Several weeks ago I took Brad in for a food allergy test. His eczema has gotten worse and his fits are out of control. Keith and I are at a loss. We thought if there was a slight allergy to a food we could rule it out then life could be a little more even keeled around here. Keith had allergies growing up. His parents swear after he started allergy shots he became a different kid behaviorally. Great - Sign Brad up!
They did a blood draw and tested him for just about all they can. Every kind of nut under the sun, every fish/shellfish, wheat, eggs, milk, dog dander, cat dander......
My mommy gut thought he had a slight allergy to milk. Boy was I ever right. High levels of antibodies in the blood indicate a food allergy. If it measures >.35% he is considered NOT allergic. Well, my mommy sense was right on, his milk allergy was a whopping .38%. The Dr. even went as far to say that he would almost consider that lab error vs any type of allergy we need to be concerned with. While I am thankful he isn't allergic, because I have seen a precious boy with many allergies firsthand, we are back to square one.
Why can't I put my finger on his skin condition. We have moved/lived in 4 VERY different climates during his little life (NC, ID, TX, and Korea) No improvement. It's not like we're running from Oak trees or high pollen. We've changed and noted laundry detergents, using the most sensitive soaps, lathering on Aquaphor 2 times a day with prescription creams - and Aquaphor ain't cheap ya'll! Short baths - check, Humidifier - check. His skin right now is broken out, bloody tops, and red. I'm so afraid he'll scar himself with his constant itching.
He's miserable and in turn has a miserable temper to go along with it. Why should he be a peaceful kid when his skin is raging under his clothes? Would you sleep through the night if you itched in your sleep? He's 3, his skin is reacting to something all the time, he can't sit still, he can't be reasoned with, he's not getting a full nights sleep...... All these little things are adding up to HUGE breakdowns. Must figure this out to insure he makes it to his 4th birthday.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Wreckerator
I'm trying to plan out Cole's birthday party. I am feeling slightly guilty since I haven't "planned" a party for him since he was 3. In Mountain Home we just hung out with our super close friends and enjoyed cake. This year he wants a party. Since we're in Korea, there aren't a whole lot of choices. You could have your party at the community center or the bowling alley. We've been here 2.5 months and have been to 3 parties at those places.
Totally thinking outside the "norm" here - we're having a small party at the house! I ordered all the stuff to later find out that Oriental Trading always arrives a MONTH after they promise. Lovely. I researched Star Wars themed parties and the games to play. I love the internet. It totally allows me to seem in-the-know with those silly movies and super creative too. My next big hurdle was the birthday cake. A girlfriend gave me an idea: Cakeballs, but shape them to look like stormtrooper helmets. Genius! Can't you just imagine these:
looking like these:
I can! I set out this evening to do a trial run. I wanted to make sure I could shape them and draw the designs. Piece of cake (hahaha)
Not really. Who would have thought the hardest part would be melting the chocolate? It was. And let me tell you. If you can't even melt chocolate, you could wind up with something like this:
So, desperation lead to using a pastry brush to apply a coat of white chocolate. It's only going downhill from here.
In order to prove I tried with all my might, please take note of my finished product:
It can't be a true cake wreck since I'm not a professional, but this is definitely NOT what I had pictured in my head. Erin, you were SO right ;-) I'm ordering a cake in the morning.
Totally thinking outside the "norm" here - we're having a small party at the house! I ordered all the stuff to later find out that Oriental Trading always arrives a MONTH after they promise. Lovely. I researched Star Wars themed parties and the games to play. I love the internet. It totally allows me to seem in-the-know with those silly movies and super creative too. My next big hurdle was the birthday cake. A girlfriend gave me an idea: Cakeballs, but shape them to look like stormtrooper helmets. Genius! Can't you just imagine these:
looking like these:
I can! I set out this evening to do a trial run. I wanted to make sure I could shape them and draw the designs. Piece of cake (hahaha)
Not really. Who would have thought the hardest part would be melting the chocolate? It was. And let me tell you. If you can't even melt chocolate, you could wind up with something like this:
So, desperation lead to using a pastry brush to apply a coat of white chocolate. It's only going downhill from here.
