Posted in Random ramblings

I would love to win the diapers that econobuster is giving away! Here are the details!   Check out all of the great frugal baby care tips in the comments!

Posted in politics and current events

I've been watching the debate on health care reform with great concern.  This article  from the Washington Examiner does an excellent job of challenging conservatives to fight for real solutions instead of defending the insurance companies.  Here are some excerpts along with my thoughts.

"Insurance companies lobby for big-government regulations, subsidies, mandates, and tax-code distortions that funnel them money, keep out competition, and stultify innovation. These policies preserve the employer-based health-care system that mocks the idea of free-market competition. Then they cry "unfair competition" when government threatens to encroach on their government-protected monopolies."

One, seemingly unrelated, change we could make is to pass the fairtax so that all health care spending is made with pre-tax dollars.  This would eliminate the disadvantage that workers who must buy their own health insurance have under the current tax system.   We certainly could change the income tax system to remove this disadvantage but other advantages of the fairtax would stimulate the economy and provide more spendable income to the average American family making healthcare and all of the other expenses of living more affordable without tax subsidies or additional regulations.

"This is an industry that thrives on government protection. But still many conservatives and Republicans stand up for it and speak as if we have an obligation to protect it. We don't.

Shadegg agrees: "I don't think that they are our friends, and that we ought to be protecting them."

While a government insurance option should be opposed, we should not defend their right to exist, but instead we ought to be threatening their near-monopolies with a force as powerful as the federal government: the free market."

Free market loving conservatives need to pressure our representatives to offer real free market solutions instead of defending the insurance companies.  Gov't should be neutral in the battle for companies to make a profit.  Companies must provide a service or product at a price people are willing to pay without gov't forcible limiting people's choices.  What would a true free market health care industry look like??  Here are some possibilities the article's author offers for our consideration.

"A freer market might yield a more retail-oriented health-care market in which insurance is used more as insurance--guarding against large, unexpected expenses--and less as a way of pre-paying for health care. Such insurers would have to actually compete on price and on quality of service. Current law disadvantages such plans.

Alternatively, a freer market could yield more Kaiser Permanentes: you buy in at a set price, and they provide all your health-care needs, giving the company an incentive to actually keep you healthy at the lowest cost."

There will always be those who can't afford things they need and that includes health care but opening the industry to true free market forces can make it affordable for the vast majority of working Americans.  Our current system where health care is unaffordable for even middle class families isn't sensible and makes it harder to confront the issues facing the least fortunate among us.

Posted in Random ramblings

I didn't know that but in honor of the occasion I received this in my inbox.  It's so good that I decided to share it with anyone who reads my blog.  That also makes the info. easy for me to find when I'm ready to assemble my kit.  Here's the article!

Prepare for Auto Emergencies in 15 Easy Steps

When little boys around America join the Boy Scouts, one of the first things they learn is the Scout motto — BE PREPARED.

But what has a boy to be prepared for, other than sword fighting with friends, playing video games, and pestering their sisters?

Funny you should wonder this, in fact, as someone asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, that very question: "Be prepared for what?"

"Why, for any old thing," Baden-Powell replied.

In this same spirit, every September, National Preparedness Month serves as a gentle reminder that we should do our best to get organized for potential catastrophes, both the big ones and small ones!

The following list will help you ready your wheels for breakdowns, bump-ups, and more.

 Vehicle Emergency Kit Supplies

(1) Buy or put together a first aid kit.

(2) Include a AAA or roadside emergency card and/or insurance card.

(3) Throw in all the necessary equipment to change a tire: working jack, spare tire (with air in it!), lug nut wrench or tire iron, and pipe for leverage. Note: Most of this should already be stored in its designated place in the trunk or hatchback.

(4) Have a flashlight with *fresh* batteries. Note: Check the batteries every few months; extreme heat and cold can drain battery power more quickly than usual.

(5) Include triangle reflectors and flares.

(6) Add rags and a funnel. Note: You can make a simple, inexpensive funnel by using the top of a 2-liter soda bottle.

(7) Purchase all the necessary fluids: 2 qts. of oil, a gallon of water and antifreeze, brake fluid, power-steering fluid (if applicable), and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable).

(8) Add flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. Note: only to be used in an emergency — adjustable wrenches can easily round the head of bolts.

