It’s that time of year.  When fall and winter arrive it is time for toddlers and young children to get the croup.  So, what can you do to treat your child?

• Cold air works the best, according to my daughter’s doctor.  If your child is having a croupy cough attack it might be easiest to take him outside for a little while.
• Use a cool mist humidifier.
• If your child has a nebulizer machine (for treating asthma) crush some ice and add a little water to it then put it in the part where you usually put the medicine.
• Put your sweatshirts on and turn the heat down in your house.  If it’s not too cold, you might want to open some windows just a little bit.

Be sure to talk to your child’s health care provider.  While most cases of the croup are mild they can be serious.

I need a new cell phone.  I’ve been using the same one for 3 years and it is worn out.  Sometimes when someone calls me my phone doesn’t even ring.  People have to leave me a voicemail so that when that goes off I will know I missed a call.  So I’ve been looking at some unlocked cell phones thinking that might be what I want to get for Christmas this year.

Why is my computer running so slow?  It drives me crazy.  I got it last year for Christmas and I consider that to be relatively new.  One of the things it does that really annoys me is as I type along it suddenly comes to a stop.  My typing just stops for a few seconds.  It’s not hesitating- where it will pick up and show what I was typing.  No, it just stops.  I don’t need anymore computer memory because my husband already tried that.  Any suggestions?

Do you know who the hardest person in the world to buy for at Christmas time is?  My husband.  He is impossible.  He usually says he wants nothing.  Or he wants things that are very expensive.  Things like a boat.  You know things that normal people do not buy as Christmas presents.  Since it is so hard to come up with ideas for him I have to pay close attention all year long to comments he makes about things he might want.  We bought a flat panel TV a while ago and it is on our entertainment center.  But I did hear him make a comment once about a flat panel mount for our TV.  So, I’m thinking that might be a good idea for him.  It would also free up some space in our family room.  Other than that idea, I am at a loss!

The other day we took our daughter to the mall to see Santa.  Since I did not want to spend $13 on one picture I brought my own camera with me to take some pictures.  All of the other parents were doing the same thing.  I think if they charged like $8 or so that more people would buy the pictures.  Anyways, I took one picture and my camera flashed a message at me “Memory card is full.”  No way!  Fortunately my camera has a little bit of memory on it, enough for about 15 pictures, so I was still able to get several shots.  But I was still annoyed with myself.  I am so careful to make sure and clear my pictures off after I put them on my computer.  But this time I forgot.  So- on my Christmas list this year- a new micro sd card for my camera.  I need a lot more memory capacity than the one I have now.

Make sure you have plenty of memory on your card for your digital camera so you don’t miss out on the important pictures this holiday season!

Taking a trip to Las Vegas may not sound exactly like a family vacation.  But, Las Vegas has changed over the years and it really has a family friendly environment now.  We went about 5 years ago with our then 11 year old.  We started out at the Grand Canyon for a couple of days.  Then we stayed at a hotel in las vegas for about a week.

We are not really gamblers- and that is okay because there is tons of stuff to do in Las Vegas besides gambling.  We went to all sorts of shows- many of them were free, we ate tons of food, we went to more shows and ate more food.  We toured many of the hotels- they are amazingly decorated.

If you’re looking for a great family vacation- some fun for everyone, Las Vegas is definitely a place to consider!

In my previous post I talked a bit about some tips to help you with your upcoming move.  Now one of the main things you are going to need for your move is boxes.  I am actually hoping to move one day so I save all of the good boxes I can.  I break them down so they are flat and and stick them on the side of my freezer in my pantry.  But, if you don’t have time to save boxes, where can you get some?

Ask stores what day they have their deliveries on.  If your local grocery store has a delivery on Monday then ask the manager to set aside boxes for you.  If you don’t ask, many stores have machines that crush the boxes for the and you won’t be able to get any boxes.  You can also purchase some shipping boxes.  That way you will know you are getting exactly what you need- the perfect sizes and the boxes will be in good condition.

What are some other places you can get boxes?

Are you moving in the near future?  I have moved a few times and I know how stressful it can be.  So, here are some tips to help make your move a little easier:

• Get boxes.  Lots and lots of boxes.  Get your scissors and your packaging tape too.
• Use markers to color code your boxes.  Blue goes in the living room, red goes in the kitchen, etc
• Newspapers and plastic bags are necessary for packing your breakable items.
• Hire some movers- if you’re moving to NY you could hire New York movers.
• Have a special box with your cleaning supplies so you can clean your new home when you get there before moving all of your stuff in.
• Take it easy… if you stress yourself out it will be a lot harder than it will be if you stay calm.

How are your child’s manners?  I think manners are very important and I think children who have good manners are much more likeable than children who do not use simple phrases like please and thank you.  I don’t mean kids who are outright rude- they are definitely not likeable.  But even kids who do not say please and thank you- it shows a reflection of their parents.

With my daughter I started right away teaching her please and thank you.  She could sign those words long before she could say anything at all.  And now that she talks she is very good about saying please and thank you.  I think setting an example and reminding our children to say please and thank you are very important in teaching manners.

What do you do to help your child grow up to be polite?

Do you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?  I have never been diagnosed with it, but I do believe that I have it.  Symptoms include- feeling restless, irritable, tense or on edge, and having a lack of patience.  You may also have some physical symptoms such as headaches and jaw pain, chest tightness, dry mouth, insomnia and fatigue.

I have never tried any treatments for my anxiety other than cutting out caffeine, and getting more exercise.  But these are some natural treatments I have heard about:

• Mind and Body techniques (such as yoga)- learn how to make yourself feel relaxed.
• Passionflower
• Bodywork (such as massage)
• Valerian
• Kava
• Aromatherapy

Of course if you are experiencing any anxiety you should be evaluated by your doctor.