When a toddler's jealousy is out of control...

I believe Nikia brought this up before, but I know that there is at least one other person dealing with this, so if anyone has any tips, they would be greatly appreciated!

When a new baby is born, the toddler loses all sense of reason. He acts out, and often resorts back to his "baby" ways. How do you show the toddler that you love him just as much as before, and he is still important to you??

Tested, but did I pass? I usually don't.

Today, I was tested. I don't like to be tested because I usually fail miserably.

My 5 year old son had is Kindergarten test this morning at the elementary school he will be attending this year. He got to meet his teacher, see his classroom, and show her how smart he is. When the test was finished, he had to sign some papers. One of them being the computer policy from the school board. In this policy it says that the signer will not go to any unapproved websites, namely pornographic websites. Now I'm thinking "He doesn't even know how to start a computer much less get on the Internet." But, because of the way this world is going and the lack of parental involvement in some children's life, this necessary.

Now on to the part where I was tested.

At work today I was discussing this with my co-workers and my boss. The boss says that it is a shame that we have come to this. I agreed with him, as did my co-workers. Now one of my co-workers lives an alternative lifestyle and said that because of pornography she could never have a boy. In her eyes, all boys grow up to be men addicted to pornography. This is where the real test began. I felt like she was attacking my son. If she would have said "some boys" or "most boys" it might not have upset me as much. Usually, when someone makes a comment that upsets me like this one did I automatically make a comment to upset them. But this one time I didn't. Here is what I told her:
"Not all boys grow up that way. When parents be parents and teach their sons to respect women there is great possibility that they will respect us. My son will open the door for his Momma because his Daddy taught him the importance of respect. I grew up in a home where my parents always told me that if I needed to talk to them about anything I always could. And I always did. I am teaching my children this. When my son reaches puberty and things start happening that he doesn't understand I want him to know that his daddy or myself will be there to explain to him what his body is going through."
My boss and other co-worker seemed to agree with me but the one to whom I was addressing didn't say a word. You see, she doesn't know what our Jesus did for us and she doesn't understand that she can be loved unconditionally. I pray for her daily.
So, did I pass? I hope so. I think I did because I didn't get angry nor did I speak before I had time to think. I have been praying about my opinionated mouth and I think that I might be getting the hang of it. The scripture that I have been using to help with this is Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips."

a daily scoop

Check out her new post...it's lullaby they recorded for Camille, it's beautiful.

A comforting quote...

I read this quote on a blog, the Kunz Family, and thought it was very inspirational. She recently lost her son in a tragic accident where the window blinds were wrapped around his neck while in his crib for a nap.

"Each of us will have our own Fridays (referencing that darkest of Friday's when the Savior was humiliated, bruised, and lifted upon the cross) —those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.

But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.

No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come." Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Sunday Will Come,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 28–30

Aahhhhhhhhhh.........

My daughter is 13 months old. She has found her voice or scream that is. I am not exaggerating she screams. She screams because she wants food, because she wants to be pick up, because she tired, because she doesn't know what she wants....now I want to scream.

$$$

Money. I am not sure how to bring this up but I felt that I have wanted to for a while. Talking about it for myself and for helping others. I am a stay at home mom. Therefore we rely on my husband to "bring home the bacon". Which he does very willingly and as far as I know he(we) wouldn't have it any other way.
I know I am not the only women who likes to shop and spend money. But it's very often that my husband and I argue about the money I spend. What I spend it on. This doesn't happen all the time but often enough that my husband feels very frustrated with me. (I know I am not the only one, many friends of ours have the same problem)
I admit that there are times I know I have bought something we didn't need. Or have just spent too much money for the month. Gone overboard.
We talk about it, ague, if I know I am at fault I say I will do better, and I mean it full heartedly. I make a conscience effort. It always comes up again. Maybe not right away but it does.
It's hard because this is just one of those things that men and women differ from. Men want to save, save, save. Maybe buy a cool computer or TV screen along the way. While women go out and buy a pair of shoes here, a book there, and Oooo...look at that adorable kids outfit...each month.
What do you do?
Our (experimental)solution(not yet in effect but will be soon) Separate accounts(sorry I know some think this is just wrong)...we are not doing this in the traditional way...not his/her...we are going to have a family account that is for saving and bill paying only. And I will have an account that is my play money(rule no asking for more money.). I know a wife on an allowance, I don't swallow that well either. But I have thought and thought about this. I need the help, it's that simple. I don't budget well or save as best as I could when it's all in one big pot to pull from. I also look at it this way, I am helping my family save. My family will benefit in the long run.
I know this solution isn't for everyone and some of you may be budget wizards, unlike me. I just thought I'd share and put it out there. For those that have this same problem. Know many of us do. And maybe you just need a little like me.