(9) Buy jumper cables. Note: at least eight feet long.

(10) Toss in work gloves or latex gloves, duct tape, a blanket, spare fuses, and a can of Fix-a-Flat.

(11) Purchase a fire extinguisher. Note: Periodically check the expiration date of the extinguisher, replacing when necessary.

Other Tips & Warnings

(12) As a woman, I like to keep pepper spray on my key chain or in my glove box. Maybe I watch a little too much CSI, but sometimes I'm a little wary of strangers trying to help me out, especially on the highway. Better to be safe than sorry, although I'm sad to say it...

(13) If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, keep a collapsible shovel in the car in case you need to dig out of ice or snow. Stash a few extra blankets, warm clothes, and a pair of thick boots and/or snow shoes.

(14) Some other items to consider:

- A knife: can be used in many situations, and if kept in an easy-to-reach location such as a front console, it can cut your seat belt if it gets stuck during an emergency.

- A good book: to pass the time while waiting for service crew.

- A credit card: to pay the service crew in case you have no cash.

- A pillow: naps are also a wonderful way to pass the time.

- A jug of water: to keep hydrated.

- A tasty non-perishable snack or two: in case you're stranded longer than expected or hoped.

- A collapsible beach chair: to enjoy some fresh air and a stretch of the legs.

- A pair of clean underwear: to make momma happy.

(15) Once you have rounded up all your items, invest in a sturdy basket or bin in which to store everything. Be sure to secure the container itself so that it doesn't move freely around your trunk.

 

© 2009 Clutterbugs, LLC

Would you like to use this article in your e-zine or on your website or blog? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Carmen Coker is a professional organizer who helps individuals find the motivation and know-how to get organized and stay organized. To learn how to save money, create more space, and manage your time through organization, claim your "FREE Tip Kit: 10+ Pages of Tips and Tools to Help You Get Organized — Finally!" at www.OrganizeClutterbugs.com

Posted in The life and times of my family

Here are some (not so great) shots from Amanda's 17th birthday party in Feb.  I forgot to charge the camera before the party!!  Sometimes I'm not a good mom in the memory dept.

Here's the cake which she decorated herself.  In retrospect we realized that it looks like a pentagram but really she was just trying to make a star.

Here she is with her best buddy!  Don't they look lovely!

The day after her birthday we drove over to the airport to visit with my Grammy and my Uncle Brian.  They were flying to Chile to visit my cousin and had a long layover at DIA.  Uncle Brian went for Stuart right away!  He's a natural grandpa.  We took pictures!

Here's the whole group, taken by friendly travelers nearby.  Notice who has the baby, lol!

Uncle Brian is a shutterbug.  I'm still waiting for his pictures of our visit!  I'm sure they're better then mine.

Here I am chatting with my beloved Grammy.  She's 93 yrs. old btw! 

Bryan interned with Mike Rosen (a conservative talk radio guy/columnist) at a local radio station for the first few months of the year.  He came to the conclusion that radio wasn't his cup of tea (in spite of how fabulous his speaking voice sounds).  In spite of that it was a neat experience and both of our teens got to come to the station and check it out.  Amanda met the governor (not one of our favorite politicians but still pretty cool).  Here she is with Governor Ritter.

When Matthew went the day's guest was Mayor Hickenlooper of Denver. 

He also took some pretty cool pictures of the displays they have at the station.  KOA is one of the oldest stations here in the area and they have a small museum type area in the Clear Channel building.  Here's a picture of some old equipment from the station.

These were pretty cool field trips for my teens!  A very special opportunity.

That's all I have time to share right now but stay tuned, lol!!  I'll post more another day.

Posted in The life and times of my family

Things have been pretty busy around here!  I just haven't had time to do any blogging.  I'm going to try and post some pictures and brief blurbs on some of the stuff we've been doing for the last few months.  It's pretty pathetic that my last entry was on my oldest dd's 17th birthday and she didn't even get a mention.  I'd planned on posting pictures, etc. of her party but never got a chance.  A quick follow up on that last entry.  Stuart saw the urologist one more time in May after a follow up U/S.  His kidneys looked much improved (although still somewhat swollen) so he won't be going back until early next year.  We'll continue with a very small does of antibiotics to protect him from infection but he's just fine otherwise.   We're relieved that he seems to be outgrowing the issue and will be spared surgery.

