Looking For Control Freaks & Worry Warts - We're still here!

[MAGICFOR2]

Renee - Take a deep breath - don't forget to enjoy the holidays! We'll see you when you get back. I should make some of that crock pot apple butter.

Kara - What do you put it in? Do the jars seal? I'm glad you are ready to go and have time to relax! I'm sure we'll hear from you again before you go - I'll be praying for good weather for you!

I had a luncheon today for Women in Business, and then came home and took a nap with Mason - well I tried. Jim came home from work and woke me up, then left the room, then came back to say good-bye he's leaving for a game - oh, his shirt isn't ironed. Do you want me to iron it? No. Okay thanks for waking me AND Mason Up!

 

[sewer]

Hey guys, just a quick drive by to say hi!

 

[CRdisMom]

Hi Sewer!
I'm with Tammie, Renee, take it easy. You'r egoing to burn yourself out.

Kara please have safe trip. you two will have a blast.

Tammie-men have a way of always waking up kids.

Hi Debbie and Cammie!!

Well today was Beth's visit to the ENT. We found out she gets to have surgery on New Years Eve. happy new year to her. Anyway, her adenoids are really enlarged and that has most likely been preventing her from sleeping thus the crazy behavior. Life just got nuts now that we found that out trying to rearrange x-mas vacation plans. It will be a day surgery at the local childrens hospital. Keep your fingers crossed. Last time she had general anethesia (for an head MRI) she responded well it was the IV that threw her. It took 3 times to get it in. I'm hoping we get a better nurse and that Beth sits still.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Hi Sewer!
I'm with Tammie, Renee, take it easy. You'r egoing to burn yourself out.

Kara please have safe trip. you two will have a blast.

Tammie-men have a way of always waking up kids.

Hi Debbie and Cammie!!

Well today was Beth's visit to the ENT. We found out she gets to have surgery on New Years Eve. happy new year to her. Anyway, her adenoids are really enlarged and that has most likely been preventing her from sleeping thus the crazy behavior. Life just got nuts now that we found that out trying to rearrange x-mas vacation plans. It will be a day surgery at the local childrens hospital. Keep your fingers crossed. Last time she had general anethesia (for an head MRI) she responded well it was the IV that threw her. It took 3 times to get it in. I'm hoping we get a better nurse and that Beth sits still.

POOR BABY! I didn't even relize she was having surgery. I'm so behind on my reading - sorry! I'll keep her in my prayers and I'm sure everything will go smooth, but I'm sure that is something you are worrying about, so !

Now, if you don't mind my suggestion - from someone who has tiny veins that generally require sticks all over - including the forearm and ankles at times ! Hydration will make it go smoother - so pump her full of fluids the day before if you can. Also, let them know she's had issues with it before. Don't know if they've used a topical cream to numb it before they did it last time, but if they do that and she looks way, they could get it in before she knows they've even started!

Once after they dug in each arm 3 times, they used the topical since they blew so many veins trying and then followed with a shallow shot of some novicanish stuff, and I didn't even feel all the 15 minutes of digging to get it in I hate small veins.
Anyway, just telling them may help - maybe they will have someone more kind/patient to help her not have such a bad experience. Poor thing!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Laura, I'm sorry Beth needs surgery. I hope she will feel better afterwards so it will be worth it.

Does anyone feel like this?

 

[Camster0307]

Good morning! Miserable day here: got two inches of snow and now freezing rain. Such a lovely combo! And, Amanda's van nurse cancelled - 5 minutes before she was supposed to leave for school! So I've had to keep her home with me today - so much for spending the morning at the mall. We're going to bake and watch xmas movies instead!

Laura - I'm so sorry Beth needs to have surgergy. And on New Year's Eve to boot! As others have already said, I'm sure it will go well. As for those needle sticks, Amanda has been through alot of them so I can give you some advice based on experience. As Renee mentioned, they do make a numbing cream, and we used to use it. But it really needs to be applied a good hour before the stick for it to work it's best; and I've been told lately that phlebotomists don't like using it because it makes the stick harder to get. Everyone has a different opinion. We've had luck with warming the area before they stick it. Ask for a heating pad or wet a washcloth in warm water and keep it on the area. Regardless, as the mom, I would insist the first person gets ONE chance to stick Beth; if they fail, make them get an expert. Seriously, every lab has one phlebotomist that is a PRO - usually the person who works the NICU and has to stick preemies. Amanda has very small veins also; and, on top of that, they are "rolling" veins - when they get stuck, then tend to roll away so it can be very difficult. I let everyone know this; and will always give that first person a chance. But one chance only. Gets my goat - some of these people can get so cocky and think "oh I can do it!" Ummm, no - go practice on someone else now; you will no longer torture my child! ok - rant over. Good luck with everything and I'll keep her in my prayers!

