Simple Inspirations

This is my child for you.

She goes out with two shoes.

And come home with one.

Where is the missing one..out the window of the van..where it is???

Only God knows )

I wonder myself sometimes.  No one told me going to university meant I would have to give up sleeping.  Literally.  I study all night, or as long as I can cut it before I fall asleep with my highlighter in my textbook and wake up to a stain the sie of a quarter on my neatly lited page. 

Who knew that having 5 kids ( 2 are 2 and under), a puppy, a house and going to school full time would be so time consuming.  Heh.  On a positive note, only 23 more none sleeps before exams are over and I have 9 glorious days to myself before fall term starts again.  I am going to sleep, sleep, maybe take a shower, read a book, get some quality time, play at the park and sleep. 

Sounds glorious.

Thank goodness I have a saint for a husband, he has all 5 kids and the puppy at the park for the next few hours so I can study my ass off.  So here I go..again. Sad thing is, unless I am having a really bad day, I love the big family, I love school, I love the house and for a few days I can do without sleep.   Thank God for everything in my life. What else would I do? 

BTW..I will post some pics of everyone soon, I promise.

This is our newest baby..Sophie the golden retriever.  She is SOOOOOOOOOO cute, so say hello!

Longer summer days means dramatically more time spent outside in the sun with our kids: from hanging out on the beach or at the pool, to running in the yard, to hiking through the woods. Amidst these summer activities, safety issues lurk from insects to sun burns to keeping hydrated.  Its a lot to remember if you have five kids, a puppy and an assignment due!!  but what can you do but enjot it.  but to make sure we are all keeping these things in the front of our mind before heading out here are some important things to remember….

• Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15.  Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.  Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating).  Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future.  In addition, don’t forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
• Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child.  For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant.  Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria.  To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of  ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly.  Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
• High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink!  Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather.  But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.  If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine.  If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.