Posted in The life and times of my family

It's been over a week since Stuart went for his U/S and VCUG at Children's and I haven't had a bit of time to come and update my blog.  The U/S showed that he still has hydronephrosis so they followed that up with the VCUG.  This test is for reflux.  They put a catheter into his bladder and put in a special dye.  This dye shows up under an xray machine.  Then they xray his kidneys to check for dye.  His left kidney had a lot of dye in it!  His reflux was given a grade of 4 on that side.  There was a much smaller amount in the right kidney and that side was given a grade of 3.  Reflux is graded 1-5 with 5 being the most severe.  Results in hand, our pediatrician referred us to a Pediatric urologist.  We have an appt. to see him on Mar. 5.  He will decide on a treatment once he's seen us.  According to info. we've been given, severe cases are treated with surgery.  I'm not sure if Stuart's will require surgery.  We'll have to wait and see.  Meanwhile I continue to give him a daily dose of antibiotics to prevent kidney infection.   He is doing well otherwise.  He's constantly eating and has gained just over a lb. since he was born.  He's becoming more alert and social and we're enjoying him.

Posted in The life and times of my family

I continue to give Stuart a dose of antibiotics everyday to protect his kidneys from infection.  That led to a yeast infection so now we've added an antifungal cream for his rash.  Hopefully we'll be done with all of the extra stuff after next Wed.  Children's hospital called and we have scheduled a renal U/S and another test for next Wed.  We're praying the tests will find everything is normal and healthy.  We continue to adjust to our new family member.  He is a sweet baby who likes to be snuggled a lot!  I'm still quite sore from the surgery and I've been told to expect some soreness for a few months.  I think that being so sore has been a much more difficult adjustment for me then the baby.  He's really not a lot of trouble if I wear him throughout the day.

Posted in The life and times of my family

I went to the OB for my post op yesterday.  He was very pleased with my recovery.  My incision is almost completely healed and I'm moving around fairly well.  I'm still feeling a good bit of pulling inside but he said that was normal and would last for a while.  He released me to drive (yippee) and said I could gradually increase my physical activity.  I weighed in and was very excited to discover how much weight I've lost!  I gained 15 lbs. with this pregnancy and I've lost 23 lbs. since my final prenatal check up.  That's a good start towards the large amount of weight (over 100 lbs.) I need to lose to be healthy.  I'm actually looking forward to the time when I can start doing walk away the pounds again.  Since I had to have a c-section I'm going to wait until after my 6 week check up before I attempt that.  I will start with the 1 mile, 3 days a week and gradually increase the intensity.  I hope to be up to the 3 mile tape 3 times a week and the 2 mile 3 times a week in 6 months.  Stuart and I are starting to establish a routine.  I'm remembering all the little things that make life with a newborn easier.  He really seems to sleep better at night when I wear him most of the day.  Last night he actually slept for 3 hours in his own bed!!!  I didn't sleep very well during that time though!  I kept waiting for him to wake up, lol.  Hopefully he'll make that a nightly habit so I can get some rest.

Posted in The life and times of my family

The newest addition to our family has arrived!!  He was born by c-section.  The dr. told dh that the placenta was abrupted.  She originally said I should do a c-section because his heart rate dropped every time I pushed and after an hour of pushing he wasn't moving down like he needed to.  I'm tired and sore and a little anemic but I'm recovering.  He had a renal U/S on Friday and he still has some hydronephrosis in his left kidney.  The pediatrician prescribed oral antibiotics for 2 weeks and a follow up U/S then.  He's doing really well and other then the daily routine of giving him his antibiotic he's like any of my other newborns.  Here are his stats and a picture.  Stuart Leonidas born January 7, 2009 at 7:15 AM.  He weighed in at 8 lbs. 12 oz and was 21" long.  Now, here's a couple of pictures!   Here is one taken just a couple of hours after he was born.

Here's another one when he headed home on Saturday.

Posted in The life and times of my family

Here's a group photo of the kids on Christmas.  My oldest wanted everyone to dress for dinner so I took the opportunity to get a current group photo.  It took quite a few shots to get one I liked and then I had to crop it some!  The results aren't too bad in my opinion.

