See this child?   Looks innocent,doesn’t she?  Harmless.  Well, she is that child.Yes, well, this same child is the one who fell and split her lip at age 3 and needed stitches and the same child who fell and broke her arm about a year later, made like Houdini and pulled the first cast off and had to have a second one put on.  Then of course she is also the one who suffers in silence while her ear drum is bursting so I have to try to out guess her …

The nice folks at Chex® along  with My Blog Spark sent me a great gift pack the other day. It included a Lock-n-Lock 4.2 qt plastic storage container, a 2 cup plastic measuring cup with a lid, a set of measuring spoons that measure all the way up to 1/3 cup, a set of recipe cards for making gluten free goodness using our favorite Chex® Cereals, and a coupon good for a free box of Gluten Free Chex Cereal. I call that a pretty great package!
There …

One of the things I love best in Texas is the wide blue Texas sky.  Of course, the wide blue Texas sky also brings with it plenty of sunshine and sunburns in the middle of Summer and you can never keep enough sunscreen on yourself or your kids.  Even just driving down the road in the car, you can get a burn through the window on your left arm as it sits in the bright Texas sun.
Recently Mom Central introduced me to a cool new product  ~ Shady Day Daily …

In the US, I would like to think that everyone has at least heard of Autism, however many of us may not be educated as to just what it is, how many varieties of it there are and just how closely it hits to many, many homes.
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy group, dedicated to helping fund research, treatment, prevention,cause, and cure autism.  Autism does not affect just any one group of people nor does it come in any one ‘type’ of behavioral patterns.
Autism Speaks has …

Trust me, in this case, you want to be a FIGHTER!     The Arthritis Foundation and Ad Council have teamed up to promote a new campaign entitled “Fight Arthritis Pain“. I want to share with you a fun video that will inspire you to get moving!

Physical activity – whether walking, running or even dancing helps maintain a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.  So come on, Be a FIGHTER!!

This post courtesy of The Arthritis Foundation and The Ad Council, who provided the information for most of this post. No payment or compensation, …

Hey you.  You know who I mean.  Yeah, you, the one I am talking to.  Ever considered making a change.  No, I am not talking a small, tiny, itty bitty change.  I am talking about an all encompassing, cost saving, health improving, life lengthening, type of change.  I am talking about stopping smoking.
To break it down, they want you to become AN EX.  The AD Council and Legacy have given me some terrific information to share with you.

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult and important lifestyle changes …

Snifff… don’t let Summer placate you you into thinking there is no need to worry about cough, colds,allergies or yes, even the Flu.  While the concern about them may be less, the germs are still alive and kickin and making us and our children plenty miserable.  I know P2 has just had to finish her 2nd round of antibiotics with a wicked ear infection.  No fun.  Thankfully we have great over the counter medicines like the Triaminic brand to help us out.
You may have heard about the new recommendations that …

Summer is in full swing and if your kids are like mine, they think ‘Snacktime‘ should be about once an hour.;)  It always seems like a brutal shock to them when I say no.  Funny how that is.  And when I guide them towards the fruit-veggies-nuts and such,well, I must be speaking a foreign language.
Here are some great suggestions and ideas to keep snacks easily portable, sun-proof, and diet-friendly from dietitian and nutritionist, Elisa Zied, author of Nutrition at Your Fingertips:
1. Nuts- Crunchy and delicious, nuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that …

Ahhh…so many things…so little time.  Let’s begin with what Kim was kind enough to mention for me.
MIGRAINES
Yes, I have been dealing with the lovely little things again/still (insert huge eye roll and dripping sarcasm after the word little).  Causes?  Well, no one really knows.  Triggers for mine?  Changes in Barometric pressure (gee, that is easy for me to control – NOT), inordinate fatigue (well, something I do have some control over…but as the Mom of 3 young children, well…:), and my personal favorite…..STRESS. Yeah, um, well…WORK IN PROGRESS… nuff said.:)  …

