Show Me the Money Part 2

As you have read before, I have been playing the Grocery Game. I thought I would share, again, some of my bargains.

For the past 2 weeks, here are my savings:

Walgreens--$110.21 worth of groceries for $55.28. A total savings of $54.93

Kroger--$84.64 worth of groceries for $68.01. A total savings of $16.63

CVS--$55.70 worth of groceries for $21.70. A total savings of $34.00

Total spent for the past 2 weeks--$250.55 worth of groceries for $144.99.

Total amount saved the past 2 weeks-----$105.56

Bug Free but not Allergy Free

Yesterday was vomit and diarrhea free. However, BB broke out into his urticaria again. This time it was around 1:30. After his prescribed dose of Benadryl, it didn't improve and continued to spread. I called his pediatrician, in which I got a much better reception and they immediately worked me in.

His doctor believes that he is having an allergic reaction to something that he is eating or some kind of preservative in foods. However, it has been known to happen when exposed to certain viruses and bacteria. When I told him that we have had the "stomach bug" all week, he did seem to think that this could have possibly caused the sudden onset. According to the doctor and what I have read about it, the causes of urticaria are hard to pinpoint and sometimes go unknown. It can disappear as fast as it appeared and flare-up several times a day while dormant on others.

With all that being said, he prescribed some oral steroids along with an epi-pen just in case his allergies become more severe. He also advised taking children's Claritan everyday and we can use Benadryl as needed for sudden flare-ups.

Today was vomit and diarrhea free, also. And I thought was gonna be urticaria free. However, about 5:30, BB had another flare-up. Only this time it didn't spread as fast. I held off the Benadryl to see how fast and how bad it would get. It did spread and I eventually had to give Benadryl. At least this time, the Benadryl did help.

I plan to send the boys to school tomorrow. Hopefully, any "mean bugs" will remain at school and leave us alone.

Until next time, HB

From Mean Bug to Mean Allergy

Well, the rest of the day hasn't fared well. I got the bright idea I just had to steam clean my carpet since it had vomit and other body fluids from sick children. It was my last resort at trying to sanitize this place.

My dear dad picked up my sister's carpet cleaner and brought it over to my house. He helped me clean the carpet in the den and keep crowd control amongst the boys and Gizmo.

After a hard morning of more sanitizing, the boys went down for a nap and my dad went home to rest, also. He's still a little drained from his sickness on Saturday. JB remained in the bed for most of the day.

About 4:00 PM, BB woke up from his nap but came to me complaining of his leg itching and hurting. To say I was shocked at what I saw is an understatement. He had numerous of welts forming on his leg that started at his ankles and ran to his knee. I immediately called my dad to come back over and help me take him to the doctor. At the time, I thought I would need to take both as JB was still dead to the world from the Phenergan.

I woke JB up to let him know what was happening. While, he's getting BB changed to cleaner clothes and I'm trying to contact our pediatrician. I won't go into the frustration I experienced with the doctor's office. Needless to say, I took BB to my mom's office to see our family physician b/c I wasn't gonna wait around for a nurse to call me back with what after-hour appointments they still had left. Although, this situation wasn't an ER emergency, I certainly didn't have time for a call back with an appointment that might have been 1 hour later. By this time all the welts, had meshed together and were now to his thigh, like one big swollen leg and they were now on both legs.

JB said he felt well enough to keep CB while my dad and I took BB to the doctor. The diagnosis was obviously an allergic reaction to something. The only thing we can think of is the cleaner for the carpet (that I just had to clean), although, it took several hours to manifest. I looked in his bed for any bugs but found nothing.

By the time we arrived at the doctor, the welts had grown to his buttocks and were really red and hot to the touch.

Luckily, all that was needed was some Benadryl, which I happened to put in my purse on the way out the door "just in case". I would have already given him some, but didn't know how much to give for such a situation.

From there we went back to my parents so not to get BB back on our carpets. My dear dad, again, went back to my house to try and rinse the carpet of any leftover cleaner, if that's actually what triggered BB's reaction, only time will tell if the rinse worked. If it's not the cleaner, then I'll be trying to figure out what it is. Hopefully, there won't be another reaction. We'll see.

You will see in the pics below just a bit of what was on both legs. The pic is actually after Benadryl when the welts were beginning to look better. BB went to bed with red splotches but no welts and more Benadryl.

Until next time, HB

We have come Full Cirlce

It's Monday morning and we are still sick. I ended up getting the "mean bug" beginning Friday night and Saturday. CB got sick again Friday night, but only threw up once. BB still has random bouts of diarrhea and JB starting throwing up last night and well into the morning. He's currently in our bed asleep.


My dad was sick all day Saturday and JB's sister, Angie, was sick last Thursday. I apologize to anyone else we may passed on this hideous germ.

Is there a disinfectant bomb I can purchase somewhere and let it go off? You know, like those roach and flea bombs you set off in your home while you are away for a few hours. We truly need one.