In order to prove I tried with all my might, please take note of my finished product:
It can't be a true cake wreck since I'm not a professional, but this is definitely NOT what I had pictured in my head. Erin, you were SO right ;-) I'm ordering a cake in the morning.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Chamemergency
This is an Korean ambulance. I like the name. Chamemergency.
I think I am going to start using that word more often. Chamemergency : noun, a sudden unforeseen crisis in the Chamness family (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action. Or maybe it doesn't have to be involve danger at all... it could be an explanation as to why my Dad walks around so fast... there must be a Chamemergency. Why are you calling me 4 times a day, what's the Chamemergency? We almost had a Chamemergency when I threw out all the Taco Bell Sauce this summer. It's catchy. Thinking of you all in Korea!
I think I am going to start using that word more often. Chamemergency : noun, a sudden unforeseen crisis in the Chamness family (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action. Or maybe it doesn't have to be involve danger at all... it could be an explanation as to why my Dad walks around so fast... there must be a Chamemergency. Why are you calling me 4 times a day, what's the Chamemergency? We almost had a Chamemergency when I threw out all the Taco Bell Sauce this summer. It's catchy. Thinking of you all in Korea!
Too Much Testosterone
I am so outnumbered. I'm sure mothers of boys tend to feel this way every now and then. I feel this 110% of the time. We talk about the penis and farting All.The.Time. Is something wrong with that? I think so, but it's like standing in front of a oncoming train. Meet my husband:
Great guy. He's funny and hard working. Very smart and the best father you could ever ask for. However, he's all guy. Maybe it's because we've been together for so long I'm treated like his buddy. Nothing wrong with that, but really?? I could show you 10,000 similar pictures doing the same thing. He also is very inquisitive. If you leave him alone in a Dr's office he will start going through the drawers and cabinets as soon as the nurse walks out. He will play with the gauze and use the Otoscope. He can't help it, it's like some sort of compulsion. I'm always afraid he's going to get caught and get us in trouble. Like they'll kick us out or something. Taking the boys to the pediatrician isn't any different. A few weeks ago Keith stumbled upon this little trinket. I'm trying to remember the last time the boys had so much fun with a new toy. The Testicular Self Exam.
After Daddy finished reading aloud the information slightly unsuitable for a 3 and 5 year old, he passed the guide onto the boys. At least he will be prepared for self checks in 10-15 years. God, please send me a girl.
Great guy. He's funny and hard working. Very smart and the best father you could ever ask for. However, he's all guy. Maybe it's because we've been together for so long I'm treated like his buddy. Nothing wrong with that, but really?? I could show you 10,000 similar pictures doing the same thing. He also is very inquisitive. If you leave him alone in a Dr's office he will start going through the drawers and cabinets as soon as the nurse walks out. He will play with the gauze and use the Otoscope. He can't help it, it's like some sort of compulsion. I'm always afraid he's going to get caught and get us in trouble. Like they'll kick us out or something. Taking the boys to the pediatrician isn't any different. A few weeks ago Keith stumbled upon this little trinket. I'm trying to remember the last time the boys had so much fun with a new toy. The Testicular Self Exam.
After Daddy finished reading aloud the information slightly unsuitable for a 3 and 5 year old, he passed the guide onto the boys. At least he will be prepared for self checks in 10-15 years. God, please send me a girl.
Flag Football
Today was a big day. For the first time in little Cole's life we changed sports. We use to wait out the down time between soccer seasons, but this year we're branching out. Flag Football started today. It was a crazy hectic day. I had to have a girlfriend take him to practice. I missed the first 25 minutes, but when I walked up, this is what I saw. Spiderman was ready for some T-Downs or whatever it is they do during flag football practice.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Kickin it in Busan
Our first overnight road trip was to Busan (also known as Pusan). What's so funny over here is that everything can be spelled in different ways, but pronounced the same. It makes map reading and last minute exits/lane changes so much fun. The letter G and the letter K are interchangeable. I will just say that it does not help this already spelling challenged girl.
