Oh Where, Oh Where Does it All Go?

It seems to me that more and more, time just slips away. Not because I'm not doing anything, but because there's so much to do. Recently I had a little experience. O.K., it wasn't so little. In fact it seemed quite large. So big that I felt like I couldn't keep up with everything that needed keeping up with. I know we've all been there. I know you know what I'm talking about. It's those times when everything seems so out of balance, like you can't do anything, yet you're trying to do everything you need do do. And it's just not enough. And instead of treading water, you just feel like the waves are crashing over you and it's taking everything you have not to sink.

I think every person has experiences like this. I know that we don't all have the same trials. They're all tailor made for each of us; but, our feelings may be similar. I really needed some special help, and I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who helped me learn that these are blessings I haven't yet realized.

Do you know what I learned? I learned that I needed to change the way I was thinking. Once I started changing my attitude, I realized that all of this crazy stuff, all the treading water, feeling lost and uncertain about what I was really doing, was teaching me and helping me become a better person. Was changing my thinking easy? No! Did it even cross my mind in the middle of all the chaos? NO! Not until a quiet voice reminded me that this challenge was a blessing. I am grateful for that quiet voice.

Six years ago, my friend Rachel told my about a very moving lesson they had had in Relief Society. The women teaching drew two circles on the white board and wrote "trials" in one and "tribulations" in the other. Then, she had each women tell her some trial they had had or were currently experiencing. For each one, she wrote it in a smaller circle and attached it to the larger circle - just a bubble graph. When they were all done talking about their challenges, she erased the words "trials" and "tribulations" and replaced them with "blessings" and "opportunities."

Whoa!

I don't think it's easy for anyone to have challenges. Growing's not easy. It hurts. But, I know we're not alone on this journey and that no pain is too big for our Savior who loves us.

Otitis Media - the Ear Infection

I have been meaning to make this post for awhile now, but hadn't got around to it yet. Now I'm awake and I'm not falling back asleep, so I figure - there's no better time to talk about Otitis Media.

Just a little background on my search for a cure...

When my oldest daughter was born, she had quite a few ear infections. I have an aunt who swears that tea oil is the answer. She "used it in her kids ears and it worked." If you hear anyone say this, run away! I learned from sad experience that melaleuca oil is NEVER to be put in the nose, eyes, or ears. It will cause the membranes to blister. Tea oil, also known as melaleuca, is an antiseptic for cleaning wounds - like hydrogen peroxide. Don't put it in your ears to cure otitis media!

Years later, after that whole tea oil episode, I was talking about ear infections with one of my grandmother's friends. She said she had herbal drops that had helped all but two of her daughters' ear infections go away. She gave me a little bottle and said, "just put 2-3 drops in the infected ear every couple hours for a day. You can do it for two days if you really want to be safe." Seriously?! I was so skeptical, that little bottle sat in a box in my closet for nearly two years.

A few years ago, our children - one in particular - began getting lots of ear infections. Our pediatrician told us most ear infections are viral; but, the only way to find out if the infections is caused by a virus or bacteria is to stick a long needle in the ear, draw out the fluid, and test it. They don't like doing this for obvious reasons; so, antibiotics are the prescription.

According to what the pediatrician said, if most ear infections are viral, and medicine can't kill a virus - the common cold for example - then the antibiotics aren't affecting the otitis media in any way anyway.

During the summer, while in my Human Development and Child Psychology classes, I learned that 80% of ear infections are viral, so antibiotics only work for 20% of ear infections. Antibiotics are affective for 1 in 5 ear infections. WHAT?! And, what happens when the body has too much antibiotic? It builds resistance and the antibiotic wont work anyway. Or, in the case of a particular family member, you become allergic to it and experience painful and irritating symptoms when your mother forgets to tell the Dr.. (I will never do that again)!

After learning and experiencing all of this, one of my kids got an ear infection. It was the weekend, the pediatrician was closed. The only thing to do was visit to the ER - and we don't do the ER unless we're dieing or have the potential to die as a result of not going :) Anyway, it's the weekend, and we have an ear infection. I being extremely skeptical, but wondering if there's a chance, dig the little bottle out of the box in my closet. We administer the drops as directed - for two days, just to be safe. And, do you now what happened? The infection went away. We have done this a total of three times now. And, each time the ear infection has gone away.

