Last night we asked the boys if they wanted to sleep together in Andrew's double bed. They both seemed excited about this.
So we got their pajamas on, they brushed their teeth, and I read them books in Andrew's room. I turned out the lights and we sang some songs. I was getting ready to leave the room, when Carson sat straight up in Andrew's bed and said "No me Andrew's bed, me my bed."
To this Andrew became really upset and cried "I don't like sleeping alone!" Yes, almost a year later, Andrew is still having sleep issues. He goes to sleep fine (usually) in his room but then at some point ends up in our room on the floor in a sleeping bag. But the good thing is, sometimes we don't even know when he came in our room; he is just there in the morning. It started out as him being scared during the night and probably still is sometimes but I also think it has just become a habit!
I took Carson back to his crib so he could sleep in his own bed.
I was really kind of hoping that they would both sleep well together. That they would both sleep all night in that bed. Maybe someday. At least Carson is sleeping well these days, except when he is cold because he somehow becomes uncovered. All we do is cover him up and he is quiet again. Tonight I put on his fleece elephant Halloween costume over his pajamas! Maybe that will keep him toasty warm.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Mr. Competition
Andrew is a pretty competitive little guy. Everything is a race to him. Or who is the tallest, strongest, fastest....
Yesterday after going to the bathroom he said, "Do you think my poop is going to catch up to the other poop?"
He always has to be the winner! I wonder where this competitive spirit comes from? :)
Yesterday after going to the bathroom he said, "Do you think my poop is going to catch up to the other poop?"
He always has to be the winner! I wonder where this competitive spirit comes from? :)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Rhyming words
Andrew is really into discovering words that sound alike or rhyme these days thanks to preschool. He will often come up to me during the day and say "____ and ____ rhyme!"
Yesterday afternoon I was making some guacamole and he wondered what I was making. I told him I was making guacamole. And he said "Guacamole and Barack Obama rhyme!"
I guess they kind of do; guac and Barack, especially the way he said it. :)
Yesterday afternoon I was making some guacamole and he wondered what I was making. I told him I was making guacamole. And he said "Guacamole and Barack Obama rhyme!"
I guess they kind of do; guac and Barack, especially the way he said it. :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
"You look so young"
Over the past probably 10-15 years, I often was told "You look so young" or "You look younger than that". Some particular situations stick out in my mind.
The first was soon after Chad and I were married. We were in Erie PA, where we lived for the first 3 weeks after we were married. We were going to the movie theater with some other med students. We were the last ones of our group in line to give our ticket stubs to the guy taking tickets. He actually stopped us and asked to see our IDs! Chad was 23 & I was 22 at the time, so he must have thought we were younger than 18. Now this guy was a boy, he was definitely much younger than us. I remember Chad saying something like "You have got to be kidding me!" We were a little annoyed but it was something we all could laugh about that night.
Another situation I remember and probably my favorite was during my first nursing job in Athens, OH. I again was probably 22 or 23 at the time. I worked in the evening from 3-11. I was caring for an elderly woman. I introduced myself to her and said I would be her nurse for the evening. I began doing my assessment on her and she said "That is so nice of you girls to come here after school to help out." I chuckled a little and just told her that I wasn't helping out, that I wasn't in school but that I actually worked there and was her nurse.
Other similar things have happened. Often with patients I was caring for in the hospital. They would be surprised that I was married or then that I had children. My response was always something like, I am probably older than what I actually look.
These comments often made me a little upset. I didn't want to "look young". I always felt like a little kid when they would say things like this. And when it happened with patients I cared for, it made me feel like they thought I might not be competent since I "looked so young". My mom always told me that someday I would appreciate these comments.
Well yesterday I had my yearly routine exam at the doctor. The nurse was looking at my chart and mentioned that I had a birthday last month. She asked how old I was. I told her I was 32. And she said "You look younger than that." This time I was actually able to smile and say "Thank you." I didn't mind her saying that at all! Does this mean that I am getting old???
The first was soon after Chad and I were married. We were in Erie PA, where we lived for the first 3 weeks after we were married. We were going to the movie theater with some other med students. We were the last ones of our group in line to give our ticket stubs to the guy taking tickets. He actually stopped us and asked to see our IDs! Chad was 23 & I was 22 at the time, so he must have thought we were younger than 18. Now this guy was a boy, he was definitely much younger than us. I remember Chad saying something like "You have got to be kidding me!" We were a little annoyed but it was something we all could laugh about that night.