Keith had a week of leave. Our original plan was to go to Thailand. Then I discovered Kojeon Antique store and our trip fund vanished into thin air. Instead we took a 3 day trip to the beach on the southeast side of Korea. I'm so happy we did!
We were on the road by 6am and were able to drive straight to the hotel. We checked in and immediately headed downstairs to the beach. The boys were in heaven. They ran around and rolled in the sand. We walked the shoreline and found several shells and starfish. This was Brad's first trip to the ocean since he was an infant in North Carolina. He use to speed crawl right to the water. I would bring him back, and he would be in the waves again before I knew it. I called him my Sea Turtle. The Sea Turtle emerged. I know we tease about our little "dude", but I have never seen a child more in his element. Nothing phased him and you couldn't help but notice the smile on his face. Cole's my mountain man, Brad's my beach bum.
After some fun in the sun, we showered and headed to dinner at TGI Fridays. Thank goodness for some resemblance of American food. We ate and walked around. Keith bought the boys ice cream (leave it to Brad to pick the most disgusting Korean flavors) and we went back for an early night. We had a king bed and a full size bed in the hotel room. Words can not express the absence a king bed has been in my life. It seemed, and probably is, bigger then the boy's bedroom here. There was so much room! And it was hard - thank goodness. This pillow top we brought is WAY to soft for me. The princess and the pea is rather picky.
The next morning we walked to get some donuts. Keith got a parking ticket for doing as the Koreans do and just parking in the road in front of the store. That reminds me to go get that paid. Then we headed to the Jalgalchi Fish Market. Interesting. Lots of small vendors trying to sell their fresh catches. It is 100% not up to American Health Code standards. We did some shopping and headed back to the hotel. Next up was the Busan Aquarium. The entire aquarium is underground right on the beach - practically UNDER the ocean. We've traveled to many aquariums (Dallas, Tulsa, Atlanta, a couple in NC, Salt, Lake City, the coast in Oregon..) This one offered something the others didn't - probably because it's not what you would consider "safe". They had a small glass bottom boat they set afloat over the shark tank. For about $4 a person you could get on this boat, go to the center of the tank and feed the sharks and other small fish! It was so cool. She gave a very long speech during the boat ride about something, hopefully not safety related, who knows, it was in Korean. It was VERY cool. After some apprehension, it turned out to be the boys favorite part of the trip.
We went back for a VERY nice dinner at Bella Citta. I had the Seafood Risotto and it was awesome. I've watched Chef Ramsey yell about risotto for many television seasons now and I get why he's so passionate about it. Dang it was yummy! Keith took the boys back to the room and I went for my 3 hour Thai massage. See post below. Day two was a very full day!
Our last morning we had the buffet at the hotel. It was quite the spread! Outside for a little more beach time then up for showers and packing. On our way out of town we stopped at the Haedong Yongungsa Temple. Interesting. The location was very beautiful. Scenic and right on the cliffs with crashing waves surrounding us. Their stone statues were massive and seemed so permanent. People were bowing down, praying, and placing their offerings to the concrete horses and budda men. I couldn't help but think of the temple turning to dust and rubble in an instant when Jesus returns. They will one day be gone and it made me smile. We loaded the boys up for our road trip back home.
We did have to buy some gas while we were there. We pulled over and handed the man 20,000 won (about $18) and got less than 3 gallons. Thank goodness for the base gas station! Good thing Keith's little Kemchi car gets 42 miles to the gallon. We made it there and back on a tank plus 3 gallons. Now Keith has convinced me to bring the silly vehicle home with us. Once again, Keith will own 3 cars. What is it with him? His garage collection is getting out of hand. How many automotives does it take to get my dealer's license? Anyone?
Excellent trip! Next up China!!
Keith had a week of leave. Our original plan was to go to Thailand. Then I discovered Kojeon Antique store and our trip fund vanished into thin air. Instead we took a 3 day trip to the beach on the southeast side of Korea. I'm so happy we did!