Posted in The life and times of my family

Most years dh and I are unable to give our dc very much for Christmas.  We stuff their stockings and sometimes I make then something but we have never been able to do much more then that.  In spite of that, there are always tons of gifts under the tree.  Each year I take a photo as a testimony of God's provision for my dc.  He is so generous through His people in providing above and beyond the things they need.  He blesses them with things they want too.  This year they received gifts from "Jesus" (members of our church), the youth minister and generous members of an online group I'm in.  They also each received a gift card and a small gift from my mom, sisters and bils.  Here's a photo of the bounty under the tree, none of which was purchased by dh and I.  Btw, the build a bear box is actually a gift from my 10 yr. old to her 3 yr. old sister!  The 3 yr. old is the only child in the family who doesn't have a build a bear.  My 10 yr. old ended up with more then one so she blessed her little sister.  She even included an outfit.  They were all so thrilled and thankful for each gift.

Posted in My projects

My best friend has three dds and so for Christmas I made each of their dolls a mini-wardrobe.  They each got a dress, a nightgown and another outfit.  I worked until the Monday before Christmas and got it all shipped off just in time!  They received the package on Wed. and were able to open their gifts on Christmas morning.  Here are the results.

American Girl nightgown for the 10 yr. old:

American Girl capri and top set for 10 yr. old.

American Girl dress for 10 yr. old.

American Girl nightgown for 7 yr. old.

American Girl top and capri set for 7 yr. old.

American Girl dress for 7 yr. old.

And last but not least, a Bitty Baby wardrobe for the 2 yr. old.

It was a very stretching process as I made do with what I had.  This year's Christmas gift budget was essentially $0 so I had to be very creative.  It cost me just under $4 for the whole gift.  That was what it cost to ship 2-3 day priority.  I did pay for some thread, patterns and other items in the past but all of the fabric was scraps from other projects or fabric that was given to me.  I didn't have velcro but I had snaps I'd purchased a yard sale last year in a big bag of notions so I used those.  The ribbon was purchased years ago at a fabric store in Long Beach (my hometown) that sold remnants in bags for $1.  Over all I'm very pleased with the results and my best friend says the girls are thrilled too which is the very best part!

Posted in The life and times of my family

Wed. I had my 36 week checkup and a follow up ultrasound to re-check the baby's kidneys.  It looks like he's still got some issues.  The baby still has kidney abnormalities. He has a condition called prenatal hydronephrosis.   Here's a link that briefly describes it for anyone who's interested.   The ultrasound did indicate that I have plenty of amniotic fluid and we know his bladder is working just fine since he peed during the ulrasound, lol!http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/Newborn/newbornproblems/prenatal_hydronephrosis.html    

I've gotten plenty of reassurance that this will most likely resolve itself with little or no intervention.   As a matter of fact I took my boys to the pediatrician the next day and when I mentioned it to the Dr. he told me it was very common and not a big deal.  He looks like he's a big boy. The U/S tech said he was a bit over 7 lbs. and he's measuring at 38 weeks. He's 36 weeks gestation as of today. The midwife said that since I've delivered several babies over 8 lbs. that I should be fine. She did say that if I passed my due date that they would probably do another U/S as a precaution and then talk about options. She said that they don't push inductions for size alone because natural labor is more effective at delivering big babies then induced labor. The gal I saw yesterday is actually the midwife that delivered Alex who was my smallest baby. He weighed about what this one does now (according to the U/S which I know isn't gospel truth, lol). I think I like her best out of all the midwives in the practice. I like the others too but I don't like that U/S tech very much.   Here's an ultrasound picture of his very chubby face!!  I've never had a baby this chubby and he's not even born yet!

Posted in The life and times of my family

and toilet and sink!!  After months and months of delays our downstairs bathroom was finally finished this week.  No more midnight treks up the stairs to use the bathroom!  There is some finish work that still needs to be done but that doesn't effect the functionality much.  The property manager will come and look at it and we'll make a list of all the misc. items that need to be finished up.  It's things like toilet paper and towel holders that need to be reinstalled/replaced, drywall that needs to be put back up in the coat closet and both bathrooms will likely need a new coat of paint.  When all of that is done I may just celebrate by actually decorating my bathroom.  I am planning on putting a changing table in there since there's room.   I'm so very relieved to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Posted in The life and times of my family

For those who don't know, we're expecting baby #6 to arrive in early January.  Yesterday was the big ultrasound and everything is looking pretty good.  It took over an hour so I was very tired by the end.  Being on your back for that long when you're 22 1/2 weeks pregnant is no picnic!   I will have another U/S at 36 weeks to double check something on his kidneys.  He's got a little extra fluid that could be a problem but that he'll likely outgrow.    We feel very blessed to be adding another precious life to our family.  

