Confessions from Householdsix » local

Nutritional Advice from the McDonald’s Drive Thru

Amanda — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:42:58 +0000

After Zach got his allergy shots today, I took the kids to McDonald’s to grab dinner. Not high on the nutritional priorities, but it’s hot, McD’s is fast, and once in awhile it won’t kill anyone. So I go through the drive thru and order. Then I pay. Then I get to the window where they give me my food. A girl leans out with the big sweet tea cups and says, “You aren’t going to give these to your kids are you? They’re like five cups of sugar each.” I said, “Yes I am. The Hi-C has just as much sugar, and also red dye which makes my kids off the charts hyper. They’re lactose intolerant, and they can’t have the milk. I’d prefer they not have soda. They don’t need Vitamin Water. So yes, I’m letting them have sweet tea, and yes, I’m letting them get the gigantic cups. Think of it as their Starbucks.” She then tried to tell me again about all the sugar in the sweet tea. So I had to explain, “I’m not exactly here because McDonald’s is known for its health food. It’s fun for the kids now and then.” I really wanted to say, “Shut up and gimme the damn tea. I’m thirsty,” because I had ordered one for myself. She kinda rolled her eyes at my health food comment, but really. You choose to question a mother giving her kids the sweet tea (albeit the gihugo cup size they offer), and not the chicken nuggets or fries? Really? Even McDonald’s salads are laden in calories (and a preservative that if you’ve had your gall bladder out will make you learn every public bathroom between the restaurant and your house). If I want to eat healthy, I’ll stay home and cook.

We Had a Pizza Affair

Amanda — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:27:47 +0000

At least that’s what it feels like. Almost every Wednesday (there are some exceptions), you’ll find us at Jigsy’s in Enola. The kids love their Wednesday night buffet. We love that we can get Old Forge pizza only 20 minutes from home.We also love that when we go there, we’re not just customers. The atmosphere is warm and inviting – like family.

Last week, we went to Scranton for the day to visit my in laws. Well, we can’t drive up there and not stop in Southside at Alfredo’s. We just can’t. My husband’s love affair with Alfredo’s started long before he ever met me. He was a delivery driver for them at one time during high school or college. After we met, he got me hooked. Their double crust white is absolutely heavenly. It tasted like sex on a plate last week. I totally felt like I was cheating on Jigsy’s.

The only draw back was on the way home, we were stuck in this traffic on the interstate. Forty minutes to go ten miles.

But while stuck, we had this view:

Worldess Wednesday – Fireworks

Amanda — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:43:22 +0000

This is what we got to see in our front yard between days spent in the ER with the boys over the weekend.

How My Kids Do Holidays

Amanda — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:05:43 +0000

My kids have decided that when they get seriously injured it will be on or very close to a holiday when the ER is at one of its busiest times. This is how we spent Friday to kick off the 4th of July weekend. We had just gotten up around 8am because I was up and down with Aaron all night. We were just settling in, getting ready to get breakfast when Aaron had to go back to his room for something. On his way back down, he fell down the last five steps or so and used his face to cushion his fall onto the hardwood floor. He was wailing. I was almost wailing too. The wailing led to puking. Outwardly I was all calm and “poor baby.” Inside I was saying “Oh shit, he puked. Possible head injury.” Zach and I threw clothes on and went to the ER.

When we got to the ER, he seemed OK, but I also know my kids don’t act ill unless there’s something bordering on them needing admitted that’s wrong. The nurse at the admitting desk asked me if I still wanted to go ahead and have him checked? Yes. He puked, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the crying or the fall. I needed to know.

We got back to a room quickly. Aaron was pissed he was in a hospital gown for the second time in three days (endoscopy was Wednesday). They checked him out. The doctor said Aaron appeared OK, but we needed a CAT scan to be sure since he puked more than once. Radiology came and we headed down to get the scan. Aaron would NOT lay down for the scan. The tech said if there was any way I could bribe Aaron he can do a scan in 3 seconds. Nope. Aaron was having NONE of it, but yet this child will sit just fine for a blood draw. Back to the room so the doctor can decide on plan B. Well their plan B was benadryl. Yeah, not with my kid. It wires my kids. Because Aaron was so adamant the first time we tried the scan, I told them that honestly, the only way they were going to get the CAT scan was if he was sedated. I know what my kid is like. So we sedated him and got the scan. We then spent almost 2 hours waiting for him to wake up.

Scan was fine. His left ear leaked while he was out. His left ear drum was leaking puss around his ear tube. Zach and I were starving. The hospital staff was fantastic. The whole time Aaron was asleep, they kept checking on us. When I had mentioned about trying to get us some food, the nurse said she’d just order us lunch. I was so grateful. We hadn’t eaten all day and it was now 12:30pm. Aaron woke up just as our food came. We ate, he ate, we were all happier, even if Aaron was groggy, and we got to go home five and a half hours later.

I cannot say enough about the doctors and staff at Carlisle Regional Medical Center. I was there by myself with the kids. The staff was so nice and just pleasant. We weren’t there 5 hours because we had to wait, but because of the course of treatment we had to take with my son. I’ve been in ERs where I’ve waited with my 3 year old (the older son at the time) 4 hours to get a staple in his head. The experience we had Friday has evolved so much from what ERs were in the past. I’ve also noticed that at Carlisle, every time we’ve had to take the boys in, they are continually trying different things to make their ER more efficient. Two cool things I noticed the ER has: One – the chart in the rooms that tells you how long you can expect to wait depending on what diagnostic procedure(s) you’ve had, and Two – when grabbing the link to the hospital, I noticed they have the ER wait time posted on their site.