Ahh,the 4th of July.  That quintessential of all American summer holidays. And this year, many folks find a little bonus of time with the actual date falling on a Sunday.  All the more reason to plan to have a safe and happy weekend!
For many years now, July 4th has been somewhat bittersweet after a 16 year old girl I knew from the Young Women’s class I taught at church was hit and killed in a SkiDoo accident.  At this point I do not even remember the details yet I think …

So have you?
Not sure what one is?  Well, let’s start with that.
A Clinical Trial is one of the ways Drug Companies test their products prior to getting permission from the FDA to make them available to the general public.  They have very strict guidelines that must be followed and monitored by Doctors, Hospitals and Clinics and a handpicked group of patients are given the chance to use the medications once they meet the guidelines.  Usually not only are the medications and treatment provided to the patient without cost for the …

Super Bowl Sunday – a day when 62 percent of grill owners fire-up their grills for the big game – is fast approaching. More home parties take place on Super Bowl Sunday than almost any other day of the year; the average size of a party is 17 people. And, with more guests comes a greater risk for injuries and accidents.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a 115-year old product safety organization, would love to share with you its Super Bowl party safety playbook for hosts:
SCORE ONE …

Well, we know who is playing and the hype is building daily.  Super Bowl party planning is in full swing.
While you may not be thinking about the dangers of buzzed driving this time of year, you or someone you know will likely be attending a party where alcohol is served. So whether you’re rooting for the Colts or the Saints,  (Remember, I want them both to win – Who Dat!? AND luv me some Manning!), there are some things you need to remember to keep yourself and your loved ones …

Did you know?
Heart disease threatens more women’s lives than any other health issue. Right now, 1 in 3 women is affected by cardiovascular disease.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! Heart disease can be prevented, and we can help save women’s lives!
That’s why we’re joining the American Heart Association this month and speaking up for the women in our life! You can help save lives too!
Today, February 5th, is National Wear Red day. Speak up to save lives and have fun while helping to fund education, outreach and research …

I was just  included in the Neosporin Lip Health 3-Day Challenge thanks to Mom Central and since I am a HUGE fan of  Neosporin products and have infamously dry lips, I could not have been happier to take part.
The Neosporin Lip Health 3-Day Challenge is easy and takes almost no time. Essentially, you use two products: Neosporin Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy and Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy. You use the hydration therapy at least once during the day and you dab on the overnight renewal therapy before …

Fiber. Fiber, fiber, fiber.  Fiber is something we all need for a healthy diet but most of us just do not eat enough of it. It helps us digest our foods better as well as get the nutrients our bodies need for stamina and energy. The current recommendation is 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day yet most of us get about half of that.  Fruits, vegetables, grains and beans are where we can find the fiber needed in our daily diet.
As a mom, I am constantly trying to …

As you may know, my life earlier this year was, well, severely impacted by my migraines and depression.  I am so grateful for good doctors who knew what to do to help get me back on the road to good health.  Just as importantly, I was so thoroughly grateful for the insurance that my husband’s employer helps to provide, which is United Health Care (UHC).  By and large we have had wonderful care through them so when Mom Select gave me an opportunity to learn more about a program …

This Giveaway is Now Closed.
Welcome to Fall Allergy season! I don’t know about you but down here at our house we are all sneezin’, wheezin’ and coughing as the beloved Ragweed rages on.  Thankfully neither Brett or the Girls nor I get near as sick as some of the patients did when I worked for Gerald Moore, MD PA in North Texas.  As his shotroom guru, I had many, many patients who were miserable not only in the Fall but other times of the year as well and some …

Hemorrhoids. Not a pretty subject.  Yet ask anyone who has experienced them and the will remember them quite vividly.  Whether a man with bowel trouble or a very pregnant lady, when the veins in your rectal area, or near the anus, become swollen, a hemorrhoid occurs. The infected region of your backside may be tender to the touch and you may feel a bump where there shouldn’t be one. More serious symptoms of hemorrhoids include painful itching, broken skin, and bleeding.  Uuuggghh.  I shiver at the thought.  Thankfully I never …

Some of you have been wondering where I have been…very few posts and pretty quiet.  I apologize for that.
Currently my Migraines are raging out of control – one a couple of times a week that lasts for 48-72 hours and my depression is some days getting the better of me.  The Migraines aggravate the depression and the depression aggravates the Migraines.  Fun cycle, eh?  My Mom has been gone and between that and not getting a lot of help outside of my family, it kinda feels like it is not …

Accidents happen.  That is one of my favorite phrases…just ask my kids.  And when you are little, they happen a lot.  Take my oldest daughter, for example.  She recently took a tumble while riding her scooter.  After I gave her some love and dried her tears, we inspected the damage.  The Diagnosis?  Time for Salve and a Bandaid! (another of my common phrases:).