Posted in Random ramblings

We've had demolished bathrooms and contractors in and out of our house for over a month.  It's getting pretty old!  We finally got a second toilet back in and that's been wonderful.  I'm still missing my bathroom though!  We're in the basement and those middle of the night treks up the stairs get old.  I'll be so thrilled when it's all done!  The flooring is so much nicer!  It really lightens up the basement bathroom.  The contractor keeps turning in new bids to the property manager who in turn contacts the owner for approval.  He's trying very hard to find and repair the leak from the upstairs bathtub.  Every time he fixes a leak another one seems to sprout.  He told the property manager that it's likely going to need new tile and a new tub to remedy all of the leaks.  She will have to convince the owner to pay for that and then the additional work can commence.   The joys of living in a 60 yr. old home that hasn't been updated for 60 years!  I told dh that we won't be surprised when we buy a home and run into these types of problems.  We'll make sure we're ready before we buy.

Posted in Random ramblings

I'm a bzz agent and I received four coupons for a free hamburger.  We chose Sunday to redeem them since dh had it off.  He normally works Sunday afternoons so this was a rare treat.  The nearest Chili's is about 2 miles from our house so we loaded up the stroller and walked over there.  We were able to get a seat right away in spite of our large group.  Then we ordered.  Dh and dd ordered the southern smokehouse  burger.  I ordered the triple the cheese burger and ds ordered the jalepeno smokehouse burger.  Each order came with a serving of seasoned fries and a dipping sauce.  One was an ancho bbq sauce and the other was a jalapeno ranch.  The ranch was the hands down favorite but the bbq sauce wasn't bad.  The burgers are huge.  Not even ds (age 13, bottomless pit) finished his.  We all ate our leftovers for supper.  If dh and I went there on a date we could split one and both be satisfied.  The bacon is really thick and very flavorful.  The burgers were cooked perfectly and the cheese was really good.  It's not a cheap place to eat and the children's menu isn't great but we're adding it to our date night list.  I hadn't been to Chili's since I was in college and I was pleasantly surprised.  Btw, if anyone's interested in becoming a bzzagent and getting freebies to rate just check out their site: www.bzzagent.com 

Posted in My projects

Here it is, the picture of my latest creations.  The blouse is my first attempt at a full bust adjustment.  I'm glad I tried it as it did improve the fit some.  I'm still not completely happy with the fit but it's better then it would have been.  I may add a second dart going down and see if that helps some. 

Posted in Random ramblings

Just after dd's birthday we had a three week round of gastroenteritis go through our house.  Everyone's been well for about a week and a half now but I've been in a slump.  Just as Helen was sleeping without throwing up every few hours daylight savings time started and I'm just starting to recover!  I got a lot accomplished today and I'm thrilled.  I did 4 loads of laundry (I'll fold them and put them all away tomorrow), I got the dining room clean (including sweeping the carpet since the vacuum is broken), I delegated cleaning both bathrooms and the living room so they're clean now too.  I also finished dd's skirt.  It came out really nice!  It's a simple, black a-line skirt with a back zipper closure.  Tomorrow I'm going to have her put the skirt on along with her matching blouse so I can take pictures.  The blouse was my first attempt at a full bust adjustment.  I'm very pleased with how well it turned out.  She's actually wearing it in her birthday pictures but she doesn't have it buttoned up so the fit doesn't show up.  Tomorrow's agenda: laundry folding, movie watching and maybe a little more sewing. 

Posted in The life and times of my family

I'm a couple of weeks behind but here are pictures of my new 16 yr. old!  We celebrated by having some of her friends over for dinner and a movie.  They watched Night at the Opera starring the Marx brothers.  It's satisfying knowing that we've educated her in the finer things in life.    Now, for your viewing pleasure and my mommy brag, my dd! 

Dec. 9, 2007:

Sweet 16!