Another situation I remember and probably my favorite was during my first nursing job in Athens, OH. I again was probably 22 or 23 at the time. I worked in the evening from 3-11. I was caring for an elderly woman. I introduced myself to her and said I would be her nurse for the evening. I began doing my assessment on her and she said "That is so nice of you girls to come here after school to help out." I chuckled a little and just told her that I wasn't helping out, that I wasn't in school but that I actually worked there and was her nurse.
Other similar things have happened. Often with patients I was caring for in the hospital. They would be surprised that I was married or then that I had children. My response was always something like, I am probably older than what I actually look.
These comments often made me a little upset. I didn't want to "look young". I always felt like a little kid when they would say things like this. And when it happened with patients I cared for, it made me feel like they thought I might not be competent since I "looked so young". My mom always told me that someday I would appreciate these comments.
Well yesterday I had my yearly routine exam at the doctor. The nurse was looking at my chart and mentioned that I had a birthday last month. She asked how old I was. I told her I was 32. And she said "You look younger than that." This time I was actually able to smile and say "Thank you." I didn't mind her saying that at all! Does this mean that I am getting old???
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Our weekend in Indy
This past weekend we took a trip to Indianapolis to see my sister and brother-in-law, Tricia and Justin. We had a great weekend there with them. My parents also came for the weekend. We didn't arrive until kind of late Friday night, 10:00 ~ probably only a parent of small children would consider this late!
We talked about what we wanted to do this weekend. We thought about going to the Children's Museum there but opted not to. We did go to the museum once about 2 years ago ~ We loved it! A child of any age would truly love the Children's museum. But this time we decided not to go, it's a little expensive and I knew the boys would have fun no matter what we would do.
Saturday morning we went to a fun toy store in downtown Indianapolis that Tric really likes Mass Ave. Toys. What a great toy store. We all had fun there. Andrew picked out a train engine that "goes by itself!!" He was really excited about this and in fact once we got in the car to go back to T & J's house he said "I want to go home now." as he looked at the train engine in his hand! We also went in a really cute children's clothing store, Nurture; good thing Chad was along so I didn't purchase anything in there! We went in Global Gifts and Silver in the city/at home in the city. I enjoyed all of these shops and the boys did well shopping. It is probably more fun to go shopping with an Aunt, Uncle and Grandma and Grandpa are along!
We went back to Tric and
Justin's for lunch and nap time for Carson. We watched Andrew's new favorite movie Racing Stripes. It is a cute film about a zebra who wants to be a racing horse. Andrew says quotes from this movie. I think his favorite line might be when one horse says to another horse "Why don't you go choke on an apple." Which is funny when the horses say it to each other but not exactly what I want Andrew telling people!!
My parents stayed at a hotel for the weekend. After Carson's nap we went to their hotel. Chad, Andrew, Carson and I enjoyed swimming in the pool. Both boys love the water! At one point when I was holding Carson, he pushed my hand away from his chest and said "Go away." He wanted to swim all by himself - not quite ready for that!
We all went out to eat at Red Robin that evening. This was a fun burger type restaurant for us all. The next morning we went to this great little restaurant for brunch. They had the most delicious french toast! We hung around at Tric and Justin's after brunch. Then before we left for home, we made a stop in at Indie Bike, Justin's cycling apparel shop. Chad and I picked up some Indie Bike T-shirts. Maybe I can get Andrew to take a picture of us in our new t-shirts. We had a great weekend with everyone and Andrew is already talking about missing them!
We talked about what we wanted to do this weekend. We thought about going to the Children's Museum there but opted not to. We did go to the museum once about 2 years ago ~ We loved it! A child of any age would truly love the Children's museum. But this time we decided not to go, it's a little expensive and I knew the boys would have fun no matter what we would do.
Saturday morning we went to a fun toy store in downtown Indianapolis that Tric really likes Mass Ave. Toys. What a great toy store. We all had fun there. Andrew picked out a train engine that "goes by itself!!" He was really excited about this and in fact once we got in the car to go back to T & J's house he said "I want to go home now." as he looked at the train engine in his hand! We also went in a really cute children's clothing store, Nurture; good thing Chad was along so I didn't purchase anything in there! We went in Global Gifts and Silver in the city/at home in the city. I enjoyed all of these shops and the boys did well shopping. It is probably more fun to go shopping with an Aunt, Uncle and Grandma and Grandpa are along!
