Well, the rumors are really flying now about when my husband and his fellow soldiers might return from deployment, especially since we got the proverbial stop mail date.  We’ll see if we hear anything official in the next few weeks, I expect we will.  I’ve made progress though, the garage is finally clean (well as far as I’m concerned anyway!!!)  The ongoing laundry crisis is kinda under contro.l  

Overall, I’m just excited that my husband may possibly be home, safe and sound, sooner rather than later. 

I have done a lot of thinking, though.  I decided that I’m not going to be telling the girls.  I know how often flight windows and returns change.  I’ve gotten a call as I was walking out the door to pick him up.  I think that would be too much for them to handle at this point.  It’s not like they can understand the concept of “crew rest” and be cool with the fact that dad won’t be home until tomorrow. 

Mallory has been sad this week.  One of the little boys in her class had his dad come home.  Mallory couldn’t understand why her dad wasn’t home.  She didn’t think it was fair that J’s dad got to come home and hers didn’t.  She cried for awhile, and no matter what I did or said, it didn’t make it any better.  I think she just needed to cry; like we all do sometimes.  Thankfully, she’s back to her normal self and she knows dad will be home sooner rather than later.  I’ll be keeping you all posted!

How to Remove a Tick From Skin — powered by eHow.com

I was super grossed out during the past two weeks.  Both Mallory and I had a tick.   Oddly enough, both were on our backs!  I managed to stay calm (even though I hate any type of bug) and Mal was cool with the removal (it helped that it was on her back and she couldn’t really see what I was doing).   However, I really have something against parasites.  It’s probably one of my only phobias.  However, with summer right around the corner, ’tis the season for all things that creep and crawl.  Ticks are of great concern because they carry various illnesses which include babesiosis, STARI, and Lymes Disease, just to name a few. 

How does one prevent ticks?  First, check yourself when you come in from outdoors.  I think I probably picked up that tick while I was mowing the grass or playing with the dogs.  Which leads to the next pointer: Check your dogs when they come in from laying outside!  Using a repellant spray also helps as does covering up with long pants/shirts when you’re venturing into areas where ticks are likely. 

I think the next important part is getting the tick out!!!  It’s tricky and if not done properly can be downright harmful!  Thankfully, I had a friend that helped me out.  By the time I got to her house I was sooooo grossed out.   Here’s a great video (above) from eHow that shows how a tick may be properly removed from the skin. 

Finally, if a rash, fever, joint pain, or any other symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately!  It’s better to be on the side of caution!

I’ve officially had it.  I am sick and tired of cleaning up after everyone but myself.  I ask the girls to clean up and it seems like a lifelong project lately.  I have resorted to setting a timer.  If the picking up isn’t done by the ending ding, toys get put into trash bags and placed into the garage. 

Why such an extreme course of action one might ask?  First and foremost, with only one grown up in the house, it is impossible to clean up after everybody.   Second, I think it teaches personal responsibility.  If you want things, you have to take care of them.  If you leave that Wii game laying around, it will get scratched and be useless … and NO .. you won’t get another one. 

I also think it instills a sense of family; you live under this roof so guess what?  We all have to pitch in and work together if things are going to run smoothly.  Moreover, it gives me a chance for a bit more sleep/down time.  If everyone helps, then I don’t have to stay up late cleaning up everyone’s mess or folding laundry! 

I’m also trying to teach the girls that with age comes priviledge and also responsibility.  Yes, we can stay up a little late on Friday and watch a movie but in order for that to happen, our housework has to be done. 

How do you encourage your kids to pitch in and clean up after themselves?  Any hints or ideas?  Please share your comments and ideas below. 

We all know when it’s that time; for Vannah I know she’s tired when she starts whining and crying.  She may stop for a minute or two but always starts up again in just a brief second and makes a mountain over a mole hill.  Mallory gets a blank stare on her face and just dazes off into la-la land.   Dr. M. Breus states that sleep is just as important as a good diet and a nurturing environment. 

An article that I like to refer to says:

“Sleep is the power source that keeps your mind alert and calm. Every night and at every nap, sleep recharges the brain’s battery. Sleeping well increases brainpower just as weight lifting builds stronger muscles, because sleeping well increases your attention span and allows you to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time. Then you are at your personal best.”

The following video highlights the importance and our society’s problems with adequate sleep can be viewed by the link below. 

Importance of Sleep with Kids

I think a huge problem lies in our schools.  One of my friends has a child in middle school and she has to leave the house at 6:19 AM.  I understand the bus shortages, but that’s a little on the early side, especially if involved in extracurricular activities. 

How do you encourage your children to sleep and more importantly, sleep enough?  How do you ensure they get good quality sleep?  Do you notice when they don’t get adequate rest?  Please share your comments below!

I got kind of bummed that Jon wasn’t able to call on Mothers’ Day.  Yeah well, I guess that’s how it is.  I’m still slightly peeved, but I will get over it; I always do.  To my delight, both the girls made it through a full week of school (it is a miracle) and let me tell you it felt great!!!  Vannah has a slight head cold, but knock on wood, no signs of an ear infection (I love tubes). 

I think this week I’m just generally thankful that my husband is still okay.  I know one out of six families has suffered some losses and my heart breaks for those mothers, wives, and children.  I can’t begin to imagine the sorrow and grief that they must be going through.  I’m just thankful that we have so much and that thus far, Jon is OK.  I do feel more “on edge” this week and when things like this happen I get really anxious.  No news is good news, though.   

Sometimes I do get frustrated and overwhelmed but quite honestly, it really truly makes the time pass by so much more quickly.  I feel like I blinked and this past week was gone!  There isn’t really even a dent in my to-do list from the past week.  I still have to mow the lawn, weed it, touch up the paint in the bedroom, clean the disaster area I call a garage, blah blah blah.  

I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  Well, off to fold another load of laundry then pass out in bed.  Not much longer and I’ll actually have to kick Oreo and Dunkin off the bed so Jon will have a spot! 

How are the rest of you holding up?