I wanted to share what this stuff is. If you want to try it, go ahead. If you want to research what I researched, go ahead. (Whatever you do, don't experiment with tea oil in ears)! The mixture that we have used for our last three ear infections is a combination of: olive oil, garlic, mullein, and lobelia. (All liquid - no powder). The first mix I had was home made, the second was purchased at a health foods store. Both worked, although the home made tincture was a lot thicker and smelled stronger. (I would like to learn how to make this).

I just thought maybe, somewhere out there, someone might find this information useful. There's nothing worse than watching one of your kids with an ear infection.

Love you all and good luck on your search for a cure!

July 20, 2015 I do want to add a little comment to this: we've been using these ear drops for years now and they are awesome! And, antibiotics do kill bacteria that begins to grow in mucus in the ear. My oldest recently had an ear infection and we did antibiotics instead of the ear drops and after a few days I asked her what she liked better: ear drops or antibiotics. She prefers the drops because she doesn't have to do them for as long.

Clean Out Your Inbox

Alright, the time has come. This is the day I will clean out my Inbox. What about you? Do you have an Inbox that needs cleaning?

Friday, my grandma called. We talked for a minute, and then I asked, "Grandma, did you get the last e-mail I sent, with the Chili Sauce Recipe?" "No," she responded, "I haven't got an e-mail from you in a very long time." Hmm, that's interesting, because I haven't received a response from her in a "very long time." Suddenly, it dawned on me, "Grandma, will you check your Spam list and see if that's where my e-mails have gone?" She didn't know what Spam was; so, I had the opportunity to check it for her.

Long story short, when she opened her e-mail for me, I discovered hundreds of messages - most of which were unopened. After a brief search, I found my little messages buried in the Inbox. Grandma just couldn't "see" them.

This was a huge light bulb moment for me. That Inbox is like life - full of the things I allow to fill it. My question is, are we burying things of importance in the mess of non-importance? Life is full of good things, but is the good crowding out the great?

The more I think about it, the more I realize how many countless hours are spent getting us preoccupied with things that don't really matter, and believing they do. I don't think making time for what matters most will be easy, but, I feel like it can be done. Start small, end big. Clean the Inbox.

What about you? Do you have an Inbox that needs cleaning?

Bee Sting Remedy

I know this is the wrong time of year, for many, to worry about bee stings; but, I thought I'd include it anyway. Actually, Christina was just stung by a bee the day of our first snow - about three weeks ago.

Bee Sting Remedy: place honey on it. It's as simple as that and quite fast too!

I learned there are more than 5,000 native bees in North America - this includes bumble bees. Native bees are non aggressive because they are solitary. Which means they don't live in hives like honey bees, hornets, wasps, and the like. So, they don't have anything to protect. And, if one stings you, it's not painful.

Cloth Diapers

This may sound totally crazy to a lot of people, but I wanted to do a post about it anyway. Back in February, I made my family switch from using disposable diapers to cloth diapers. (Am I crazy or what?!) I had a couple reasons for this. The first had to do with preparedness. In order for my family to have a year supply of diapers, we would have needed to purchase 42 cases. Where in the world do we find room to store 42 cases of diapers?! Not to mention the price: 42 x $20.00, not really possible. And then there's the whole size issue: what sizes and how many do we purchase of each one? Disposable diapers were not an option for storage so I said to myself "Well, we can store cloth diapers; but, if I'm going to store them, I'm going to use them." And that was that.

After much research and debate, the one I finally decided to use was the Bum Genius because of convenience. The wash tabs (where the Velcro tabs attach for washing) have worn out and it's only been six months, but the rest of the diaper still works fine. (A few of the reviews I read mentioned this issue, and because of their price tag, I wish they would last longer; but, that piece would be easy to replace).

It took six months of using them to break even, but I think they're worth it. (And after using these, I'd even start using prefolds 'cause the whole diapering issue is so easy)! Here's a diagram of the diapers I bought.


Here's a couple links I checked out for cloth diapers. Seriously though, for a plethora of information, instructions, free patterns, and supplies, just Google cloth diapers. You will find a ton!!!