We went back to Tric and
Justin's for lunch and nap time for Carson. We watched Andrew's new favorite movie Racing Stripes. It is a cute film about a zebra who wants to be a racing horse. Andrew says quotes from this movie. I think his favorite line might be when one horse says to another horse "Why don't you go choke on an apple." Which is funny when the horses say it to each other but not exactly what I want Andrew telling people!!My parents stayed at a hotel for the weekend. After Carson's nap we went to their hotel. Chad, Andrew, Carson and I enjoyed swimming in the pool. Both boys love the water! At one point when I was holding Carson, he pushed my hand away from his chest and said "Go away." He wanted to swim all by himself - not quite ready for that!
We all went out to eat at Red Robin that evening. This was a fun burger type restaurant for us all. The next morning we went to this great little restaurant for brunch. They had the most delicious french toast! We hung around at Tric and Justin's after brunch. Then before we left for home, we made a stop in at Indie Bike, Justin's cycling apparel shop. Chad and I picked up some Indie Bike T-shirts. Maybe I can get Andrew to take a picture of us in our new t-shirts. We had a great weekend with everyone and Andrew is already talking about missing them!
Change has come
I felt the need to change up the look of the blog a little bit. I found this background at The Cutest Blog on the Block. I think it is fun! What do you think of the new look?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What a difference a week makes!
The boys are doing much better. We only gave Andrew a few breathing treatments; which did seem to help him, especially when he would have a coughing attack - but he didn't really like them and they did make him very hyper! They are both still on antibiotics (total 10 days). Carson does not like the medicine. He always puts up a fight ~ runs away, hides, squirms, cries ~ but then eventually takes it ok. Andrew has gone to preschool this week, which is great for everyone!They are both into pestering each other these days. Often this is ok, whoever is getting pestered tolerates it well, with smiles and giggles. But other times, the one getting picked on does not like it. Carson will cry or retaliate with his "Oh, yeah!" and then do whatever back to Andrew that was done to him. Andrew will yell "MOM! Carson....." (whatever Carson did.) So it is so nice when they do play well together.
This morning I was doing laundry and came out to find this.....
Carson took the small laundry basket out of the laundry room and curled up under it. Andrew was trying to "save" him with this coast guard ship. Too funny.
Then later, Carson was helping fix the ship's engine. Notice all the sun shining in from the windows? I love it!! Today we woke up to more snow, probably 2 inches or so and a lot of wind! It has snowed off and on through out the day with grey skies but then we will have these wonderful periods of sunshine! It seems so bright shining off the fresh white snow.
This afternoon it is quiet here. The builders are now taping and mud ding the dry wall in the basement. This work is much quieter than the framing, sawing and hanging of the dry wall!! Naps were a little tricky during this time. I would end up holding Carson till he fell asleep and then lay him down. Yesterday when they were still hanging the dry wall, it was just way too noisy in Carson's room. So I brought him in our room and layed down with him in our bed. He layed so still (unlike his squirmy big brother) and then fell asleep. I got up, but stayed in our room and was on the computer for a little while. When Carson woke up, he sat up in bed and just simply said through his paci "Hi Mom." I know I may have said this before, but he is such a sweet little guy! One phrase he often says these days is "I miss you Mom." or "I miss you Dad." This is sometimes said even when he has been with us all day! Just too cute!
Friday, February 13, 2009
I wish I had done this sooner
I mentioned that Andrew has been sick this week. Last night his temp spiked again to 101.2 axillary (so 102!). He was still complaining of his legs hurting and then he started limping and refusing to walk. We decided this boy needed to see a doctor.
This morning was the first morning all week that he woke up and didn't have a fever. But his legs were still hurting. I called and made an appointment for 9:40. By this time he started to act better, he didn't look so miserable and was walking with out a limp for the most part. I felt like if I took him they might think, "this is the most well 'sick' child we have ever seen." (I have felt like that before when taking him to a doctor.) But we went and thank goodness we did!
Andrew has Bronchitis and Strep throat. It is times like these that you feel so bad, feel like a horrible Mom. He has been sick all week and I just now take him to the doctor!
As the nurse was showing us the breathing treatment machine and we were still waiting on the results of the strep culture, she said "He doesn't look like he feels very well either." - referring to Carson. Carson had had a fever last Friday-Sunday, still had a cough and congestion but I thought he was getting better. He did feel warm, so we checked his temp, 100.4. So off she went to get his chart. Then when Andrew's rapid strep culture was positive, she did one on Carson as well - positive!!
