Wellness Wednesday - Season of Sick

Maybe it's always been this way, but it seems to me that sicknesses have a designated season now more than ever.  Flu Season.  RSV Season.  Pneumonia Season.

I find this so interesting.  Can't we just call it - 'You're More Susceptible' Season?  The 'bugs' aren't more prevalent, we are just a more willing host this time of year!

Here's the recipe to ensure some downtime:

Less Sun (source of Vitamin D)

+

Less Water 

+

More Stress

+

More Sugar

=

A Willing Host, A Happy Home, A 'Cootie's' Playground, if you will...

So, what do we do about it?!  We change the formula!  

Go outside, when you can.  Show some skin while you're outside, when you can.  We use a whole food line of supplements to supplement our vitamin D when we can't be outside as often.  

Drink more water.  I struggle with this in the cooler months.  I could drink coffee or hot tea all day long.  And while you get some hydration from caffeine free teas, there's no substitute for a drink of water.  I am very intentional about it for me and the kids.  For the kids, water is their only option for a beverage, ever.  For me, I just get out a glass for water when I make my first cuppa in the morning and I make myself match each coffee or tea with a glass of water.

Decrease sugar.  So, so hard, isn't it???  This is not rocket science...we all know we would weigh less and feel better if we'd stop eating sugary foods - and yet, it's hard.  If you would have seen me at Thanksgiving, you would definitely call this pot the kettle.  It's just so GOOD, isn't it?!  Here's what we have to do...  Remember how it will make us feel/be susceptible to.  Try bites of our favorite things, skip the mindless munching.  And...be the buzz kill guest and bring a healthy option to parties.

Decrease stress.  We are making a big movement toward this over here.  We are being very intentional to let the things we say yes to, the parties and open houses and gift exchanges, be well thought out and selective.  We are also making this season about Jesus instead of keep up with the Jones'.  In doing this, I have realized that the hustle and bustle of this season is 100% self inflicted.  It's ok to say no, it's ok to give a gift card, it's ok to bring the cups and napkins instead of a baked good - it's really ok.

So, it's simple on paper, isn't it?  Here's the key...take one healthy step each day.  Don't make this yet another thing on your to do list - just tuck it away in a safe corner of your mind and let it help you make better choices.

My Medicine Cabinet for the Season of Sick:

Thieves - Young Living Essential Oil - I LOVE this one.  It has a proven track record, it smells good, it WORKS, it has many applications.  It's my go to oil and first thing I reach for when boogers arrive on the scene.  (You can order this through me if you'd like to try it.  I'm happy to let you try a bottle at my distributor cost!)

Boiron Homeopathic Treatments - You can pick these up at most pharmacies.  This is the only cough syrup (besides just a spoonful of honey) that we use.  

The Neti Pot - I cannot tout it's praises loudly enough.  It's awesome.  Do it.  And let your kids try it...mine shocked the socks off of me and are neti pot PROs.  They love it...weirdos.  (Read the warnings, clean the pot well, don't be stupid.)

Immuplex and Cod Liver Oil - from Standard Process.

Stay Healthy, my friends,
Erin

You're So Vain...

Really, I'm so vain.  For a while now, I have wanted someone to capture in photos a typical day at our house.  It's not glamorous or exciting, but I know this season is so short and really, it's amazing.  I wanted someone to freeze time for me...so that when they are busy and out of the house and on to other things, I'll remember.  Or when they have babies underfoot and feel lonely at times in that, I can show them what it looked like for me.

That...and I want witnesses!  I wanted someone to see what the double jogger loaded up and Jack on my chest for our morning walk looks like!  I wanted proof that the hour before Dan walks in is indescribable in the combined needs of the three hungry, bored, tired, cranky kidlets...that getting dinner ready is a circus event.  That I sometimes hide by sitting on the kitchen floor because it's out of the direct line of sight and that somehow makes them forget that I'm right there and that they need to be 'UP'.  I wanted proof that while, yes, I always have a to do list and a few projects going - they halt 14 times a day to read to a baby or kiss a boo-boo or just snuggle.  And, as gross as it is...I hate that there is no proof that 8 times out of 10, I have a baby on my lap when I go pee.

Well, my friend Sandy came to visit.  There was a witness to a typical day...and a few times, she picked up a camera.  (Don't worry, not one is of a bathroom)

Proof....

"On every level of life, from housework to heights of prayer, in all judgment and efforts to get things done, hurry and impatience are sure marks of the amateur." - Evelyn Underhill quoted in 'One Thousand Gifts'

I'm an amateur, but I'm learning...

-Momma

Wellness Wednesday - An Intro

I had this whole other life before I was a mom.  It's a foggy memory, at best, but I know it existed.  In that life, I was educated by book and life on the human body and it's workings.  Life is different now.  Now, I am reminded of that era only once a month...when I notice the bank draft for the payment on the mortgage sized debt on my big brain.  Sure, I adjust Dan and the kids some, and you know I politely offer force my opinions on practice management on Dan occasionally.  But, for the most part, I call on the professional chiropractor part of my brain VERY infrequently.