We were on the road by 6am and were able to drive straight to the hotel. We checked in and immediately headed downstairs to the beach. The boys were in heaven. They ran around and rolled in the sand. We walked the shoreline and found several shells and starfish. This was Brad's first trip to the ocean since he was an infant in North Carolina. He use to speed crawl right to the water. I would bring him back, and he would be in the waves again before I knew it. I called him my Sea Turtle. The Sea Turtle emerged. I know we tease about our little "dude", but I have never seen a child more in his element. Nothing phased him and you couldn't help but notice the smile on his face. Cole's my mountain man, Brad's my beach bum.
After some fun in the sun, we showered and headed to dinner at TGI Fridays. Thank goodness for some resemblance of American food. We ate and walked around. Keith bought the boys ice cream (leave it to Brad to pick the most disgusting Korean flavors) and we went back for an early night. We had a king bed and a full size bed in the hotel room. Words can not express the absence a king bed has been in my life. It seemed, and probably is, bigger then the boy's bedroom here. There was so much room! And it was hard - thank goodness. This pillow top we brought is WAY to soft for me. The princess and the pea is rather picky.
The next morning we walked to get some donuts. Keith got a parking ticket for doing as the Koreans do and just parking in the road in front of the store. That reminds me to go get that paid. Then we headed to the Jalgalchi Fish Market. Interesting. Lots of small vendors trying to sell their fresh catches. It is 100% not up to American Health Code standards. We did some shopping and headed back to the hotel. Next up was the Busan Aquarium. The entire aquarium is underground right on the beach - practically UNDER the ocean. We've traveled to many aquariums (Dallas, Tulsa, Atlanta, a couple in NC, Salt, Lake City, the coast in Oregon..) This one offered something the others didn't - probably because it's not what you would consider "safe". They had a small glass bottom boat they set afloat over the shark tank. For about $4 a person you could get on this boat, go to the center of the tank and feed the sharks and other small fish! It was so cool. She gave a very long speech during the boat ride about something, hopefully not safety related, who knows, it was in Korean. It was VERY cool. After some apprehension, it turned out to be the boys favorite part of the trip.
We went back for a VERY nice dinner at Bella Citta. I had the Seafood Risotto and it was awesome. I've watched Chef Ramsey yell about risotto for many television seasons now and I get why he's so passionate about it. Dang it was yummy! Keith took the boys back to the room and I went for my 3 hour Thai massage. See post below. Day two was a very full day!
Our last morning we had the buffet at the hotel. It was quite the spread! Outside for a little more beach time then up for showers and packing. On our way out of town we stopped at the Haedong Yongungsa Temple. Interesting. The location was very beautiful. Scenic and right on the cliffs with crashing waves surrounding us. Their stone statues were massive and seemed so permanent. People were bowing down, praying, and placing their offerings to the concrete horses and budda men. I couldn't help but think of the temple turning to dust and rubble in an instant when Jesus returns. They will one day be gone and it made me smile. We loaded the boys up for our road trip back home.
We did have to buy some gas while we were there. We pulled over and handed the man 20,000 won (about $18) and got less than 3 gallons. Thank goodness for the base gas station! Good thing Keith's little Kemchi car gets 42 miles to the gallon. We made it there and back on a tank plus 3 gallons. Now Keith has convinced me to bring the silly vehicle home with us. Once again, Keith will own 3 cars. What is it with him? His garage collection is getting out of hand. How many automotives does it take to get my dealer's license? Anyone?
Excellent trip! Next up China!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Brass Monkey
Keith took leave this week and we made a family road trip down to Busan. It also happened to be our 8th Wedding Anniversary. To celebrate this occasion Keith bought himself a new camera lens and I headed to the spa. See, still in love after all these years.
I treated myself to a 3 hour Thai massage. Sounds perfectly wonderful and relaxing doesn't it? That's what I thought. Let me tell you - this little man was out to kill me.
We used the spa in the hotel. Keith took the boys up for a movie and bed and I headed to my relaxing evening semi-alone. They escorted me to the dressing room where I changed into a very large tshirt and shorts down to my knees. Interesting. Next I was led to a different room for a foot bath and mint tea. Not bad... the night was starting off well! Then I walked into a small dark room with a thin mat on the floor. Different, but I'm going with it.