They were both started on Amoxicillin and Andrew can use Albuterol treatments as needed. For some reason he is really against this!! He just kept crying and saying "I don't want to use that machine!" So we shall see if he will actually do it or not. I tried to tell him that it won't hurt, that it will help him breathe better, help his cough & that there will be a neat smoke-like mist coming out of it. He's not buying it. Oh, well - it will probably just make him hyper!
This morning was the first morning all week that he woke up and didn't have a fever. But his legs were still hurting. I called and made an appointment for 9:40. By this time he started to act better, he didn't look so miserable and was walking with out a limp for the most part. I felt like if I took him they might think, "this is the most well 'sick' child we have ever seen." (I have felt like that before when taking him to a doctor.) But we went and thank goodness we did!
Andrew has Bronchitis and Strep throat. It is times like these that you feel so bad, feel like a horrible Mom. He has been sick all week and I just now take him to the doctor!
As the nurse was showing us the breathing treatment machine and we were still waiting on the results of the strep culture, she said "He doesn't look like he feels very well either." - referring to Carson. Carson had had a fever last Friday-Sunday, still had a cough and congestion but I thought he was getting better. He did feel warm, so we checked his temp, 100.4. So off she went to get his chart. Then when Andrew's rapid strep culture was positive, she did one on Carson as well - positive!!
They were both started on Amoxicillin and Andrew can use Albuterol treatments as needed. For some reason he is really against this!! He just kept crying and saying "I don't want to use that machine!" So we shall see if he will actually do it or not. I tried to tell him that it won't hurt, that it will help him breathe better, help his cough & that there will be a neat smoke-like mist coming out of it. He's not buying it. Oh, well - it will probably just make him hyper!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
We've been framed!!
So yesterday morning our basement looked like this....
And this is what it looks like this evening.....
We had debated about finishing off our basement for a while now. Considered doing it our self - meaning Chad with the help of bro-in-law Justin - but in the end, contacted a contractor. They started yesterday morning and all the walls are up! We are really excited about this.
They are finishing an office/den space, a bedroom for guests and a full bathroom. They will also finish a wall to close in the water heater/furnace/storage area. Our house is a ranch so the basement is equal to the upstairs in terms of space. The remainder of the basement we plan on semi-finishing. We will put carpet down (or Lowe's will) and Chad will paint the cement walls. We plan on having this space for the boys to play in. Right now, they love riding their bikes / riding toys / scooters around down there, which will end once the carpet is in but it will be a great space for them to run around in. And get some of the toys of our main level.
We will then have a nice space for guests to stay with us. So come on over!!
And this is what it looks like this evening.....
We had debated about finishing off our basement for a while now. Considered doing it our self - meaning Chad with the help of bro-in-law Justin - but in the end, contacted a contractor. They started yesterday morning and all the walls are up! We are really excited about this.
They are finishing an office/den space, a bedroom for guests and a full bathroom. They will also finish a wall to close in the water heater/furnace/storage area. Our house is a ranch so the basement is equal to the upstairs in terms of space. The remainder of the basement we plan on semi-finishing. We will put carpet down (or Lowe's will) and Chad will paint the cement walls. We plan on having this space for the boys to play in. Right now, they love riding their bikes / riding toys / scooters around down there, which will end once the carpet is in but it will be a great space for them to run around in. And get some of the toys of our main level.
We will then have a nice space for guests to stay with us. So come on over!!
"I don't want to be sick everyday!" - Andrew
It's been a bit of a rough week here for Andrew. He started with this cold and fever Sunday afternoon and is still not feeling well. He has missed preschool this week, probably won't go tomorrow even though it is their Valentine's Day party. He is pretty miserable at times, especially when his temperature spikes. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen have become his friends this week. Today he has been complaining about his legs hurting and wouldn't even walk from our bedroom out to the living room this morning. I'm guessing this is an achy pain. I just feel really bad for him.
He has been taking a nap each afternoon, which is really unusual for him. Today the boys were both napping. Carson woke up first. I went into his room and he did his usual happy things. He stood up in his crib, took his pacifier out of his mouth and very sweetly said "Hi Mom." He was so cheerful. Now, he is feeling well (he had the cold last week/weekend), but Andrew was a totally different story! He woke up coughing. Carson was excited to hear Andrew waking up. He said "Hi? Andrew?" I told him he could go say Hi to Andrew. Carson opened the door and Andrew starts crying and saying "NO!!" He didn't want Carson in there. I told him that Carson was really excited and wanted to see him. But he continued to cry and scream NO! He often wakes up this way from a nap, crying and inconsolable until he is fully awake but it is much worse when he is sick.