I have recently become very aware, though, that the lifestyle that comes with that - what has become just our normal life - is a different approach to managing a family's health than most.  It's not the only way, but our way is different than some.  

And so, not as a health care professional, but as a mom who is just trying to figure out what works best for us, I thought I would share some of the things that we do that are maybe not the conventional approach.  Take 'em or leave 'em.  I hope that this can be a discussion of many wellness type options out there so that we can all learn something.  I hope this does NOT become a place for heated debate.  I don't have the stomach for it.  Some people love to ruffle a feather with their out of the norm stance.  I do not.  I don't have the time or the sleep reserves for this to get heated.  If this isn't up your alley, know that I'll always post these topics on Wednesdays (unless it's Friday (sheesh!!!)) under the title Wellness Wednesday.  Skip it.  Come on back on Thursday and see some cute pics of my littles.  Basically, be kind.

Here are some items on the list to be discussed:

Chiropractic

How We Deal with Sickness

My Medicine Cabinet

Essential Oils

Bentonite Clay

Bone Broth

Apple Cidar Vinegar

What We Eat

Whole Food Supplements

What else do you want to talk about?  

I'm excited about this, friends!  I have become encouraged by some unlikely sources to share what we do to maintain health.  I think we are moving into a strange season of health care here in our beloved country.  My feeling is, that the more empowered and confident you are to manage and maintain your family's health, the better off you will be.

See you Wednesday to hop on in...

The Momma Formerly Known as Dr. Prince

Boutique

Boutique shopping intimidates me.  Rather, the super cute girls that work in boutiques intimidate me.  That coupled with my most utilized clothing items being of the cheap yoga (stretchy) variety, and my kids needing only clothes that paint and red dirt can't destroy....I mostly avoid all of the cute little boutique shops here.

I've lived here over a year...I finally went in recentlly!  And here's what I learned:

1.  Boutique owners are small business owners (just like us!) just peddling different stuff.  They are trying to make a buck and maybe have a creative outlet.

2.  Small boutiques have WAY more 'Made in USA' and even 'Made in Oklahoma' things than Target...go figure.

3.  The women who work there were never once anything but kind and helpful.  They're not better than me, they're trendier than me!  (I am 100% certain that if I tried to pull off that cute little headband worn like a sweat band I would channel Richard Simmons, not an Olsen twin.)

Exhibit A

4.  Shopping is fun!  Even if you don't buy, even if you don't even like anything in that store, it was so good for me to change my routine...to go to a new place.  To take 30 minutes for myself on a Mother's Day Out day and not clean or do office work.

Go shop locally!  Spend an extra $5...It feels at least $5 good.

Wellness Wednesday - Movember

We must take good care of our menfolk, huh, ladies?! I jokingly tell Dan often that if I should die, he needs to remarry THE NEXT DAY! Grieve in private. Grieve me for years...but you add a woman back into this house...THE NEXT DAY!

Between the nighttime deafness and the inability to find anything, anytime, Mommas are important to daddys.

But, daddys are so important to babies (and the mommas, too!). So we gotta keep them healthy!

Movember. No Shave November.

Are you familiar with this idea? Men quit shaving for a month and do it for a cause (so that we can't beg them to shave!)

Men's health really does get neglected on the public arena. We know all about Pap smears and mammograms, but no body wants to talk about men's health.

And I don't really either, so I'm not going to. Here's what I will do...a couple tips, if you will.

1. Learn about the issues. Testicular cancer is an untalked about condition that mostly affects men in their 30-40's. Read about it, then tell your man about it.

Time out: Wait, first, some rules:

- I am merely passing along information, I'm no expert
- Stop thinking about it
- Do NOT comment on Facebook
- Don't ask me about it...Google it.
- Stop thinking about it
- I'm sorry ...or...
- You're welcome
- I don't want to talk about it

Here it goes.

2. Guys who have lots of sex have fewer men's health issues. (Especially prostate problems, it's real, google it.)

There, I said it.

Stop thinking about it.

-E

A List (And a Giveaway!!)

I've given up writing my daily to do list.  It was the exact same things everyday, and I found myself gauging how good of a day it was by how quickly and efficiently I made it through my list.  Silliness.

But I still LOVE a list.

1.  Lorde station on pandora.  I had to spend some time thumbs up-ing and thumbs down-ing due to some expressive language, but overall, it makes me feel like a hip mom.  (Ha!)

2.  This video 

(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/19/florida-state-university-acabelles-royals_n_4303688.html?utm_hp_ref=lorde) 

(copy and paste if the link won't work, then come on over and TEACH ME HOW TO USE A COMPUTER)!  