 

[Camster0307]

Laura, I'm sorry Beth needs surgery. I hope she will feel better afterwards so it will be worth it.

Does anyone feel like this?

That's pretty, Tammie! But I really don't have any room in my sig!

 

[karajeboo]

Hi Sewer!
I'm with Tammie, Renee, take it easy. You'r egoing to burn yourself out.

Kara please have safe trip. you two will have a blast.

Tammie-men have a way of always waking up kids.

Hi Debbie and Cammie!!

Well today was Beth's visit to the ENT. We found out she gets to have surgery on New Years Eve. happy new year to her. Anyway, her adenoids are really enlarged and that has most likely been preventing her from sleeping thus the crazy behavior. Life just got nuts now that we found that out trying to rearrange x-mas vacation plans. It will be a day surgery at the local childrens hospital. Keep your fingers crossed. Last time she had general anethesia (for an head MRI) she responded well it was the IV that threw her. It took 3 times to get it in. I'm hoping we get a better nurse and that Beth sits still.

Laura - poor Beth! Are they going to remove the tonsils at the same time? When Ally had her tonsils removed, they took her adenoids too. If I'm not mistaken, the adenoid surgery is relatively pain free recovery. And if it's like Ally's surgery, it lasts about 10 minutes and she'll be leaving about an hour after she wakes up. I agree with the hydration - lots of water will help with everything, including how she responds to the anesthesia.

I'll be thinking of her - but I'm sure we'll hear from you long before then!

Tammie - apple butter... yum! I just had some on toast for breakfast!

It's simple!

5 1/2 lbs apples, peeled, cored and chopped (I like fugi apples, but that's just me)
4 cups sugar
2-3 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground cloves
1/4 t salt

Mix the dry ingredients, pour over apples in crock pot and mix well.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hr.
Decrease heat to low and cook on low for 9-11 hrs, or until thickened and dark brown.
Stir occassionally
Uncover and cook on low for 1 hr longer
Then I whisk it until smooth (I use one of those handheld smoothie mixers)

Spoon into mason jars, seal and refrigerate or freeze. I cut fabric squares with cute Christmas fabric and put in the lids. Then wrap with ribbon. Good to go!

 

[DizzyErin]

Well today was Beth's visit to the ENT. We found out she gets to have surgery on New Years Eve. happy new year to her. Anyway, her adenoids are really enlarged and that has most likely been preventing her from sleeping thus the crazy behavior. Life just got nuts now that we found that out trying to rearrange x-mas vacation plans. It will be a day surgery at the local childrens hospital. Keep your fingers crossed. Last time she had general anethesia (for an head MRI) she responded well it was the IV that threw her. It took 3 times to get it in. I'm hoping we get a better nurse and that Beth sits still.

Hi Laura hope this all goes well for Beth and you manage to sort all your Christmas plans too .. My friends little one had his tonsils and adenoids out when he was 3 and recovered quite quickly, so my thoughts and prayers are for you that the same thing happens for Beth

I'm just going to put my blanket comment out there about the facebook thing - I KNOW NOTHING about how that crazy thing works except I don't think I have time for it all. I have no idea what a wall is - or what to do when people write on it. About my involvement is that I clicked yes to some friend requests, that is about it. SO PLEASE don't think I'm ignoring anyone, that site is just way down on a very long to-do list. DIS is suffering these days and it is WAY WAY WAY higher on my list than that place!

Hhahaha Renee this made me laugh so very much .. I love facebook and am a total addict and i love this place too hahahahaha


Hi to everyone else we are busy busy here too but unlike you all i am not baking totally not something i do .. Chloe finishes school this friday we are both very excited about that, i do love having my girl at home with me! She had her Christmas play yesterday she was a Victorian match seller who danced somehow that was Christmassy ??!! However she was an amazing dancer, of course
All my presents are purchased and am now wrapping them bit by bit, i have many to wrap
Everyone stay warm

 

[Debbie6221]

Hi Girls!
I am sorry I haven't been around. I am trying not to stay away from the computer and get stuff done but I end up never getting enough done anyway. I manage to go to facebook and change my status here and there plus visit that local news guy who has befriended all of us...
You know what I miss??? I miss drunk posting! Maybe after the holidays we can set a couple dates to do that again!!!!
Laura...I hope Beth is OK poor thing! And anytime the little ones have surgery we all know much we worry!
Renee. I got this random laminator today. Not sure how it will work but we will see.
Kara...good luck wrapping up all the lose ends before you hit the road!
Hi Jillian, Hi Cammie, Good to see you Sewer!, Hi Tammie, Hi Erin (I get to see what you are up to on facebook)Hi Mom of3..........
Love you guys !
Weather has been brutal here this week!