Diaper Pin
Cotton Babies (Where I ordered Bum Genius. I also bought some from a shop in Riverton).
Tallulah Baby
Very Baby (Tallulah Baby diaper pattern - similar to Bum Genius - $10.95)
Very Baby Blog (Diaper making tutorials)
Celtic Cloths (One of many free patterns on line, but don't actually know how it works).

Helping Our Home's Be More Energy Efficient

I know we can't always run out and buy new appliances; but, here's a list of things we can do to help lower our monthly utility bills. For more ideas, visit Therm - the Energy Wise Guy at thermwise.com. (If you live outside of Utah or Wyoming, check your local gas provider's website to see if they offer information).

Energy-smart consumers buy natural gas appliances. And the best way to get the most out of every energy dollar is to have a qualified professional periodically make sure your appliances work at peak performance. Saving energy means saving money. Here are some tips that will help you do both:

FURNACE TIPS – The single largest user of natural gas in the home is the furnace. A well-maintained furnace will work more efficiently and last longer. And when it’s time to buy a new furnace, an expert can advise you on the best solution for your home-heating needs.

• Choose an ENERGY STAR furnace – If it's time to replace your existing furnace, consider buying a furnace that's earned the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR furnaces have an annual fuel efficiency rating (AFUE) of 90% or higher, making them up to 15% more energy efficient than standard models.
• Professional tune-up – A periodic furnace inspection by a heating professional will ensure safe, efficient operation. Change the filter – changing the furnace filter regularly will help keep clean air flowing throughout your home. If the filter becomes dirty or clogged, it will restrict airflow and cause the furnace to stay on longer – using more fuel. Note: If you have a central air conditioner, your filter may need to be changed more frequently because it’s working during the summer too.
• Keep vents and registers unobstructed – Move drapes, rugs and furniture away from heat registers and return-air vents. Free-flowing air through the furnace provides quick comfort for less money.
• Install a programmable thermostat – You won’t have to remember to turn the furnace down when you go to sleep or leave for work. Consistent temperature control will help reduce your fuel usage and lower your energy costs.

WATER HEATER TIPS – This is the second-largest energy user in the home. Even though natural gas water heating is economical, there are ways to stretch your energy dollar.

• Lower the temperature – Reduce the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or turn the dial from high to medium. Turn the dial to low if you are going to be gone for a few days or more.
• Reduce hot water usage – Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use. Fix leaky faucets and run clothes- and dishwashers with a full load. Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets. Restrictors can cut hot-water use without affecting comfort.
• Insulate the water heater and hot-water pipes – Install a water-heater blanket and hot-water-pipe insulation. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Choose an energy efficient water heater – When replacing a water heater, the best way to assure performance is to purchase a model with a high energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF, the better. Natural gas water heaters with an EF rating of 0.63 qualify for ThermWise Appliance Rebates.

CLOTHS DRYER TIPS – Dry clothes faster and for less money with natural gas. These natural gas dryer tips can help save you money and leave "nothing out to dry."

• Choose a dryer with a moisture sensor – Many new clothes dryers have moisture sensors available. When your clothes are dry, the dryer shuts off, which will save you money.
• Dry full loads – You’ll use less energy per clothing item. And when one load is done, follow up with another load to benefit from the residual heat.
• Clean the lint screen between each load – A clean screen allows for quick drying cycle.

GENERAL TIPS – There are a number of ways to cut your energy costs by making your home more energy efficient.

• Choose products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. Products in more than 50 categories are eligible for the ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR is the trusted national symbol for energy efficiency, backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR products use less energy, save money and help protect the environment.
• Windows are a major source of heat loss. Consider installing storm or thermal windows. ENERGY STAR windows save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be fastened over windows to retain heat.
• Set the thermostat between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. Before sleeping, lower the thermostat and add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly people or infants.
• Keep heat registers and air-return vents unobstructed. Your furnace must be able to circulate air freely to work efficiently. Arrange your furniture with heating economy in mind.
• Heat rises so use registers to direct warm air–flow across the floor. Ceiling fans can also help circulate warm air into the living area.
• Use drapes, shutters, awnings, shade trees, glass with reflective film and/or solar screens to keep your house cooler in the summer. Let sunlight in during the winter to help warm your house.
• When buying new appliances, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. A slightly higher initial cost for a high-efficiency appliance could be paid back quickly through energy savings and lower utility bills.
• Eliminate air leaks in your home with caulking, sealants or weather stripping. Look for leaks around windows, doors, plumbing, ducts, and electrical outlets.
• Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.
• Check to see if the attic and walls have the recommended levels of insulation.