So I told him I had a few things I wanted to show him and asked him to come out. He walked to the doorway, still crying, and then stopped saying his legs hurt. Poor thing. So I carried him out to the kitchen and showed him this.
I was in the mood to bake something, so I made this cake for Valentine's Day. The heart shaped cake pans were my Grandma Short's. It's always enjoyable to use things that were my grandparent's or make things they used to make. I just might have new favorite chocolate cake recipe. I used the recipe off of the box of Swans Down Cake flour. I think I bought cake flour for a cookie recipe I wanted to try a while back and today decided to try the recipe on the back of the box for cake. It was quite tasty, really moist and delicious; I think anyways. Andrew wondered who's birthday it was since I was baking a cake. It is actually Uncle Ben's birthday - my brother.
Andrew was still a little upset. So I told him about a package that came today. (Notice the tarps in the background of these pictures? Stay tuned for a future post regarding these.)
Andrew and Carson ripped into this package from Grandma and Grandpa S.
Andrew really was excited to see this car despite how miserable he looks in this picture! He said "Oohh! A fast car!"
They each got a Valentine's Day card, a matchbox car, baggy of Hershey's kisses, stickers, heart shaped chocolate sucker, yogo's, and some heart shaped cookies. They were excited! This finally seemed to lift Andrew's mood. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! You can see from the way Andrew's eyes look in these pictures that he is not feeling well!
Yesterday we had some rain in the morning but the late morning and afternoon were wonderful! Partly sunny and in the mid 60's!! We (I) needed some fresh air in a bad way, I'm going a little stir crazy. We took the Gaitor out for it's first walk in 2009. We played outside for a while. I had the windows opened a little in the house to allow some fresh air in and some Radon gas out! (see below) Today is really different, 20 degrees cooler but really sunny. We had a rain storm with high winds go through last night. Fortunately our power only went off for a few seconds a couple of different times.
I really hope Andrew starts feeling better soon. I also hope that Chad and I don't get this virus but I think we both might be experiencing some early symptoms of it. Yuck. We shall see if my increased fluids, Vit. C. and Echinacea will help me avoid this virus.
He has been taking a nap each afternoon, which is really unusual for him. Today the boys were both napping. Carson woke up first. I went into his room and he did his usual happy things. He stood up in his crib, took his pacifier out of his mouth and very sweetly said "Hi Mom." He was so cheerful. Now, he is feeling well (he had the cold last week/weekend), but Andrew was a totally different story! He woke up coughing. Carson was excited to hear Andrew waking up. He said "Hi? Andrew?" I told him he could go say Hi to Andrew. Carson opened the door and Andrew starts crying and saying "NO!!" He didn't want Carson in there. I told him that Carson was really excited and wanted to see him. But he continued to cry and scream NO! He often wakes up this way from a nap, crying and inconsolable until he is fully awake but it is much worse when he is sick.
So I told him I had a few things I wanted to show him and asked him to come out. He walked to the doorway, still crying, and then stopped saying his legs hurt. Poor thing. So I carried him out to the kitchen and showed him this.
I was in the mood to bake something, so I made this cake for Valentine's Day. The heart shaped cake pans were my Grandma Short's. It's always enjoyable to use things that were my grandparent's or make things they used to make. I just might have new favorite chocolate cake recipe. I used the recipe off of the box of Swans Down Cake flour. I think I bought cake flour for a cookie recipe I wanted to try a while back and today decided to try the recipe on the back of the box for cake. It was quite tasty, really moist and delicious; I think anyways. Andrew wondered who's birthday it was since I was baking a cake. It is actually Uncle Ben's birthday - my brother.
Andrew was still a little upset. So I told him about a package that came today. (Notice the tarps in the background of these pictures? Stay tuned for a future post regarding these.)
Andrew and Carson ripped into this package from Grandma and Grandpa S.
Andrew really was excited to see this car despite how miserable he looks in this picture! He said "Oohh! A fast car!"
They each got a Valentine's Day card, a matchbox car, baggy of Hershey's kisses, stickers, heart shaped chocolate sucker, yogo's, and some heart shaped cookies. They were excited! This finally seemed to lift Andrew's mood. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! You can see from the way Andrew's eyes look in these pictures that he is not feeling well!Yesterday we had some rain in the morning but the late morning and afternoon were wonderful! Partly sunny and in the mid 60's!! We (I) needed some fresh air in a bad way, I'm going a little stir crazy. We took the Gaitor out for it's first walk in 2009. We played outside for a while. I had the windows opened a little in the house to allow some fresh air in and some Radon gas out! (see below) Today is really different, 20 degrees cooler but really sunny. We had a rain storm with high winds go through last night. Fortunately our power only went off for a few seconds a couple of different times.