 

[CRdisMom]

Thanks guys! You are the best. I would have never thought to have her be super-hydrated and warm. Dumb question--how do you do that when they aren't supposed to eat or drink 6 hours before hand? Cammie I will be diligent about getting a pro this time. I can't deal with that screaming again. It wasn't good.

Anyway just a quick hello! YOU GUYS are the BEST!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

That's pretty, Tammie! But I really don't have any room in my sig!

I can see that - I wasn't really suggesting it for siggies - it's so big, I was trying to be funny. I can see by your googly eyes that you DO feel like that tree!

Sorry about your weather! Good job on making it into a good day with your girl! We had -7 this morning - not too common here!

Laura - poor Beth! Are they going to remove the tonsils at the same time? When Ally had her tonsils removed, they took her adenoids too. If I'm not mistaken, the adenoid surgery is relatively pain free recovery. And if it's like Ally's surgery, it lasts about 10 minutes and she'll be leaving about an hour after she wakes up. I agree with the hydration - lots of water will help with everything, including how she responds to the anesthesia.

I'll be thinking of her - but I'm sure we'll hear from you long before then!

Tammie - apple butter... yum! I just had some on toast for breakfast!

It's simple!

5 1/2 lbs apples, peeled, cored and chopped (I like fugi apples, but that's just me)
4 cups sugar
2-3 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground cloves
1/4 t salt

Mix the dry ingredients, pour over apples in crock pot and mix well.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hr.
Decrease heat to low and cook on low for 9-11 hrs, or until thickened and dark brown.
Stir occassionally
Uncover and cook on low for 1 hr longer
Then I whisk it until smooth (I use one of those handheld smoothie mixers)

Spoon into mason jars, seal and refrigerate or freeze. I cut fabric squares with cute Christmas fabric and put in the lids. Then wrap with ribbon. Good to go!

Thanks Kara! I'm going to do this! I'll bet Lindsay would like to help me!

Hi Girls!
I am sorry I haven't been around. I am trying not to stay away from the computer and get stuff done but I end up never getting enough done anyway. I manage to go to facebook and change my status here and there plus visit that local news guy who has befriended all of us...
You know what I miss??? I miss drunk posting! Maybe after the holidays we can set a couple dates to do that again!!!!
Laura...I hope Beth is OK poor thing! And anytime the little ones have surgery we all know much we worry!
Renee. I got this random laminator today. Not sure how it will work but we will see.
Kara...good luck wrapping up all the lose ends before you hit the road!
Hi Jillian, Hi Cammie, Good to see you Sewer!, Hi Tammie, Hi Erin (I get to see what you are up to on facebook)Hi Mom of3..........
Love you guys !
Weather has been brutal here this week!

Hi Debbie! we've missed you! I miss DP, too - although it's usually happening too early for me!

I tried to do an e-card for Christmas, and my computer froze up and I lost it all. I'll try again tomorrow - really frustrating! Tomorrow Myles has his little preschool program, and then I can go work on finishing the shopping, and then I'm working on some gifts for the kids' party at church on Saturday.

Maybe I can do some baking and wrapping on Sunday!

Okay, guess I'll see what's happening on some TRs! Happy Thursday!

 

[Camster0307]

I can see that - I wasn't really suggesting it for siggies - it's so big, I was trying to be funny. I can see by your googly eyes that you DO feel like that tree!

You know what's funny? I actually started to respond to your post by answering how I DON'T feel like that tree; I felt more like the googly-eye santa smiley. And then I re-typed the post, thinking you were offering the tree for our siggy. I overthink things too much!

I'm off to the mall in a little while. Need to make up for my lost day yesterday. I only got one batch of cookies made; decided, instead, to take Amanda out of her wheelchair and hold her on the couch for a while to watch xmas movies. I haven't sat with her for awhile it seems; just always seems like there is so much to do. It was nice to have just the two of us home together and I decided to blow off everything else and just cuddle!

We're supposed to get a major snowstorm tomorrow - 7-12 inches. Saying it will start around noon, with 1-2 inches falling per hour! Good news is the girls are with their dad this weekend; so I guess if I'm snowbound, I'll be able to focus 100% on baking and wrapping. I'll head out tomorrow morning to stock up on ingrediants and other general necessities. Hopefully we also be able to get more installments done on my TR! I'm also hoping my xmas cards will arrive today or tomorrow and I can write those out (which, all of you, of course, are on my mailing list. Just don't know when I'm sending them out!)

Have a good day everybody! Hope you're all enjoying the season and each of you get on here at least one more time before Christmas!

 

[Debbie6221]

First I forgot to give Sewer a shout out!! Hi Sewer! and next we are in for more snow too! A bad one!
Take care everyone. Cammie...us over think?????nahhhh!