The small Korean man started with my feet. He crossed them on top of each other and proceeded to STAND on me. Hummm.... it was kinda like a stretch and didn't hurt too bad. He started working on the rest of my legs and toes with what felt like brass knuckles. He had the world's strongest thumbs that he pressed full force into my muscles as he climbed all over and around me. He pressed so hard it felt like he was hitting my nerve making my whole legs go numb. It was quick and then he would move on. As he worked his way up to my knees I was convinced that he was trying to separate my muscles from my bones. At times I couldn't decide if it was downright painful or felt good. Then he spoke the only word of English he knew.... "stretchy". That's when he crawled between my legs, turned around and pulled my toes so far back I winced in pain. It was like a force Yoga class. Unbeknownst to me, Thai massage is all about stretching and pressure points. This makes sense as he tried to pull my leg up and over my head. He really was going to town with my legs. It wasn't too bad, but I was just hoping he would take the same kind of force out on my back. Did he ever! There were only a few moments of pain that I fought through. I realize this sounds utterly ridiculous as I type it out. I paid for and accepted this form of torcher for 3 hours! He worked several hard pressure points/tearing muscle off of bone then back to stretchy. Over and over again working the back, arms, neck and scalp.
As I laid there I kept thinking:
*Keith would have killed this man during the shoulder stretches
*Anyone with a bad knee would have blown it with that odd pose
*I hope I make it back to the room to explain the temporal brain swelling to Keith before I pass out
*So help me if he pops something standing on my back while I'm stuck out here in Korea
*Which one of my friends would find this enjoyable
*If he moves his hand one more inch over, I'm going to have to punch him and leave
Despite only a few bruises the next day - I felt GREAT! Would I do the Thai massage again? Yes. See... brain damage! Happy Anniversary Keith. Thank you for being my best friend for over half of my life. I love you forever.
I treated myself to a 3 hour Thai massage. Sounds perfectly wonderful and relaxing doesn't it? That's what I thought. Let me tell you - this little man was out to kill me.
We used the spa in the hotel. Keith took the boys up for a movie and bed and I headed to my relaxing evening semi-alone. They escorted me to the dressing room where I changed into a very large tshirt and shorts down to my knees. Interesting. Next I was led to a different room for a foot bath and mint tea. Not bad... the night was starting off well! Then I walked into a small dark room with a thin mat on the floor. Different, but I'm going with it.
The small Korean man started with my feet. He crossed them on top of each other and proceeded to STAND on me. Hummm.... it was kinda like a stretch and didn't hurt too bad. He started working on the rest of my legs and toes with what felt like brass knuckles. He had the world's strongest thumbs that he pressed full force into my muscles as he climbed all over and around me. He pressed so hard it felt like he was hitting my nerve making my whole legs go numb. It was quick and then he would move on. As he worked his way up to my knees I was convinced that he was trying to separate my muscles from my bones. At times I couldn't decide if it was downright painful or felt good. Then he spoke the only word of English he knew.... "stretchy". That's when he crawled between my legs, turned around and pulled my toes so far back I winced in pain. It was like a force Yoga class. Unbeknownst to me, Thai massage is all about stretching and pressure points. This makes sense as he tried to pull my leg up and over my head. He really was going to town with my legs. It wasn't too bad, but I was just hoping he would take the same kind of force out on my back. Did he ever! There were only a few moments of pain that I fought through. I realize this sounds utterly ridiculous as I type it out. I paid for and accepted this form of torcher for 3 hours! He worked several hard pressure points/tearing muscle off of bone then back to stretchy. Over and over again working the back, arms, neck and scalp.
As I laid there I kept thinking:
*Keith would have killed this man during the shoulder stretches
*Anyone with a bad knee would have blown it with that odd pose
*I hope I make it back to the room to explain the temporal brain swelling to Keith before I pass out
*So help me if he pops something standing on my back while I'm stuck out here in Korea
*Which one of my friends would find this enjoyable
*If he moves his hand one more inch over, I'm going to have to punch him and leave
Despite only a few bruises the next day - I felt GREAT! Would I do the Thai massage again? Yes. See... brain damage! Happy Anniversary Keith. Thank you for being my best friend for over half of my life. I love you forever.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Ode to Fuzz Ball Wuzzy
Ode to a spider outside of our window:
Normally I would have squashed you flat
But outside the window is where you sat.