My only complaint is that our area doesn’t have an urgent care clinic. Since we have military insurance and are required to use the military clinic here on post, we have no other option than the ER when our clinic is closed for holidays (or after 12pm Thursdays). For the 4th of July, we have no access to our doctors or pharmacy on post from Thursday July 1 at noon to Tuesday July 6 at 7:30am when they open again, and no doctor on call. There have been a couple times when the clinic is closed that the boys have needed urgent care, but not the full on ER. Alas, we have no other choice.

Bob Evans Discounts

Amanda — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:06:36 +0000

My oldest son received his coupon for his free kids’ meal for his birthday, so we went to our local Bob Evans for breakfast on the Harrisburg Pike by I-81. I noticed that at this location, kids eat free on Mondays from 4-9pm, and they also offer a military discount of 10% on Thursdays. Check your local location to see if they offer the same.

Treasured Moments by Renee

Amanda — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:13:17 +0000

If you’re local to the Harrisburg area and looking for a Father’s Day gift idea:

Living on Post

Amanda — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:53:46 +0000

In the Army, living on post has many advantages and disadvantages. I’d have to say that one of the biggest advantages of this post so far is that the majority of our neighbors cycle out every June. Especially this class. There is no common courtesy among the kids. Yes, I’ve become a curmudgeon. How can I teach my kids to respect other people’s property when your kids think it’s perfectly OK to leave their bikes, scooters, and other toys in my yard? Yes, there is a common area, and there is also the area immediately around my house that is considered my yard. You have a yard too. I encourage your kids to leave their crap in your yard, not mine. Tonight was the second night in a row a bike was in our driveway. Last night we were kind enough when we came home from being out to not run it over. Tonight I moved it into the street and told the gang of kids who thought it was perfectly OK to play in the street that this was the second time I’ve had a bike in my yard. Next time I take it, and they can explain to their parents where their bike is. Yes, they’re just kids, but a lot of these kids are of the pre-teen ages. I would expect that before 11 years old that your child would have some common courtesy.

And while I’m on the cons of post living, letting your 2 and 3 year olds run amok with no supervision isn’t too bright either. Just because we live on post doesn’t mean it’s safe. There are people who come on and off this installation every day that you don’t know who they are or what their intentions are. Think of all the contractors who work here. We have no idea who they are. Last weekend we came home for the second time to a girl of about 3 playing with our outdoor toys. Not an adult in sight. I’m done. From now on when I see kids that little with no adults I’m just calling the MPs. Kids under 4 are to be with a parent at all times. Ages 4-10 are to be in parents’ sight. I guess they figure after age 10 these kids have their own ID cards and can walk around post freely. Not my kids. I still think 10 is too young to go too far.

Let’s all be good neighbors and supervise our children, OK? I don’t think that’s too much to ask for parents t actually BE parents.

Armed Forces Day Events

Amanda — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:29:41 +0000

Last weekend there were many Armed Forces Day events in our area. We chose to do the Kid’s Fun Run on our post. Zach ran a mile. That was the given length for his age group. We’re proud of him for finishing. All he kept saying was, “I didn’t finish last!” All kids who participated got a t-shirt, water bottle, and medal. The first place girl and first place boy in each age group got a special prize. Wedn’t stick around for the awards ceremony for first place to see what the special prizes were. As soon as Zach was done running, we were off to the Army Heritage and Education Center to see the Ranger Jump Team.

Driving Around Harrisburg

Amanda — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:05:26 +0000

Friday we decided to take a drive since it was nice out and everyone was home early. It’s not often we get the chance to get out and explore a little.

A restaurant. Must be good. We saw lots of old people headed inside about 4pm.

After this, we found where City Island is. I know, I know, it only took us almost two years. Then we drove down Third Street and I forgot to take a picture of the Mexican restaurant that I wanted to try. We were too busy looking for parking. This is where we ended up looking for parking.

Oops. Then we Passed this fire hydrant. I’ve never seen one painted like this.

Then we ended up at Fuddruckers for dinner. If you live between Harrisburg and Chambersburg like we do, the Fuddruckers in Chambersburg is better. Better atmosphere, fresher toppings, and the prices are a little cheaper too. Oh yeah, and if you get a combo at the one in Chambersburg, everyone gets a cookie, not just the kids. In Chambersburg (last time we were there) Mondays kids eat free as well. I saw no kids’ night promotion in the Harrisburg location.

I Entered the World Of Grown Up Make Up

Amanda — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:46:14 +0000

Last weekend, I stepped away from the drug store brands and made the move into a more grown up version of make up. I went to the local ULTA Beauty store and sucked it up and asked the girl who looked like she was in high school to help me. She tried samples on me, and showed me how to get a natural every day look that is easy to do. Make up isn’t something my mother ever really showed me how to do. Any techniques I have I’ve learned from friends, magazines, and now the girl from the make up counter at Ulta.

I ended up going with a bareMinerals Face Fashion Fab Fresh foundation and blush. I was told they’ll never go bad, which for how often I wear make up is a good thing. The blush matches what I needed perfectly. I’ve never found such a perfect shade of blush. I also got some input on eyeshadow colors and an eyebrow pencil. I’m comfortable with eyeliner and mascara.

I have to say that with how easy the bareMinerals make up is to put on, I’ve been wearing make up every day this week so far. I love that it’s just enough to even out my skin tone, but I don’t feel anything cakey on my face.

*This experience was my own and fully funded by me. I felt like now that I’m 30 it was time to move to products that better suited my needs and changing skin. I did include affiliate links in this post. Affiliate links are a great way to support bloggers you enjoy reading, but you’re under no obligation to click on them.