I really hope Andrew starts feeling better soon. I also hope that Chad and I don't get this virus but I think we both might be experiencing some early symptoms of it. Yuck. We shall see if my increased fluids, Vit. C. and Echinacea will help me avoid this virus.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What is Radon?
"Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil, but in some cases, well water may also be a source of radon. Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you're at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage."
When we were house hunting here, I recall at one house our Realtor said "This house already has a radon mitigation system." I remember thinking "a what?", made my self a mental note to ask Chad what that was and went on looking at the houses. But I forgot to ask Chad about it.
This fall we were talking with one of our neighbors and he mentioned that he checked his house for Radon. That his house had a very high level and that he had a mitigation system installed. I guess levels tend to be higher when there is digging or building near by. His mother died of lung cancer. He recommended we have our house tested.
I got a free test from the health department in early Nov. and completed the test. Our result was very high, 113.8 pCi/L . " The EPA recommends you take corrective measures to reduce your exposure to radon gas at or above 4 pCi/L." They had just finished building the house next to us, so we thought this might be why it was so high. We tested again at the end of Jan. and it was still really high, 107.7 pCi/L.
This is very frightening for me! I think as a mother you naturally worry about your children and your spouse but this information I must admit has me in a bit of a panic. We have a very high level of cancer causing gas in our home! Andrew is currently dealing with his third upper respiratory virus in probably 4-5 weeks. That is not like him, but he is exposed to more children this year because of preschool. And I hope and pray that this is the only reason he has had this many colds recently.
I have read on the Internet ( this is one site in particular that I found helpful with Radon facts/levels and to the right on the page, you can check levels in your county - for ours 65% of indoor radon levels tested were at or above 4, if the health department gives out free tests, you know it's a problem!!) I spoke with a women in charge of the radon testing at the health department. She gave me more information, told me that lung cancer is the number 3 cancer causing death in this county. She also gave me a list of contractors that are certified in installing radon mitigation systems. Chad spoke with one contractor last week who is actually out of town but supposed to get back with us early next week.
I encourage you to read about Radon, test your home for Radon and tell all the people you love to test their homes as well!!
When we were house hunting here, I recall at one house our Realtor said "This house already has a radon mitigation system." I remember thinking "a what?", made my self a mental note to ask Chad what that was and went on looking at the houses. But I forgot to ask Chad about it.
This fall we were talking with one of our neighbors and he mentioned that he checked his house for Radon. That his house had a very high level and that he had a mitigation system installed. I guess levels tend to be higher when there is digging or building near by. His mother died of lung cancer. He recommended we have our house tested.
I got a free test from the health department in early Nov. and completed the test. Our result was very high, 113.8 pCi/L . " The EPA recommends you take corrective measures to reduce your exposure to radon gas at or above 4 pCi/L." They had just finished building the house next to us, so we thought this might be why it was so high. We tested again at the end of Jan. and it was still really high, 107.7 pCi/L.
This is very frightening for me! I think as a mother you naturally worry about your children and your spouse but this information I must admit has me in a bit of a panic. We have a very high level of cancer causing gas in our home! Andrew is currently dealing with his third upper respiratory virus in probably 4-5 weeks. That is not like him, but he is exposed to more children this year because of preschool. And I hope and pray that this is the only reason he has had this many colds recently.
I have read on the Internet ( this is one site in particular that I found helpful with Radon facts/levels and to the right on the page, you can check levels in your county - for ours 65% of indoor radon levels tested were at or above 4, if the health department gives out free tests, you know it's a problem!!) I spoke with a women in charge of the radon testing at the health department. She gave me more information, told me that lung cancer is the number 3 cancer causing death in this county. She also gave me a list of contractors that are certified in installing radon mitigation systems. Chad spoke with one contractor last week who is actually out of town but supposed to get back with us early next week.
