Salmoncroquetteswithoutusingeggs

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go to sleep after 2 am



decisions taken after that day are never successful.
On more than one occasion I had the opportunity to move forward, but because of my lack of interest vagueza and I have not succeeded.

I have been once again given the chance ... Remember? Life is sitting on a bench and do not know which train to catch ... perhaps the next that take you right where you need to go.

I return has to speak to you, princess, after hundreds of years, I'm realizing how sad I am to not take what I offer, although in this case is different. Because you are. My greatest weakness ... But my strong point.

this time if this time I will fight for everything you can not leave anyone behind in the attempt. The Hall of Fame is made for the few, only those who deserve it and living my life I see people who deserve it without having set foot in a gym before. (To give the joke of Pokémon)


Navideathh

Many Caloried In Chinese Curry

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was my mother who satisfy my curiosity. I was fascinated by story revealed to me, I wanted to know more and that is that from the beginning I caught the legend of Anastasia's there, he wanted to read the novel by John Boyne , a book by the way, with a nice title: The house special purpose .
have passed sixty-five years together and now that Zoya, wife of the protagonist, going to leave this world, Georgi , he takes stock of his life and tells the reader how he met his wife and all that have passed both of which is, believe me @ eater, a lot.
And, the work of the Boyne is a tragedy yes, but mostly it's fear and tears. Georgi lives in a village in Russia. Let's say your family environment is not the best but her sisters are everything for him, especially one of them, Asya. One day, almost inadvertently saves the life of a cousin of Tsar Nicholas II and the fate wants him to be chosen to protect his son, Alexis Romanov. Leaving behind their loved ones and a world of misery.
This is how the young will be part of the large royal family witnessing its highs and lows. All in a dream scenario: the P straightening Winter in St. Petersburg. It will be like a brother to Alexis and more than that for Anastasia. Does the background? The years of revolution and fall of the Romanov dynasty . Assist the reader because, as imagine, the tragic end of the imperial family.
It took several weeks to finish the novel but not because I liked it, quite the contrary, has entertained me, what happened is that when I had time to read I did not want and when I felt like I had no time . Days "rare", as you see.
Boyne's style has caught me and although there are multiple time jumps, as we build the lives of the two main characters little by little, piece by piece, I found it difficult not to follow the story, a story whose main characters bear a very big secret that the reader intuits but can not be confirmed until the end.
If I tell the truth, I think, as the writer, who Anastasia could not be murdered by the Bolsheviks as happened to his brothers and his parents even though it seems that testing proved DNA that Anna Anderson, the woman claiming to be her, it was not but wonder if it was not the Grand Duchess, how the family knew so much about things that nobody else could know unless they had lived with them?
eater @ s! Greetings

Is It Good To Mustabate

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Post Mortem - No more



"?: Is it over? My time has come? No way ... What about the promises of love silent? What's my victorious battles? That's it?

"?: It seems ... it's hard but I can not do anything for you, you've done your old mortal and I can not allow you to continue here.

"?: But do you know who I am?

"?: Of course I know who you are. Navideathh, and call you. Captain of the fifth order of vampires Varcolaco. The carrier last tear from Lilith.

Neathh: And, because knowing who I am, do you come for me?

"?: I do not come to kill you, I come to collect your soul, I can assure you quiet Sais has not decided what your final end here.

Neathh: Who are you?

"?: Do you really want to know?

Neathh: my dream bursts through the window of my room, and with scythe in hand as a good death that are coming to get me. I wonder with whom I have the honor of dealing, the name of death has come.

Lean: Lean and baptized me Sais ... can not remember my human name ...

Neathh: So, did you human?

Lean: Yes, that I remember.

Neathh: So, you know I do not want to leave ... She is still in this world. I fear not see her again. Lean

: So I said, Sais has a plan for you, not your end. Your body has died because cobra venom, your enemy could have killed you and you on this sunny day.

Neathh: Indeed, it was dawn and I have not noticed, my body is not burning ...

Lean: Your physical body no longer exists. Your mission is to speak with Prince Sais in person, he will tell you that you do with your destination, destiny that you had reserved.

Neathh: What will become of her?

Read: She, she and her. Can not you talk about something else? That is it for you? It's just a mortal.

Neathh: Do not know who can not live without my ...

Read: No more romance!