Just a Thought

Lifetime Memories...for Our Children
by Dr. A.D. Witham

Pause with your child-when others hurry by;
Walk with your child-when others are running;
Talk with your child-when others prefer shouting;
Listen to our child-when others appear preoccupied;
Smile with your child-when others can find only frowns;
Play with your child-when others prefer to be entertained;
Praise your child-when others can find only fault;
Learn from your child-when others have forsaken curiosity;
Dream with your child-when others have become cynical;
Read with your child-when others prefer television;
Pray with your child-when others have lost faith;
Apologize to your child-when others pretend perfection;
Discipline your child-when others fail to establish limits;
Hug your child-when others fail to sense the power of touch!

Today's Challenge:

Talk Softly, when you feel like yelling;
Praise, when you want to criticize;
Hug, when you feel like spanking;
Play, when you're too busy.

Start Protecting Against Identity Theft

I received this pamphet in the mail about two years ago.

DETER-DETECT-DEFEND

AVOIDtheft
www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Fighting Back Against
Identity Theft
Federal Trade Commission

Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.

Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.

1. Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal informaion before you discard them.
2. Protect you Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in you wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
3. Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
4. Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect you home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
5. Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your social security number.
6. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

Detect suspidious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.

Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:

1. Bills that do not arrive as expected
2. Unexpected credit cards or account statements
3. Denials of credit for no apparent reason
4. Calls or letters about purchases you did not make

Inspect:

1. Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.

• The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
  
• Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. you also can write:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

2. Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.

Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.

1. Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initioal 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
• Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.

1. Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.

• Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay.
  
• Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
• Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
• Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

2. File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

3. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

• Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
• By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261
• By mail:

Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, DC 20580

Common Ways ID Theft Happens:

Skilled Identity Thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:

1. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.

2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.

3. Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.

4. Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change of address" form.

5. "Old-Fashioned" Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit card offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

To learn more about ID theft and how to deter, detect, and defend against it, visit ftc.gov/idtheft. Or request copies of ID theft resources by writing to:

Consumer Response Center
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, H-130
Washington, DC 20580

Motivational Monday, One Day Late

"To be a righteous woman during the winding-up scenes on this earth, before the Second Coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be ten fold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society's basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife." (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p326)

How true it is! We have been blessed with the opportunity to be here at this particular time in history. I think we've chosen to play at this level, as stated in Being the Mom by Emily Watts. She begins by talking about a game she likes playing called "Lose Your Marbles." "...many things about the games we play could operate to our benefit in our lives, if we would let them. For example, I now play 'lose Your Marbles' at the highest of the three skill levels offered, because otherwise it's too easy; it isn't any fun when I can win handily every time. This makes me think maybe I should stop whining about my life being too hard. Maybe I've chosen to play at this skill level!" (p. 107)

Time's are tough. Life is rough! There's a lot to be done before the Savior comes again. But each of us is here because this is the level we have chosen to play at and our Heavenly Father knows that. He knows each of us and He knows what we are capable of doing. So, fear not, pray for strength, and go forth with faith!

Lucky Number Eight...

Eight Favorite T.V. Shows:

1. I Don't
   
2. Watch T.V.
   
3. So I
   
4. Don't
   
5. Know
   
6. What
   
7. To List
   
8. Here
   

Eight Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Played
2. Giggled
3. Worked Really Hard
4. Walked Like an Egyptian at Arby's
   
5. Enjoyed the Sunshine
   
6. Talked to Cynthia
7. Ate a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
8. Marveled at My Neighbor's Hanging Laundry

Eight Favorite Restaurants:

1. Arby's
2. Arby's
3. Arby's
4. Ya Gotta
5. Admit,
6. It Pays
7. The
8. Bills

Eight Things on Wish List:

1. Fifteen Month Supply of Food
   
2. Military Tent
3. Five Sleeping Bags
4. Santa Fe Sold
5. A Big Garden, Fruit Trees, Grape Vines, and Other Berries
   
6. No DEBT!!!
7. Be Closer to Family! I Love You ALL!!!
8. Chickens

Eight People to Tag:

1. Ditto
2. On
3. Everyone
4. Melanie
5. Tagged
6. On
7. Her
8. Blog :)