Out comes the Neosporin.  I remember my mom using it on my cuts and scrapes as a kid.  In fact, she still does.  Neosporin is a staple for …

Before you get all nervous and wonder if I have yet another ‘fun’ health issue, the answer is no, I do not have Diabetes but a lot of other people do.  According to the American Diabetes Association:
“Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and …

This winter, you would think our home should have been quarantined, with all of the illnesses we have had.  Myself, yeah well, we won’t go there but P2 came down with Influenza A and we had our first fun with Lice, plus the usually odd assortment of colds and viruses.  Growing up with a Mom who is a Registered Nurse and a Dad who was a fireman, plus the time I worked in the medical world, I have always been comfortable  dispensing medicine to my kids when they needed it.  …

I don’t know about you but as the economic downturn continues, playdates are seeing a surge in popularity among parents looking for cost-effective ways to keep their kids entertained. Of course, nothing can spoil the fun of a playdate like having a child experience an allergic reaction. One in four U.S. children has allergies, making allergic disease the third leading chronic disease among children. Despite the prevalence of allergies, a recent national survey found that only three percent of parents answered “most concerned” …

Many Americans are missing out on vitamin D. In fact, vitamin D deficiency in this country is being called a silent epidemic.
Why is this so alarming? Well known for its role in keeping bones strong, vitamin D is now being hailed for so much more. There’s an abundance of new research suggesting vitamin D is a super nutrient, offering an array of health benefits.
New and emerging research reveals that vitamin D, nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin,” may help support a healthy heart, normal blood pressure, healthy aging and help regulate the …

No teen wants to miss out on all of the fun – from a friend’s Sweet 16 party to a big home football game – because of being sick at home with the flu. That’s why singer/songwriter and former American Idol finalist Brooke White has teamed up with infectious disease specialist and author of Germ Proof Your Kids, Dr. Harley Rotbart, and The Clorox Company to launch I Don’t Want to Miss…, a national contest that puts teens in the spotlight to talk about flu education and prevention.
The heart of …

When the school year started, we made sure to fulfill the requests made by our girls’ teachers for supplies.  One of the items included were disinfecting wipes.  Now,if you have spent any time around children, it is not hard to understand why the teachers were requesting those wipes.  I mean, sure, teachers want to encourage and teach sharing but one of the things universally shared by kids are germs, something best kept to oneself, right?
Time has passed and we are getting closer to the end of the school year but …

****This Contest has Ended. Congratulations to Suzanne with comment #119!! Thanks to all of you who played!!****
Meet my cute new soccer queen, P1 – just don’t ask her if they won their first game:).  While it is a constant challenge when it comes to getting her to eat healthy, I have always been grateful that she loves water.  Now that she has begun playing sports like soccer and such, especially here in Texas, it is super important that she stay well hydrated.
Of course, with most kids, if you …

Tonight on TNT,  a wonderful show debuted about Dr. Ben Carson called Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.
TNT described the story as follows:
A frustrated young boy with problems in school overcomes the obstacles in his life to become a world-renowned neurosurgeon in the new TNT Original movie GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY. This uplifting and inspirational JOHNSON & JOHNSON SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION® stars Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) and two-time NAACP Image Award winner Kimberly Elise (The Great Debaters, The Manchurian Candidate). It is based on the true …

“Smart Cookie” Contest Ends February 10th!

Two Minutes to Help Save Lives
The Cookie Magazine “Smart Cookie Reader’s Choice” contest ends in one week!  Please take two minutes to vote for Amy Eldridge and help LWB win the $35,000 donation.
This is a free, no-obligation way to help children receive the life-saving surgeries they need to survive and thrive.  Please forward this email to at least one more person and encourage them to vote as well!