I encourage you to read about Radon, test your home for Radon and tell all the people you love to test their homes as well!!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Abe and the Amazing Promise
Last night we went with another family from our church and saw the new Veggie Tales movie Abe and the Amazing Promise. Mount Vernon Nazarene University (the Naz) shows these Veggie Tales movies each time they come out with a new DVD. They show it in the chapel -which is a huge & very beautiful auditorium - on a large screen. Andrew kept asking during the day yesterday "When are we going to the movie theatre?" and to him, that was a movie theatre - he doesn't know any different.The radio station at the Naz and a local christian bookstore sponsor these showings. We went to one last year, The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's. The kids really enjoy these and the radio DJs do a job of fueling the excitement! Abe and the Amazing Promise was the story of Abraham and Sarah and taught the kids (and adults) about patience. They also give out prizes that are donated by the bookstore, we didn't win any prizes. Andrew kept raising his hand whenever they called some one's name and throwing off the DJs. He would then add "Aahh, I'm never gonna win any prizes!"
We had the other family we went with over to our house for some dessert and play time. We had Oreo Freak-out. (If you haven't had this you must make it. You crush up two rows of Oreos and put in a 9x13 in pan. Put softened vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle carmel and hot fudge over ice cream. Crush remaining row of Oreos and place on top. Freeze for a few hours and then enjoy!! Some people add peanuts as well.) It was getting late and time for them to head home. Playtime with their three kids is never long enough for Andrew!! He thought they could sleep here and go to church with us. Maybe he would stay in his room all night long then....that might not be a bad idea!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Smoky Roasted Chicken and Corn Chowder
I love a good hot bowl of soup this time of year. I tried a new recipe last night and thought it was quite tasty. It was a nice variation from the usual corn chowder I make. And even more delicious with frozen corn and canned tomatoes from last summer. The recipe suggests using a Rotisserie Chicken, which I did and it worked out quite well. We had the chicken one night for supper along with some potatoes and salad, then I used what was left of the chicken for this soup. I used my new food processor to chop the veggies - big time saver! And then I can chop them finely and Andrew doesn't even realize he is eating veggies!!
Andrew of course, my picky little eater, didn't want to try the soup. It was a rough meal; Chad was working late, Andrew was not using good table manners...had a time out, refused to eat. Finally I told him he had to sit there, not talk -which is very difficult for Andrew, until he ate it. He sat for a long time. I told him if I was finished with the dishes before he started eating his soup then he was just going to go straight to bed. I was almost done with the dishes when he decided it was time to start eating..."Mom! This is really good!" Why must he make things so difficult! Ah, the love of a boy.
Smoky Roasted Chicken and Corn Chowder
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup diced onions
1/2 cup each diced celery and diced red bell pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic
1-1/2 T minced fresh thyme, or 1 tsp. dried
2 T. all purpose flour
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 12oz. can evaporated milk
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, well drained
1 can (14.5 oz.) cream-style corn
2 cups chopped roasted chicken breast
1 T. hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt or to taste
1. Cook chopped bacon in a large, non-stick soup pot over medium-high heat until lightly browned but not crisp. Stir in onions, celery, red pepper and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes
2. Add thyme and flour. Mix well. Stir in broth and evaporated milk. Bring mixture to a gentle boil and stir continuously until soup thickens slightly.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
Andrew of course, my picky little eater, didn't want to try the soup. It was a rough meal; Chad was working late, Andrew was not using good table manners...had a time out, refused to eat. Finally I told him he had to sit there, not talk -which is very difficult for Andrew, until he ate it. He sat for a long time. I told him if I was finished with the dishes before he started eating his soup then he was just going to go straight to bed. I was almost done with the dishes when he decided it was time to start eating..."Mom! This is really good!" Why must he make things so difficult! Ah, the love of a boy.
Smoky Roasted Chicken and Corn Chowder
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup diced onions
1/2 cup each diced celery and diced red bell pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic
1-1/2 T minced fresh thyme, or 1 tsp. dried
2 T. all purpose flour
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 12oz. can evaporated milk
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, well drained
1 can (14.5 oz.) cream-style corn
2 cups chopped roasted chicken breast
1 T. hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt or to taste
1. Cook chopped bacon in a large, non-stick soup pot over medium-high heat until lightly browned but not crisp. Stir in onions, celery, red pepper and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes
2. Add thyme and flour. Mix well. Stir in broth and evaporated milk. Bring mixture to a gentle boil and stir continuously until soup thickens slightly.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Our sweet little boy
I am listening to Carson on the monitor as he is supposed to be napping, it's not happening. In fact he hasn't slept the last two afternoons. He plays quietly in his crib, singing or talking to his stuffed animals. When I tell him that it is almost time to go to bed he says "No me bed." For a while he has been playing like this. I usually try to get him in bed by 1:00 and if he hasn't fallen asleep by 2:00 (because I need to go get Andrew from preschool at 3:15), I will go in and hold/rock him. He is usually asleep in a matter of minutes. I don't mind this at all. He is so sweet, just cuddles up and eventually nods off.