Neathh: Not romantic ... Do not you realize, you're a Newmorte, right? Do not have time to study the demons and angels, right? Sais is making a real mistake. But go, now.

And then I set off, the City of Never, the City of greed and danger everywhere ... To speak with the only real authority in the country. Sais Prick and the heir to the throne of kings Zeth and Lyn.

M Jak Milosc Odcinek 832

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Rosemary's Baby News - Anastasia

remember I read it the summer that I broke my collarbone. Were some hard weeks with eight bandage on the back and shoulders, but books like the one today I bring you made the time and pain from switching almost flying. Beautiful edition that brings us Mill of this great classic and its sequel:
- Those Little Women and Little Women of Louisa May Alcott :

"Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are four young sisters who live with their mother and must face the daily adventure that is life. His characters are very different but the close bond that unites them makes them inseparable. Little Women and then Those little women, two classics of American literature, narrate with intensity, tenderness and humor the joys and challenges of four unforgettable sisters of the March family, in a way that has captivated many readers for generations. "
I have not read the sequel so now because I probably anime with a dust jacket and a cover and so pretty either resists:

Greetings eater @ s!

Mayan Symbls And Meanings

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A few have loved the book and others less so. In my case, I'm halfway between the first and second. My note to this novel is a yes but not vice versa. Thursday to The Devil hundred voices of Vivanco Ana Cabrera.
We are in a small town called Villa Poison . Two estates, the Three Suns and light shades, are the fundamental stages of this tragic story.
live In the first marriage of Cecilia and Celestino while the second lies Facundo, former fiance of the woman that despite the encampment at all costs wants to be with her. Planted for this purpose, winds and flowers between them and, of course, reap the whirlwind. Such is the excitement that she will die without either beside it eventually reject both. Her husband will follow shortly after the tomb while Facundo will talk about a few more pages but the witness of history happen to other characters, particularly the daughters of the couple.
Leonor and Nina are like the sun and moon, do not look at anything. A strong, independent and cruel, the other is weak, innocent and submissive. The first will take over the farm even if it means marrying Venancio it seems he does not think things can take alone because even though it seems, does not trust itself. But the situation in really change the house when her brother, Jacinto , a young man who put everything upside down because there is no woman who does not fall at his feet rendered.
will not be until Venancio die when the heartthrob dare go after no matter Leonor his bride not a spark, nothing more and nothing Unless Nina. Fruit of the passion between the widow and brother Lucifer born . A child will grow to hate his mother and the affection of his aunt but between them, especially Eleanor, will condemn him to hell when planting in him the seed of the devil pretending everyone is the same son of the devil. From the day he was born all the inhabitants without exception will blame their misfortune and point out over and over again with your finger.
For me the key players, and my favorites are Lucifer and Theodore, the priest of the people who will struggle between love for his pupil and God. The characters are very well built. The truth is that bit that tells the author, even drop by drop, we can get an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat each one. Vivanco's work is pure soap opera desktop on your pages either because we lack the mayor, the prostitute, the doctor and the village gossips.

is well written. I have not upset the prose of the author who draws the Cubans frequently. The story is well plotted, and other pieces fit. The nearly three hundred pages, making a total of twenty-four for the players. To me the truth, that I have gone completely unnoticed. I guess I lost track of time in the history and what to me were the days, for his characters were years.

Apart from that and what the plot is concerned, up to three times the writer has surprised me with their money. I did not expect so many ties of blood and poison is that everything stays Villa family. Never better.

Still not the story I was hooked, I mean, there are books that I did not quite catch but I invite you to read on, have a kind of "something" that makes you want to know more. In this case however, my curiosity has not woken up late into the story very close now, too, of the outcome.

imagine that we are not meant for each other and vice versa, or perhaps just not the time but this book despite being well written, tell an original story with a touch of magic to applaud the other, and have a strange, like that I use to like as I have not conquered me expected. devourer @ s! Greetings

Thanks to Bloguzz and RHM

Summer Safety Tips

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Hoping this finds everyone enjoying their summer break as it won't be long till we are back in school.

I know all our parents at Black River Local School District strive to make every effort to keep your kids safe year-round, but it is especially important in the summer when most kids are out of school. Hot temperatures and more time spent outdoors, perhaps unsupervised, can put kids' health and safety at risk, leading to a lot of accidents and tragedies this time of year.