I don't know what it's gonna take to get rid of this but I am and have been disinfecting everything we put our hands on from door knobs, sink knobs, fridge door, cabinet knobs, light switches, toilets, EVERYTHING. I am constantly washing sheets and clothes to rid of lingering germs that may still be. I really don't know what else to do. I guess it just has to run it's course.

Whatever strand it is, it has multiple symptoms. Vomiting, Diarrhea, and achiness. My back, legs and hips so bad I honestly thought I had a ruptured disk in my lower back. My dad and Angie complained of the same symptoms.

I felt a little better after reading a blog from someone in another state where she reported that she and her husband had been sick. And claimed to have never been sicker. So I guess we are not the only ones. I just feel a little isolated...sorta like we started this whole germ. Actually, it's been going around the boys' school but I don't know how bad others have had it.

I do ask that you continue to pray for us. We are going on day 5 of this stuff.

Until next time, HB

"That's a Mean Bug, Mamma"

To quote BB when I told him that CB and Daddy had a "stomach bug"...."That's a mean bug, Mamma" And he was correct. Thursday morning, CB came into our room about 4:30 AM saying he was cold. Actually he was sick. Poor thing, threw up 3 times by 8:30 AM. As the day progressed his sickness seemed to subside until 8:30 PM. He was "sick" free for the rest of the night.

JB never got sick instead kept a constant state of nausea. Enough to make you feel miserable for the day.

JB stayed with CB while BB and I went to my parents' hoping to avoid the bug. BB was sick today but not as bad as his brother was. I have yet to get it, but time may prove otherwise.

I'll be glad when we are all feeling better. For the last 3 weeks, we had been battling runny noses, congested coughs, low grade fever and other cold like symptoms. These all have seem to subside for the time being. Again, time will may prove otherwise and fall and winter set in.

We covet your prayers that we will all be healed soon. Thanks to those who are emailed your concerns.

Until next time, HB

Another Chance

If you were unable to get an appointment with Jeanelle Caraway for a Fall/Halloween Mini Photo shoot, she is now taking appointments for Saturday, Oct. 4th.

Until next time, say, "Cheese", HB

Fall Mini Photo Session

You will notice in the poster below that you can get a Fall "Mini Photo Session" with the local photographer, Jeanelle Caraway for only $25.00 which includes (2) 5x7's and 8 wallets! Furthermore, additional prints will be 20% off! She is a great photographer and her service is exceptional also.

Location will be at an old wooden shed behind the big white realty house in Reunion. There will be haybales and pumpkins to further enhance the scenery. Dates are Saturday, October 18th from 8 to 4 and Sunday, October 19th from 1 to 6. To book your appointment or for more information you may contact her at 601.405.6969 or jeanelle117@yahoo.com

I and several of my friends have used her before and can attest to her great photography. To view her work you may visit http://www.jcarawayphotography.com/ I think you will agree that her pictures speak for itself. I have already made my appointment and if you haven't, I encourage you to do so quickly. She is booking up rather fast.

Vacation 2008

It was good while it lasted but it's gone. It's just like planning a wedding and planning for Christmas. The anticipation is exciting and makes for some sleepless nights but in 4 short days, it was gone leaving only memories, pictures, and the anticipation of the next vacation.

We arrived in Orange Beach on Sunday and left at 11:00 pm on Wed night. We had not planned to leave at that time but decided to drive straight through during the night which turned out to be a good decision. We were scheduled to check out Thursday by 11:00 AM anyway, so why not, we thought.

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful. The temps were awesome and very much bearable. The only day that we couldn't get in the water was Wednesday. That morning was a red flag with a double red flag by the afternoon due to hurricane Ike. However, we were still able to enjoy the sand and pool.

Monday night we played Adventure Golf. Tuesday night we shopped the souvenir shops and local boutiques. We enjoyed seafood every night of our stay.

As our time ended, I have already begun to anticipate our vacation for next year. The boys loved "bacation" and still ask if we can go to the beach.

I've posted a slide show below of just a few pics that I took. For those who remember my pics from last year...I took 900. This year was only 200...I was too busy having fun.

Enjoy!

Beach Bound

We are headed to the beach for a much needed vacation. We leave tomorrow morning to visit JB's parents in a sister state then leave from there Sunday morning headed South to Coast.

Our plans are to stay til Thursday, however, Ike may have other plans for us.

I look forward to no phone, no computer, no rushing, sea breezes, and fun with my family. The boys weren't quite 2 the last time we went, so I am excited to see them play as they are older for this trip and able to communicate much better.

Please pray for traveling mercies and that we can overcome these nagging sinus/cold issues.

I post pics when we return.

Until next time, I'm gonna be beach bum, HB

Sweet Pea

A few years ago, one of my dear friend, Steph, introduced me to the wonderful fragrance of Sweet Pea by Bath & Body Works. Since then, this has become "one of my favorite things".

I recently treated myself to several of the Sweet Pea products but my favorite of them is Daily High Lather Scrub. It leaves me smelling sweet, fresh and my skin is soft from the lathery scrub.

Until next time, HB