Playing With My Kids

Summertime is here. Along with long, hot, lazy days comes restless, irritable and discontent kids. Put a daddy that is recovering from neck surgery on top of that and you have lots of inside time. My children would love to sit in front of the T.V. all day, but when I turn it off and encourage them to play, I am amazed each time at where their imaginations take them. I love to sit and watch them, basking in their togetherness, forgetting about their all too often bickers. One of my favorite games to play with them is mimicking. My daughter might start it at bath time, repeating every word I say and motion I make. We always end up laughing at our ape-like shenanigans. Or my son might start copying his younger brother in the car. Last night it happened with my daughter and I began saying "I will listen to you when I'm a teenager." She repeated me and we ended up laughing, knowing that time is not too far away. Suddenly I realized that this silly game might have some significance. Maybe if we repeat those words over and over they will become a mantra for what's to come. Until then I'll just continue to play with my kids and hope for the best. Thanks for letting me share on this wonderful blog.

Computer Language

PIR, POS, ASL, T2MD...

Any of you know what these stand for? If not, you may be missing some key things you children are typing on the internet. I read about computer language in one of Glenn Beck's newsletters. When asked what these stood for, he didn't know, either. My kids are still very young, but with the advancement of technology, I cannot be naive to think that my kids may be exposed to the world of the internet sooner than I would prefer. We agree that our kids will not have computers in their rooms, but it would be ridiculous to think that I can actually monitor every second they are on the internet...it could happen elsewhere, as well as under my nose. While I still do not know all the texting lingo, and really do not care to, I think as moms we may need to check out some of these things so that we can be aware of some key terms in conversations. It is crazy to think that the internet was barely around when I graduated high school. I remember my freshman year at college talking about buying those sites like nike.com etc, just in case the internet got big, and those companies wanted them. I cannot believe how big it actually got! We cannot live without the internet, now. Just thought I would share that with you, just in case some of you have "computer age" kids, and for the rest of us who will be there sooner than later.

Oh--
PIR: parents in room
POS: parents over shoulder
ASL: age, sex location
T2MD: talk to me dirty (if I ever see this one, my child may never see a computer screen again!)

Comforting artwork

Some of you may be familiar with this artist, but these are some neat things that she does.

www.keatonprints.com/prints_comfort.htm

Raining

Just a random question..we have been having a lot of rain here lately and I have been trying to think of things to do inside to entertain my little guy! Does anyone have any cute ideas that would be good for a 2 1/2 year old? Due to the rain he is tired of all the inside stuff we have and wants to go outside to play on his swing set but can't!! Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!!

Hello!

Hello everyone! My name is Micha and I have just join. I live in Sulphur, LA. I am married to a wonderful, Godly man and I have two beautiful children. Tyler is 5 and soon to start Kindergarten. Rebekah is 2 and will be turning 22 in August! Or so she thinks! I have enjoyed reading about all of your experiences. I look forward to sharing some of mine with you!

When tragedy strikes...

I hope the family that this happened to does not mind me sharing it, but I thought we may all receive inspiration from the mother's strength. I found this through a friend of Amy's blogs.