 

[karajeboo]

Debbie - I'm watching the news of your angel Governor - lol - and I see so much snow on the ground! I hope we get some in Ohio but not too much! Ally REALLY wants it to snow while we're there! And not on Christmas eve until after Jeff's flight gets in!

Cammie - I miss those blizzard weekends believe it or not! Now I guess we get hurrican weekends where we can't leave for a couple of days!

I think I have everything together for the trip. All the gifts are boxed and bagged up. I just hate leaving them in the car while we're at the hotel overnight, ya know? But the back of my car is tinted so I don't think anyone can see into the cargo area. And I'll take Ally's laptop into the hotel with me - that's the only really expensive thing.

OK, so BSIL said they're definitely coming to the inlaws while we're there. I know MIL will like it, but I sooooo don't want to see her. Seriously, it's that bad. She's such a snot! And it takes away from Ally's time with her grandparents. Plus, they have two little kids and I have one big dog. Not a good combination. I'm sure I'll have some juicy stories when I get back!

But I'll be tuning in regularly next week, LIVE from Ohio! I know, not as fun as live from WDW, but it's the best I can do!

Don't know if I'll be on before Saturdya, but I think I'm gonna pack a bottle of wine for Saturday night, so maybe I'll do my own DP from the hotel in VA! I miss DP too!

Thank you for the Christmas cards - FYI - I didn't do cards this year - just emailed my little ditty.....

 

[sewer]

First I forgot to give Sewer a shout out!! Hi Sewer! and next we are in for more snow too! A bad one!
Take care everyone. Cammie...us over think?????nahhhh!

Yep, the weather reporter keeps warning us about ice, snow, and general yuck! I feel like I want to sleep the winter away, but there's soooo much to do.

 

[soontobewed07]

Hi girls it has been crazy here as Cammie said we are expecting a huge snow storm. I will be baking all weekend too. I am also going to make choc. covered pretz. I also haven't had a chance to mail my Xmas cards I will do that tomorrow. Luca has been in a real funk he has been so cranky and taking temper tantrums left and right. I was so upset with him today at the store I wanted to cry myself.

Laura- Start pumping her up with fluids starting 3 days before it actually takes that long for your body to absorb it. 1/2 gatorade and water is a good mix. When you need to be NPO (nothing after midnight) stop the fluids. Good Luck like Kara says it only takes a few mins. Did you ask the Dr. about her tonsils? It maybe easier to take them out now than rather having to go thru that later down the road.

Kara- Safe trip Can't wait to here about the going ons in Ohio and I feel bad about Bsil staying too. YUCK!

Cammie- Stay warm and safe. I am glad you got to cuddle with your lovebug.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Girls! FYI we got a huge snowstorm tonight - about 6 inches in 2 hrs! It has slowed down tonight, but it is supposed to snow for the next week. It always moves East, so Merry Christmas! I was leaving the store - I think I finished my shopping except for stocking stuffers - I was there for a little over an hour, and the car was absolutely buried! I brushed off one side, and then when I did the 2nd side and came back, the 1st side was full again. I spent a couple of hours with a friend from church getting a craft/gift ready for our party Sat night - When I came out there was about 4 more inches of snow than when I got there! I was really glad to get home.


Kara - drive safe! I didn't get cards out this year, either. I was sending an e-card last night - wrote my "update letter" in it, and everything, and then my computer decided to do a shutdown for an update and I lost it all! I will try again!

Jillian, I still didn't get my baking stuff - I was going to do white pretzels - I need to get my supplies for Christmas dinner and brunch, too. Don't get frustrated, enjoy that baby!

Laura, I'm sure Beth will do fine. We are all praying for her! M aur

Cammie, I would love to be snowed in with no one around this weekend! I don't know if I would bake and wrap, or just drink and watch movies!

Okay Debbie and Sewer, stay warm! Hi Renee, Erin, Tessa, Tina (where are you, sewing a Santa suit? ) Pam, Mickey Mom, Maureen! Have a great weekend getting ready for Santa!

 

[karajeboo]

Sewer - what is the weather forecast for NE Ohio this weekend???? Am I going to be driving in a blizzard??? As long as I-77 stays clear I'll be happy.

Had dinner with Santa last night - very fun! We went with our neighbors and they are so much fun, yes, the ones that are moving. I so don't want them to leave. We have a blast whenever we're together. Then I ran into the girls who play Bunco once a month up at the clubhouse. Nobody there to play Bunco so they were just eating and drinking and being merry. I really need to start going to Bunco nights. It's a "free" night away from Jeff and Ally!

OK, off to work now! Later!

 

[mamadunham]

It is great to know there are others who worrie!