Today I want to share a little tip I've used over the years. Whenever one of my kids has a strange rash, insect bite, or a tick the first thing I do is grab my camera. I know what you're thinking. Did she just say she grabs her camera? Yep. I did. Before I treat the area in question I grab the camera and get a good clear shot of the rash or bug just in case I would need to show this “evidence” to a doctor. You never know if it might come in handy. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a hypochondriac. I don't take pictures of EVERY rash or bug I find. I do this only when the problem seems out of the ordinary. I worked in the health care industry on the billing side for seven ... read more
Pumpkin Patch Fail
I recently went to the pumpkin patch with my kids, Mom, and Mother-in-law. We enjoyed the scenery--gorgeous pumpkins along the rolling hills and beautiful fall colored leaves. Then we saw this... Seriously?!? Putting an outhouse right in the middle of the patch isn't the best idea. Just sayin'. ... read more
I’m Addicted To The Monitor
Hello. My name is Carrie and I'm a baby monitoraholic. While pregnant with my first child, my sister-in-law gave me advice on what baby “equipment” we might want. One of the suggestions was a video baby monitor. It didn't take much convincing. I was sold. I figured being able to hear AND see the baby would make me less likely to sneak into the room to check on them and accidentally wake them up. I was right. I slept better at night knowing that if my baby cried a little, I could check on them from the comfort of my bed. I don't feel the need to run into the nursery right away when I hear a cry. This has saved me a LOT of sleep and sanity. Thank you technology! When baby ... read more
A Tip For Battling Toy Takeover
I love my kids. But let's face it. Kids come with toys. LOTS OF TOYS! It seemed innocent at first but the endless characters, books, stuffed animals, and puzzle pieces are slowly taking over my house. To avoid further territory takeover, in areas of the house where we spend a lot of time, I designate certain drawers just for toys that the kids can help themselves to. Like here in my bedroom. I set aside one drawer just for toys. Here they're easily accessible for when the kids need entertainment while I'm doing laundry or cleaning. I also did the same thing with a drawer in the kitchen. Then when we're done playing we put them away and viola-I have a (semi) clean house ... read more
When Teaching Manners Backfires
One Sunday, my husband picked up our 3-year-old daughter from her classroom at church. The teachers told him “your daughter is so polite!" These are the comments that we LOVE to hear as parents. Then comes the bombshell. After being asked to tell the story, the teacher said "every time she has gas or burps she says 'excuse me' in a high-pitched voice and it's so cute!" Yep. That's my girl. The one who farts and burps at church. Oh my. My husband and I are SUPER embarrassed of the bodily function but sort of proud of the manners all at the same time. I guess it's our fault. Let's just say that my hubby has some interesting talents. He's used his "talents" to provide plenty ... read more
Conversation With a 3-year-old And a Science Teacher
We have many interesting conversations that go on in our house. My husband is a science teacher that tries to make learning fun and comical. My spunky 3-year-old makes me laugh on a daily basis with some of the things she says. Put those two people together and this is what you get: 3-year-old: Can we eat grass? Hubby: No honey because we don't have a ruminating stomach! Great. Now we have to explain what a ruminating stomach is. To a 3-year-old. If you don't know what it is go ahead and Google it. I won't explain what it is here because it's pretty gross. I'm gonna leave it to the hubby to explain this one! ... read more