On Saturday, the family buried their 1 year old daughter who had tragically drowned in the family spa...that they had only had for 5 days. I don't know this family, but I had tears streaming down my face as I read the mother's account throughout this ordeal. The daughter was on a ventilator for a short time, but never regained consciousness. The mother turned to Christ in this time of utter despair, and although she allows herself time alone to cry in the mornings and evenings, she has been so strong. She believes whole heartedly in eternal families, and knows that her beloved Camille has a higher mission to fulfill and they will all be together again one day. She has 3 other daughters that she must stay strong for, and I truly admire her. If you would like to read about her, her blog is adailyscoop.blogspot.com.

I hope and pray that if any of us have to endure this type of pain, we will have the faith to ask God for the strength to endure. Many of us have trials on all different levels, but with the help of Christ and our Father in Heaven, we will be able to endure them. That doesn't mean it will not hurt, but we know that we will feel that sweet peace when we allow Christ to carry the load.

Extra Income...

I have been really missing work lately. For those of you that don't know, when we moved back to Beaumont, I gave up a job that I had worked really hard for and really loved...Store Manager for Yankee Candle. I think that working inside the home is so much harder, and sometimes I think it would be nice to have a "break" and work outside the home. I think if I actually did this, it would actually make things a little more complicated, and so I was wondering if any of you do anything from home to earn a little extra money. There are so many scams on the internet, so it is hard to find legitimate work at home jobs. Let me know if any of you have found anything! I think it would be nice to give me something else to focus on sometimes, and in this hard economic time, a little extra cash never hurts!

Little Girl hair

I don't know if you guys are like me, but half the time I have no idea what to do with Bryleigh's hair. She's just now letting me put things in her hair-like putting it up. She still rips the clips out. Check out this link-this lady ROCKS! She shows you step by step how she does her girls' hair and how she makes their clips and such. Wait till you see how adorable her girls' hair is! One of my friends sent this to me.....
http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/

Breast Augmentation

Here goes nothing... So most of you have figured out by now that I am not afraid to put what I am feeling out there for everyone else to scrutinize. I do it in hopes that I may in fact be dealing with things that others are, and they may benefit from it, too. With that being said, I will just go for it and talk about boob jobs.

I have never been unhappy with my bust size. I am a tiny person, and have never been well endowed, but what I had fit my body...plus I was "perky!" I knew that I may not have a lot, but what I did have, was quite nice if I do say so myself. I did not have a problem finding bras to fit me, and the "uplift" ones would give me nice cleavage. I was quite content. Then, 3 straight years of pregnancies and breastfeeding later, I am barely an A-cup, and the top is flat as a pancake. So, even if I did use an uplift, there is nothing there to lift! So, I struggle now with this option of having plastic surgery and getting breasts. I already look like I am 12, and it does not help that I have a 12 year old boy's front. I am very self-conscious, and am very unhappy with them. Michael supports me in whatever my decision, but has even offered to take on a second job for a couple of months to pay for it (well, he knows he'll benefit, too...lol). Taking money out of the equation, there are so many pros and cons. I don't want people to look at me as superficial. I don't want to wake up 20 years from now and regret it. I am just really torn...so, I decided to be very brave, and share this with all of you in hopes that I can get some honest feedback. Let me know if you look at people differently that have had them done, or if you think it is just not a moral thing to do. Any feedback...good and bad...is appreciated. I am really wanting some help on this. If you don't want to comment for others to see, feel free to email me @ alisavasquez@yahoo.com. Thanks everyone and I hope you all don't think I am shallow and superficial now!

Tooth infection...Update...

Teresa, I forgot you are a dental hygienist...I should have just asked you! (Although, you have your hands full with your newborn right now!) Thanks to all for the suggestions, and it seems to be better. The tooth has cut through, and although it still looks swollen, it is not red, and there is no scab. I am going to keep watching it.

Tooth infection

I think that one of Kenadie's molars that is coming in may be infected. Has anyone dealt with this and have any good tips? I thought it just flared up, but my observant dad said he noticed on a picture in my family blog from a couple of weeks ago. Sure enough, I went back, and you can see it. I gave her tylenol and advil this evening and she is much happier, but I am wondering if I should take her to the doctor. Any suggestions??