I guess I am just obsessed with this song in general, but more...watch these girls!!  Here's my take...1. They are LOVING on themselves.  Watch that lead lady...confidence oozes off of her.  I dig it.  2. Due to my extreme (over) self confidence, I can insert myself into either the melody or harmony roles in this song and think I would ROCK it.  But that beat box????  A vocal drum line?  This, this is what I aspire to.  Don't mind me...I'll be practicing.

3.  Instagram.  It's my current favorite form of social media.  If you're on...follow me!  But more importantly, follow these girls:  @jaminato @herwelshness @tiffanyruda @theandersoncrew @underthesycamore @five_chicks_and_farmer  

These are some of my favorite people that I've never met in real life.

4.  Young Living oils.  (Coming soon, a recurring Wellness Wednesday post.  Where I act like a used to be a doctor and throw hippy opinions on wellness at you...it'll be great!)  Thieves, Peppermint, and Citrus Fresh are on my favorite list this week.  I use them to freshen the air, protect against cooties, and calm a sick tummy.

5.  My kiddos are **already** obsessed with "Hippopotamus for Christmas".  Lord, help me...it's still a month away.

6.  Gillian Flynn (author).  I love a well written fiction novel.  I'm reading Gone Girl now...here's what I love.  The chapters switch back and forth from the perspective of the two main characters.  When I'm ready an Amy chapter, I am 100% Team Amy.  When I am ready a Nick chapter, I am 100% Team Nick.  I am either the most fickle person I know, or that is some GOOD writing.

7.  The Jesus Storybook Bible  I love it soooooo much.  I learn something.  The girls listen intently.  The chapters are short enough to be bedtime manageable.  It screams JESUS on every page.  Love.  Love enough that I want you to have it!  I'll pick 2 winners!  One from comments here on the blog, and one from comments on Facebook.  (Feel free to share this post!)  It'll be random and fair.  I'll get them in the mail to you before Thanksgiving!

Happy Friday!!

I Think It's My Thyroid...

**Disclaimer - Thyroids are important.  When there is truly something wrong with a thyroid it must be addressed.  I'm attempting to be funny, not disrespectful to the 10's of you who read my blog and have an actual thyroid problem.**

I have convinced myself that I have a hyperthyroidism.  The most notable symptoms of hyperthyroidism are that 'ants in your pants' feeling, not being able to sit still, sweating, and then later, bugging eyes.  Yip, I have all of these.  I was about to go get blood work and sign up for a transplant when my dear Jen suggested maybe it was just the coffee talking.  This got me to thinking...

My day starts before I'd like for it to (6, yes, I would LOVE to sleep in til 6) via one of two methods:

1.  Jack the terrorist screaming from his room like he has probably vomited everywhere, had a terrible nightmare, is delirious with fever, AND there is a live bear in his room stalking toward his crib.  Leading to the sprint out of bed (EVERYtime) to open the door and finding an immediately silent happy baby who says 'Hi, Ma!' or maybe 'movie??'.

OR

2.  A little curly headed girl (or two) who did the ninja sneak into our room and doesn't make a peep until she whispers 'Momma!' a half an inch from my face.

Folks, both will get your blood pumping.  Good morning!!!

Then, I fire up the Keurig for her morning workout.  I like to have my first cup standing in front of the machine, ignoring the three alarm clocks, drinking it as quickly as the temperature will allow, so that I can make my second cup and go sit in the living room with them.

Next, we have rapid fire emergencies:
1.  Momma, I have to pee NOW, bad, bad...hurry Momma!
2.  I want breakfast!!!
3.  Jack is shooooooey, and he's taking off his diaper!
4.  Babe, did you fold the gowns for me to take back to the office?
5.  etc...

We are really, really trying to raise respectful tiny humans, but most of the time their initial request for something (shoes, snacks, up!, etc) are like a drill sergeants barking a direct order (or so I imagine).

There is a break in the middle of the day when a miracle happens and all three take a nap...but instead of sitting down for that hour, there is shiz to do!  And I always fool myself into thinking that if I do it all really quickly then I can sit for a second when it's done.  False.  False, Erin.  It was false yesterday, it will be false tomorrow.  They know.  Put away the last dish or last folded piece of clothing, close the final account I was working on, wipe down the last of the miraculously re-appearing yogurt smear from breakfast....and someone wakes up.  And, none of mine are very slow to warm.  They don't wake up and want to sit and rock and snuggle.  They don't crave a moment alone snuggling with the momma.  Nope, they get real busy and real loud and make sure the lazy two wake up immediately.  Game on.

There's the pep rally that is required to get out of the house...I'll race you to the front door!!  Bet you can't keep both your shoes on AND your hair in a ponytail!  Jack, want to watch a movie in the car!!!!  Oh, the enthusiasm that is required to make the job go more smoothly!!

And then, underneath it all...is me, having my 5th cup of coffee, shaking and sweating...thinking, "Ga, I MUST have a thyroid problem or something..."