We watched you eat and spin your web
The boys caught dragonflys to keep you fed.
You grew right before our very eyes
And left without saying goodbye.
Circle of Life Mr. Banana Spider. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed by a few in this house. Aunt Kimi, will you come visit now?
Normally I would have squashed you flat
But outside the window is where you sat.
We watched you eat and spin your web
The boys caught dragonflys to keep you fed.
You grew right before our very eyes
And left without saying goodbye.
Circle of Life Mr. Banana Spider. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed by a few in this house. Aunt Kimi, will you come visit now?
Slingbox
Thank you for all the smart individuals who invent the technology for my rotting mind. Thank you to my brother and sister in law for helping us set this up back in the States. Thank you makers of horrible commercials, I really have missed you too.
We have been without television for over 2 months. If you know anything about me, it's a small miracle. Keith was loving the no television way of life. He could live without ever turning another show on. I know, we're like oil and water sometimes.
Let me tell you a little story. This summer I went out and did something TOTALLY out of my character. I went into Best Buy and purchased an itouch without even discussing it with Keith. That's right. I didn't even check for the best price. I even paid extra for the warranty. I made all these decisions on my own about a gadget I had no idea on how to use. That's right!! Best move I ever made. I'll tell you why...
I'm living in Korea without television and my husband doesn't seem to think this should have such an impact on my way of living. Then two weeks ago I figure out you can purchase tv shows right on the itouch and watch them RIGHT ON THE ITOUCH! (see, I told you I don't know how to work these things. It took me that long to figure it out on my own) So, I started buying tv shows. But after you make a purchase the electronic billing statement is emailed to Keith. Busted. This sent him into fast mode - the no-tv way of life was not for me. Against everything inside him, he researched and purchased a slingbox. I know he would prefer me to not watch as much as I do, but hey, he loves me for me. Thank you honey for hooking me up with people that I've missed: Jeff Probst, Judge Mary Murphy, Bob and Jillian, McSteamy, and Mike Rowe. (hey, the last one's for the kids... kinda)
I'm back in touch with reality. I can carry on full conversations with all that is exciting in the world! I still love that little itouch - I can watch stuff from the slingbox/dvr and it's the best little game player. Not that I have a gaming issue. But I might need to see an orthopedist for my holding/support thumb.
We have been without television for over 2 months. If you know anything about me, it's a small miracle. Keith was loving the no television way of life. He could live without ever turning another show on. I know, we're like oil and water sometimes.
Let me tell you a little story. This summer I went out and did something TOTALLY out of my character. I went into Best Buy and purchased an itouch without even discussing it with Keith. That's right. I didn't even check for the best price. I even paid extra for the warranty. I made all these decisions on my own about a gadget I had no idea on how to use. That's right!! Best move I ever made. I'll tell you why...
I'm living in Korea without television and my husband doesn't seem to think this should have such an impact on my way of living. Then two weeks ago I figure out you can purchase tv shows right on the itouch and watch them RIGHT ON THE ITOUCH! (see, I told you I don't know how to work these things. It took me that long to figure it out on my own) So, I started buying tv shows. But after you make a purchase the electronic billing statement is emailed to Keith. Busted. This sent him into fast mode - the no-tv way of life was not for me. Against everything inside him, he researched and purchased a slingbox. I know he would prefer me to not watch as much as I do, but hey, he loves me for me. Thank you honey for hooking me up with people that I've missed: Jeff Probst, Judge Mary Murphy, Bob and Jillian, McSteamy, and Mike Rowe. (hey, the last one's for the kids... kinda)
I'm back in touch with reality. I can carry on full conversations with all that is exciting in the world! I still love that little itouch - I can watch stuff from the slingbox/dvr and it's the best little game player. Not that I have a gaming issue. But I might need to see an orthopedist for my holding/support thumb.
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