi's birthday. What am I going to do with all that free time!

Birthday Celebration

Last night we celebrated Emma's birthday. Each year the kids get to choose whatever restaurant they want, and then they get one present to open from all of us.

Emma chose the Mayan. The last time we were there was in October for Landon's birthday. I was fine with the choice because we've been having some 'volume control' issues with Livi and I knew it would entertain her, as well as drown her out. We took a few pictures while waiting to be seated.


Anyway, I guess it changed owners since our last visit and everything was just horrible. So we decided to leave our table and go across the street to Joe's Crab Shack. It was great. The kids had a playground to run around on and they really made Emma feel special by singing to her with a princess tiara. When they started dancing, Livi had to get down and bust a move- she never turns down a good beat. Definitely the perfect place to spend some good family birthday fun.



Now we have just have to get through her party with her friends on Saturday, and that will conclude the 'Week of Emma'.

I heart her.