Remember when.....Part 1

Hey kids, this is daddy. I'm starting a new segment for your blog to remind you of funny/embarrassing things you did as a kid. OK, mostly embarrassing things. Embarrassing as you read them as a teenager, that is. Of course, you won't really remember these events, but I'll do my best to record and report these events as they happen. ;)

So, here goes. Tyson, you are up first. This first segment is all about you. And we are in the midst of potty training you, so guess what it's about. Ha ha ha ha.

- Tyson, remember the time you peed in your favorite store, Home Depot. It was right next to the orbital and belt sanders. A big puddle. You have this thing about peeing in your pants when your upset for getting trouble or not getting your way. I really hope you work at that Home Depot someday. Maybe when you're in high school. I'll be sure to show you where you marked your territory. :)

- Tyson, remember the time you dropped a deuce (aka "doodied") in your bedroom. It was right after your afternoon nap. I opened your door to let you know your nap was over and the smell just about knocked me out. Then, in a pile, behind the vacuum next to your closet lay the source of the smell. You were wearing sweatpants, but no underwear or diaper. Apparently it slid down your leg into a prefect pile on your floor. Ewwwww! :)

That's all for now. But there will be more. There will be more. Ha ha. Don't think your safe from this Kaiya just because your a girl. Your time will come. Oh, the memories...

Colds, Flu and Feeling Crummy - Part I

It seems colds and flus are already in full swing and winter hasn't even started!! Fortunately we haven't had the flu yet, but a certain cold has worked its way through each one of us.

I have found these two books to be super resourceful when it comes to dealing with health issues that hit our family.

The first one is Gentle Healing for Baby and Child by Andrea Candee. We found it when Tyson was little and dealing with reflux and we were hoping to find a way to deal with it without using zantac. It has become our go-to when we're feeling 'off'. It's great since it's geared toward kids, but of course can be used for adults too. I'll share a recipe for a sore throat soother from page 87 that we love. Thyme is antimicrobial and an expectorant. Honey soothes and preserves. Hopefully it will be beneficial for your family too!

• Steep 1 oz dried thyme in 1 cup of boiling water, covered, until cooled.
• Strain; mix the liquid with 1 cup honey. Mix well.
• Store in a closed glass container in your fridge. It keeps well for several months.
• Give undiluted doses of 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp several times a day as needed.

Nursing moms: Please be mindful that using herbs to help reduce congestion and fluids can also reduce your milk supply. That doesn't necessarily mean that you can't use them. Continue to drink lots of water and talk with your health care provider or lactation consultant if you have any questions or concerns.

Note: Dried thyme from a natural foods section/store is much more fragrant, colorful, and medicinal. Last year I used what I had bought from the supermarket in a hurry and it came out pretty bitter. This year's batch is made with natural dried thyme and is much better!! Also, it is a good idea to sanitize the jar/lid by boiling it in a pot of water first. Honey will not grow mold, but mold can grow on the glass jar if not cleaned properly before storage. Also another mistake in my haste to make it last year!

The thyme/water infusion after it has cooled

The final product - a spoonful of sugar is the medicine!

How do you take a nap....

when your toes are in the way?

Kids...

Shoppin'

Tyson loves Home Depot. Loves it. Today he went with Jason after his nap. When he heard they were going to Home Depot his eyes lit up "Tools there!!".

When they got back he ran over to me and said, "Go..Home Depot..Daddy!"
I said, "What did you get?"
He said, "Tools!"

Happy boy, happy daddy!

October 2009

Sentences.

"Eat own food. Not Tyson's food."

Says Tyson to Jada as she was sniffing around his chair while he was eating dinner tonight.

This is the first time I've heard him put two sentences together.

WOW!