Cast your vote! Click here…

You may recall that back in July, I wrote about my oldest daughter having her tonsils and adenoids removed. They were monster sized and causing her some real sleeping troubles as well as recurrent illness so we knew it was the right choice. P1 was such a brave girl and we were oh so pleased with the doctor, the hospital, the staff, P1’s recovery, the whole deal. It really could not have gone better.
I know we, as her parents, had a few concerns going into the whole process …

With the turn of the calendar page to January, I’ll bet most of us have done a little self-evaluation regarding our diet, our health and or our weight. Let’s face it, we all want to look our best even though time and life do a number on our face and body. But with the busy lives we all lead, sometimes taking better care of ourselves is easier said than done.
For a little more than the cost of a venti latte, there is a new snack or meal replacement …

As a child, I had seemingly one ear infection after another. Thankfully I outgrew them.:) Now that I am a Mom, I have kids who get them. P1 and P2 are currently trying to get over one as we speak and I tell ya, it hurts my heart to have to see my babies in pain.
Thankfully, a while back I learned about something wonderful – Hyland’s Earache Drops. You are possibly familiar with Hyland’s as the company who makes those wonderful Teething Tablets. Well let …

Remember these little angels…my 3 P’s? Well,they were none to easy to get here, let me tell you. Nevertheless, they are each all the more precious because of it.
Throughout the process, I experienced many different gynecological procedures, treatments and surgeries between Endometriosis, PCOS and Infertility treatments. Then on top of that there were the exams and finally various obstetric procedures. Thankfully, I lived to tell about it all too.:) I was blessed to have an excellent Reproductive Endocrinologist and the man I …

This past September, my good friend had a real scare with MSRA. When I realized just how scary it is and often people really don’t know much about it, it really bothered me. Recently I heard about Stop MRSA Now!, a terrific group of community members who have experienced MRSA first-hand and are standing together to educate others to help prevent the spread of MRSA from the gang over at Mom Central and knew I had to tell you about it!

Now, some of you are probably wondering …

This picture is cute and terrifying at the same time. Think about it. I have THREE kids, who all want to help cook. At the same time. Yeah, I see nightmare written ALL over it.
Well, apparently I am not the only person out there who has these fears because Michelle Green has created and is producing a web based kids cooking program, created for kids, hosted by kids called “Jr. Chefs of America”. This is the first kids cooking program created for kids, …

You may remember that a couple of weeks ago, I posted that I was ‘Sick as a Dog‘? Yeah, that was the fun of the hubby and I BOTH having the Flu together at the same time. Trust me, it is NO FUN. Everyone treats your house like you have the plague(with good reason!) and your poor kids have to make do A LOT. But we all survived to tell about it. Some might wonder if we got our Flu shots. The answer is …

I love to read children’s books. Always have. In fact, for P1’s recent birthday, I could not decide on any one book…so she got 4! lol Oh well…they were the $3 version at Walmart of things like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and one of my favorites, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
I just had the chance through Parent Reviewers to read and evaluate a new children’s book titled, “Sam Feels Better Now!: An Interactive Story for Children“ by Jill Osborne. The purpose of the book …

Today I want to share about a nifty little product I learned about over on one of my favorite Mom Sites, From the Park Bench. The product is from a company in Canada called ABOTEX and it is a Lead Test Kit. It comes in a tidy little package containing supplies to run 8 tests, instructions and a Lead Poisoning Fact sheet.

Since I decided to try the kit last night and was a shade past tired, I thought I would be extra careful (or be my anal self some …

PADS – and no, I’m not talking about maxi’s. I am talking about Post-Adoption Depression Syndrome. Yes, you read that correctly. And you are saying ?????what?????
Well, you have heard of Post-Partum Depression, right? Think PPD-Adoption style. And I have it.
Yep. Special, eh? How does this occur, you ask? Well, let’s see…..This slow boat to China really began 4.5 years before I held P3 for the first time. That was 4.5 years of the emotions and stressors and plans and everything heading towards and focusing on my precious P3. Add to …