The Hormone Guide

I got this from my Aunt and this was too good not to pass up. Maybe this is something we should share w/ the hubbys. hahaha
The Hormone Guide
Women will understand this! Men should memorize it!

Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!

DANGEROUS:

SAFER:

SAFEST:

ULTRA SAFE:

What's for dinner?

Can I help you with dinner?

Where would you like to go for dinner?



Are you wearing that?

Wow, you sure look good in brown!

WOW! Look at you!


What are you so worked up about?

Could we be overreacting?

Here's my paycheck.


Should you be eating that?

You know, there are a lot of apples left.

Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?


What did you DO all day?

I hope you didn't over-do it today.

I've always loved you in that robe!


13 Things PMS Stands For:

1. Pass My Shotgun

2. Psychotic Mood Shift

3. Perpetual Munching Spree

4. Puffy Mid-Section

5. People Make me Sick

6. Provide Me with Sweets

7. Pardon My Sobbing

8. Pimples May Surface

9. Pass My Sweatpants

10. Pissy Mood Syndrome

11. Plainly; Men Suck

12. Pack My Stuff

and my favorite one.

13. Potential Murder Suspect

Forward this information to all of your hormonal friends and those who might need a good laugh...and men who need a warning.
And remember: Money talks but Chocolate SINGS !!!
If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times!!!!

My mom fowarded this to me and I thought it was cute. If any of you have not seen this, take a second and read it...it will put a smile on your face!


THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island
with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.There is no fast food.Each man must take care of his 3 kids;
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
and complete science projects, cook, do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.In addition, each man will have to budget in
money for groceries each week.Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out on time--no emailing.
Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.
He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child
to the Urgent Care.
He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.
Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily,
adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps,
back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings
but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
They must attend weekly school meetings, church,
and find time at least once
to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them,
brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks,
and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height,
weight,
shoe size,
clothes size
and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labor,
each child's favorite color,
middle name,
favorite snack,
favorite song,
favorite drink,
favorite toy,
biggest fear
and what they want to be when they grow up.The kids vote them off the island based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over and over again
for the next 18-25 years
eventually earning the right To be called Mother!

Red as a Radish...

I am not as brave as Alisa so I have been debating on sharing and talking about this topic. Sex. Intimacy. Alisa was brave and talked about it (Sex and Intimacy) so I figure I could do it to and not be embarrassed. Though I have to admit I still am...very embarrassed but I will just dive right in...

We all know that men and women are 'wired' differently when it comes to sex. I think we can all agree that our husbands think and want it more than we do. I am guilty of rolling over and saying "nope, not in the mood." or "hurry up and get it over with." And I am also guilty in knowing that I could probably get my husband to do anything I wanted by having sex with him more often.

So, here's the point and the embarrassing part...for the past month I have willingly and instigated more intimacy with my husband. He has been in shock, lol. But I wanted to share this because though it didn't start out as an experiment or really much of anything. I have really noticed a difference in our relationship, he has too. He is happier, making me happier. Tension between us has been almost non existent. By showing love in the form of physical contact we act more loving in our normal daily activities. We are much close and happier together. Even being more open and talking to one another is easier.

Only after this little non experiment have I realized that one common advice I hear Dr.Laura(who I listen to whenever in the car) give women who are having relationship troubles is to put on something nice and be intimate with their husbands.

Epiphany-sex is very important to men and it's absence can be detrimental to a marriage. It's more than just sex to our husbands too. It's us showing them love.

We put all this time and effort into being mom's, our church callings, possibly working too and whatever else we do. Our husbands see that and are hurt when we don't place the same effort and importance on them and their needs. (that's something I heard from Dr.Larua, it makes sense.)