Sun and Summer Heat

The most obvious hidden dangers in the summer simply have to do with the heat and can include:

•heat stress and heat stroke, which can be prevented. Keep kids well-hydrated, take frequent breaks when playing outside, and watch for symptoms such as thirst, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fever. Never leave a child or let her play in a hot car.
•getting burned on metal slides or other hot playground equipment.
•sunburns--although parents should be aware of the risks of not applying sunscreen or sunblock on their children, sunburns are still common (especially if lotions are not used properly.)
•never leaving a child unattended in a car, even for a few minutes, as a car can get hot quickly, and be sure to always lock your car and secure your keys so that your kids can't play in your car and get trapped inside

Water Safety Tips

Many families try to escape the summer heat in a pool or nearby lake. To keep your kids safe around the water be sure to:

•childproof your pool by enclosing it in a fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
•supervise your kids around the pool, even if they know how to swim.
•have children who don't know how to swim wear a life vest instead of "floaties" when they are in the pool.
•always have your child wear a life vest when on a lake or river, even if they know how to swim.
•take your child to swimming lessons once he or she is four to five years old, the age when most kids can learn to swim.

Other Summer Safety Tips

In addition to using sunscreen, supervising kids around water, and protecting your kids from the heat, you can keep your kids safe this summer by:

•checking the pool (or nearby ponds and hot tubs, etc.) first if a child is ever missing as someone calls 911. Next, check the car, including the trunk, as every second can count if your child has drowned or is trapped in a hot car.
•avoiding pourable gel fuel for firepots that have recently been recalled.
•educating kids at the beach that digging holes in the sand deeper than their knees can be a risk for a collapsing hole and getting trapped under the sand.
•keeping younger kids away from lawn mowers. Despite the need for a summer job or simply wanting to help, remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children younger than 16 years old should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers; children younger than 12 should not use walk-behind mowers.
•using insect repellents when necessary.
•doing a daily tick check if your kids have been playing outdoors, especially in or near wooded areas.
•outfitting your kids with appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet and pads, when they ride a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter, or while wearing heelys.
•putting a guard on windows above the first floor if you are going to routinely open the window during warmer weather to help prevent falls
•not letting your kids play with fireworks and instead visiting a public fireworks display this fourth of July.
•not eating food that has been left out for more than an hour at barbecues and family picnics, which can cause food poisoning.
•teaching your kids to recognize and avoid poison ivy.

And of course, keep your home well-childproofed. This also applies to wherever you are staying when you are on vacation, whether it is a hotel or relative's home.

Although not a safety danger, it's important to remember that time off from school also means that your child may have more opportunity to become inactive and eat more junk food, leading to his becoming overweight. Always encourage your child to be active and eat a healthy diet all summer long.

See you soon,

Nurse Donna

Immunization Requirements for Students

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OHIO IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS*

In accordance with the 2011-12 state law, students must have the following before they may enroll and attend school:

4 doses DTP – Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (5 doses if 4th dose was administered prior to age 4)*Required before entry into Kindergarten

3 POLIO-IPV – (4 doses required if a combination of IPV & OPV were given or if final dose was administered prior to age 4) *Required before entry into Kindergarten

3 HEPATITIS B – ALL Students K-12. ***If the 3rd dose was given before 6 months of age a 4th dose is required. *Required before entry into Kindergarten

2 MMR – Measles/Mumps/Rubella- ALL Students K-12. *Required before entry into Kindergarten

2 VARICELLA – Chicken Pox Immunization- 2 doses for K-1 1 dose for grades 2-5 *Required before entry into Kindergarten

All 7th & 8th grade students must have a Tdap booster to return to school.

**For students with religious or medical exemptions, special forms are located in the clinic.**

Special Note: By law, vaccination records must show “day” as well as month and year of each dose administered and must have the signature or stamp of the physician/health facility that administered these.

Should your child not meet these requirements a note will be sent home reminding you what vaccinations need to be completed. If these are not completed your child WILL be excluded from attending school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the clinic and speak directly with me.

Wishing every student a successful school year,

Nurse Donna

Vaccination Deadline IS Approaching

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One of my least favorite tasks at the beginning of the school year however it is the law. Many of you will be receiving bright pink notes stating that your child has until September 22, 2011 to provide proof of mandated vaccinations. If you receive this note, please heed the warning.