But I am wondering if he is starting to give up his naps. (heavy sigh) I guess I don't really mind because he does do this quiet play time in his crib quiet well. On Monday he played in his crib for two hours and then started saying "Mom, where are you?" I was making bread so I had Andrew go in and talk to him and tell him that I would come soon. Andrew came back out and said that "Carson took his dress off." (No Carson was not wearing a dress, Andrew sometimes calls clothes "dress" because every morning I say "let's get dressed") I went in Carson's room and there he was with just his onsie on, he had taken off his velour hooded track suit outfit. Sometimes he will pull his arms out the top of his shirt collar, so then the collar/neck ends up around his waist and is quite stretched out!!
When Andrew was Carson's age, he was no longer in his crib - he was in the big double bed he is in now. He did well in the bed to begin with but after a few months he started just climbing out of bed repeatedly before he could fall asleep for naps. It was very frustrating! And Andrew has never really done a quiet time in his room - he does not like to be alone. But maybe this summer when he is home in the afternoon, I can get him to do a quiet time.
One night last week when I was reading Carson his bed time stories a silly little non-sense game began. It was time to put the books down but Carson said "wait Mom". I tickled him and very sillily said "No, you wait." Now we do this back and forth over and over, "you wait" - "no, you wait", and Carson thinks it is quite hilarious! He just giggles and giggles! He often will start this at nap or bedtime and we will say it back and forth until I am out of his room walking down the hall. Or at other times when we start laughing or being silly about something completely different, Carson will throw in a "no, you wait." I love these little things.
One phrase I love to hear him say is "Ok. Mom." It is just too cute being said in his little voice. He is our sweet little guy and I don't want him to change.
But I am wondering if he is starting to give up his naps. (heavy sigh) I guess I don't really mind because he does do this quiet play time in his crib quiet well. On Monday he played in his crib for two hours and then started saying "Mom, where are you?" I was making bread so I had Andrew go in and talk to him and tell him that I would come soon. Andrew came back out and said that "Carson took his dress off." (No Carson was not wearing a dress, Andrew sometimes calls clothes "dress" because every morning I say "let's get dressed") I went in Carson's room and there he was with just his onsie on, he had taken off his velour hooded track suit outfit. Sometimes he will pull his arms out the top of his shirt collar, so then the collar/neck ends up around his waist and is quite stretched out!!
When Andrew was Carson's age, he was no longer in his crib - he was in the big double bed he is in now. He did well in the bed to begin with but after a few months he started just climbing out of bed repeatedly before he could fall asleep for naps. It was very frustrating! And Andrew has never really done a quiet time in his room - he does not like to be alone. But maybe this summer when he is home in the afternoon, I can get him to do a quiet time.
One night last week when I was reading Carson his bed time stories a silly little non-sense game began. It was time to put the books down but Carson said "wait Mom". I tickled him and very sillily said "No, you wait." Now we do this back and forth over and over, "you wait" - "no, you wait", and Carson thinks it is quite hilarious! He just giggles and giggles! He often will start this at nap or bedtime and we will say it back and forth until I am out of his room walking down the hall. Or at other times when we start laughing or being silly about something completely different, Carson will throw in a "no, you wait." I love these little things.
One phrase I love to hear him say is "Ok. Mom." It is just too cute being said in his little voice. He is our sweet little guy and I don't want him to change.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
This could only happen to a parent of small children
A funny story about last night. The four of us went out to eat at a local restaurant. The boys were each given three crayons rubber-banded together and a menu to color on. We ordered our food. We were enjoying each other's company. I was eating my salad, it was quite tasty. (why is it that food you don't prepare yourself always tastes so much better?) All of a sudden I bit down on something with an unfamiliar texture. I chewed a little more and then realized what it was. It was the rubber band that had been around Carson's set of crayons! Somehow it had ended up on my salad plate!!
Side note, I was very excited to wear my new earrings last night (see post below). And very saddened to realize that I had lost one at some point. But the good news is, I contacted the person I bought them from and she is willing to let me buy just one to complete my set.
Side note, I was very excited to wear my new earrings last night (see post below). And very saddened to realize that I had lost one at some point. But the good news is, I contacted the person I bought them from and she is willing to let me buy just one to complete my set.
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