My suggestion and challenge, which you probably just don't want to hear (I can hear all your reaction now in my head, thinking I am off my rocker) is to instigate some sex with your husbands as often as possible, every night would be good, for a week or longer. (I know this isn't sustainable but it's not forever, it's just one week!) And take mental notes of the changes you start to see and feel. Just a little experiment to try. I am guessing you'll have my same epiphany.

Whoa....sharing that was difficult.It feels taboo to talk about this kind of thing. I am 14 again saying 'it' for sex or spelling sex out in a whisper because I can't say it. LOL. I hope you guys don't think I am absolutely crazy! Or a nympho...

Great website

I had to share this great website with you guys. I got it from one of my friends and she loves it!
http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/

Update on yeast infections...

Following Mary's update, I thought I would share this. I mentioned a while back that I thought Kenadie had a yeast infection. I took all of your suggestions, and added a couple on the internet (yogurt spread in the area was one) and it started to clear up. I went ahead and called my pediatrician to get a script to help speed up the process. I went to CVS to pick it up, and it was well over $200. I had to make a decision. I hope none of you are ever in this situation by the way. I knew the infection was beginning to clear up, but at the same time, I did not know how uncomfortable it was for her. But, $200 is a lot of money, so I had to say no, and I would continue what I was doing and just watch it. It was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. It did clear up within a few days, and about a week later, I saw a commercial for the cream that she was prescribed and it said there was a way to pay no more than $10 for it. Sure enough, I went by my pediatrician's office, and they gave me a reusable card that makes it to where the medicine is only $10. I went straight to CVS and picked it up. The medicine is called Vusion, so if any of you ever need it, get a voucher from your doctor first!!!!

Update on Eczema

Back in March I asked for help with knowing what to do with my little Adyson and what our pediatricians diagnosed as mild eczema. I took some of your suggestions with creams and lotions. Since then I have taken her to see a different pediatrician and got a prescription for Elidel(expensive stuff), which you may have seen on TV, I hadn't. But after a few applications Adyson's skin had a bad reaction. I stopped using it. Jess has been really concerned so he look up a child dermatologist in our insurance network and made an appointment for Adyson.
My first appointment I felt so stupid when after telling him what I had been doing to try to help her eczema, things like only bathing her a few times a week and the many lotions and Vaseline I was applying twice a day. He simply told me to stop all the lotions and junk, to bath her everyday with a bar of soap (he gave me a sample of Dove's sensitive skin soap) and he gave me a prescription for Desoximetaone cream(so cheap) or prescription grade cortisone to apply once a day after her bath. Seriously after one day Adyson's skin was all cleared up! Her skin is still dry but no more redness or cracking. It looks ten fold better. Amazing. So simple. Why didn't I think of it? Like I said I felt pretty silly to have a doctor tell me I need to bath my baby everyday. Especially since I was putting so much stuff on her skin everyday. Common sense should have told me that you need to wash all that stuff off her skin. Nope, I had to pay a doctor $50 to tell me this.
I have been back to see him a few times and we will continue seeing him. He has since given me a few samples of lotions to try and tackle the dryness problem and another prescription for an antihistamine to help with the itching discomfort Adyson is experiencing. We have discovered that without Adyson's bath and Desoximetaone cream everyday she immediately starts to get red and inflamed eczema again. We have to be religious with the regiment.
Thanks, for all your help, Mommies and I hope some of what I learned will help some of you too.

Kindof late...

I am sorry this is coming so late but I had really intending on doing this for Mother's Day like Alisa's post had suggested. I even tried to get a picture taken for this sole purpose but was met with resistance. This was the outcome...
This one may be a tad bit better, it's a silly picture but we are all at least happy...
There's Me-the mommy, Samantha(16)-the niece adopted daughter, Avery(3)-the boss, and Adyson(1)-the baby.
Happy belated Mother's Day!

Potty Training...

Well, I have decided to take the plunge and potty train Tye. He has shown interest for months, and he has gone several times, but I have not really wanted to put the time or effort into it. So, I need any and all advice that you can give me to help little boys to potty train! I will continue to let all of you know how it is going!