re: flu panic

Ok, so I know I only have a handful of readers.  And most of those readers have heard of my love of elderberry syrup.  But, in light of the rising panic of flu (swine or regular), I'm here to share some information on my favorite thing in my medicine cabinet.

Back when Caedmon was a wee 9 weeks old, I got hit by the flu. HARD.  High fever, chills, sore throat... you name the symptom, I had it.  Seeing as how I was nursing (around the clock, mind you), I couldn't really take anything to treat the symptoms.  This is where herbal remedy extraordinaire (a lady from church) stepped in and told me what I could do to get better.  Among the remedies she gave me was elderberry syrup.  And so my love for herbal things began.  I was a bit skeptical at first, but what else could I do?  I had a 9 week old to take care of!

I started researching it once I got better and lo and behold, every thing I came across said it was the best flu fighter out there!  Google it. You'll see.  This actually weakens the virus itself!   

If you read this, I HIGHLY recommend you head out to the health food store (Virginia's for you Mobilians) and get some!  The brand I use is Planetary Herbals, but Sambucol makes a good one too.  You can take it daily to help prevent, or hourly if you already have symptoms.  The flu is going around here, so I started taking it today, because Mommy doesn't have time to be sick!  Also, they make Eldertussin for kids, another thing I swear by.  Caedmon gets it at the first sign of runny nose or cough and it really helps him alot.  That's made by Herbs for Kids and is also always in our medicine cabinet!  

daddy daycare

While Courtney and I were on our mommytrip, Charlie and Chase were baby wrangling in Marietta.  And they didn't just hang around the house for 3 days.  Those daddies were busy!  Chase got 2 babies down for a nap Friday while Charlie took Kate to a dr. appointment.  They took all 3 to a birthday party that afternoon and then out to dinner Friday night!  On Saturday morning they headed to the Childrens Museum where a good time was had by all and then grilled out Saturday night and played in the sprinklers.  Sunday my nanny came down to see her Caedmonster and they spent the afternoon at the outlets in Dawsonville.  While Courtney and I were on our drive home, Charlie and Chase were planting tree in the backyard to surprise Courtney.  They bathed the mud off the kiddos and met us for some mexican and mommy hugs!

They all had a good time, but were definitely worn out when we got home!  After dinner, we took the babies home and sent the boys to see G.I. Joe.  We promised that when it becomes more than 3 babies, we'll enlist help for the daddies during mommytrips!

mommytrip '09

I'm so behind on blogging!!  I have several things to update on!

First off, mommytrip '09!

Back when our babies were still nursing, Courtney and I talked about taking a weekend away from all the kiddos when they were weaned.  When they were both weaned around the same time in May, we started planning.  After much discussion of places, dates, etc., we decide on Birmingham August 7-9.  I booked us a room at Ross Bridge Resort (love having a momma that works for Marriott!) and Courtney booked us a spa day at the Aveda Institute.  Then we waited for 2 months for our weekend to roll around!

On Thursday the 6th, Caedmon, Chase and I loaded up and headed northwest to the Workmons fabulous new house.  On Friday morning, Courtney and I packed up the car and headed west, leaving Chase with all 3 little ones while Charlie was at work! (more on daddy daycare in the next post)

We got to bham in time to gulp down some Chik-fil-a and head over for some pampering!  Courtney started with a haircut and then we both got full manicures and pedicures! It was so nice!  After being pampered, we walked around the Galleria and then headed to the Summit.  We had P.F. Changs (my first time!) for dinner and then did a little shopping before heading to the resort.  Saturday morning we slept in til 11!! We attempted to go down to the pool but there wasn't one available chair, so we changed our plans and headed out to meet our girl Shelley for lunch at O'carrs.  We hit up the Summit again after lunch and shopped til we dropped...into a booth at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner at 9 o'clock!  With our wallets empty and our tummies full, we headed back to the resort.  We slept in again the next morning, then hit up the pool for about an hour.  We did some last minute shopping on our way out then headed home to see those babies!  It was a fabulous, relaxing and refreshing trip.  Can't wait for mommytrip '10.  There has even been talk of a cruise....

My Favorite Picture

Beach Baby

We took off last Thursday for a long weekend at the beach.  My nanny (mom's mom) was in town for the week and was loving on her Caedmon.  We got there in time for dinner and headed to The Hangout. It was a BLAST!   Caedmon was covered in sand before dinner and was an angel during dinner!  Friday morning we hit the beach for about an hour then came back for lunch and naps.  Friday night we had a girls night out at Gulf Shores Steamer and hit up the outlets for a bit.  My friend Becky joined us Friday evening, along with my sisters.  We rented a movie but couldn't get the DVD player to work, so after Caedmon was asleep, we headed out for a walk on the beach.  We ended up spending 2 hours walking, totaling close to 4 miles!  Saturday morning was stormy, so we lounged around til lunch, then went out for a bit after lunch.  We took Caedmon out Saturday evening and he had the best time.  He had been unsure of the water the whole time, but he found his courage and was giggling and getting soaked!   Nanny left Sunday morning and we headed home for church.  

Paint and Pals

A few weeks ago Chase and I went to date night at Paint and Pals!  It was a blast and I highly recommend it.  We'll definitely be going back.

No More Drama, Mama!!

This picture cracks me up!  Courtney and I were trying to get a picture of our kiddos and they were NOT having it.