Those students that do not comply with Ohio law will NOT be able to return to school after that Friday, until their vaccination records are brought up to date. Should you have additional questions by all means call my office.

Nurse Donna

Strep Throat

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Please be advised that we have positive diagnosis of Strep Throat in both 1st & second grade classrooms at this time. If you child develops a fever or sore throat, DO NOT send your child to school and PLEASE follow up with your family physician immediately for treatment options.

Should a unknown rash develop please seek medical attention as strep w/rash is also known as “Scarlet Fever

***Symptoms of strep throat include fever, stomach pain, vomiting and red, swollen tonsils***

It is a great time to reinforce proper hand washing techniques at home with your children and remind them to not put their fingers in their mouth, nose or eyes as they are the 3 ways by which viruses enter the body.

Wishing everyone a healthy day,

Nurse Donna

Week of September 12th update

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Strep throat is still on the rise; first, second and third grade classes at this time. Should your child complain of a sore throat, please take it seriously.

It is also the season for head lice so I ask that you remind your children not to share hair items, brushes, scrunchies, hats, hoodies, etc. Girls with long hair should try to pull it back while riding the bus to avoid additonal exposure. Remember it is not a hygeine issue, but rather a pesky issue that can happen to any of our children.

Most importantly; I need to stress proper hand washing for ALL our children. Especially while at school. Proper hand washing technique to teach your childen is;

1. Use warm running water
2. Use liquid or pump soap whenever possible
3. Rub hands/fingers together 10-20 seconds vigorously
4. Scrub under fingernails (germs hide there)
5. Rinse and dry well

Sometimes it helps to teach our little ones to sing either Happy Birthday or the ABC's song while washing to assure they wash long enough before rinsing.

Always remember, hand washing IS the #1 preventative in preventing the spread of viruses per the Center of Disease Control.

Happy hand washing and good health to all,

Nurse Donna

Fun with the Lohses

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Today we were able to spend a FUN filled afternoon with our favorite friends! Parker and I both very much enjoy hanging out the with Lohse bunch. They were so kind to drive up towards our neck of the woods to play. So after a little bit of a sketchy morning, we met in our town and drove up to Krape park. We LOVE Krape park.

We let the wild monkies, that we call our children, play at the small park for a little while.
And then after a bathroom break, which went much better than I thought it would go, we set out our picnic lunch we had brought.
After everyone was nice and full and ready to go again, we headed over to the Carousel. On the first go round Parker opted to sit on the bench like he normally does. But on the second go round, he wanted to sit on a horse like all the other kids. I was happy to oblige.
Our lovely Krape park also has paddle boats for rental. So we braved it and took our group out on the water in two duck boats. The kids loved it, and it was a lot of fun even if it was hard work paddling.
We ended our fun play date with a game of mini golf. It was very cute to watch, but oh my word, that was the longest game ever. Parker did love it, though. And he played all 18 holes. I think we will be going back soon for another game.
And here is the best group of kids.

I love that Parker can grow up with such good friends. They are so sweet to him and he just adores them. Especially, Addy, or as he has been calling her his Ladybug.

Boating

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Grandma Marcia and Papa Gary invited us out on their boat today. Parker was SO excited. He's been asking to go on a boat all summer. The night before, Parker was having a really hard time sleeping so we didn't get in bed till after midnight resulting in him and myself sleeping in till 9 am. This was bad. I literally got up and our phone rang saying they would be ready in about an hour. I ran around the house getting Parker and myself ready like I had a fire under my bottom. But we made it. Did I mention TJ had been up since 6 and didn't wake us up!?!

At first Parker was unsure, but he quickly warmed up and LOVED it. We rode all around on the lake and then TJ grilled us lunch. Parker thought he was big stuff helping Papa Gary drive the boat.

He really was an excellent boy all day. He ended up falling asleep towards the end. And we got caught in the rain. It started sprinkling as we were heading back for the docks. By the time the guys got the boat unloaded and back on the trailer, they were soaked. It was a fun day and we hope to go again soon.

Message to Parker

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I came across this a piece of art work on Pinterest that had the BEST quote on it. It's something simple, but I want Parker to always remember these words.

NO ONE ELSE will ever know the STRENGTH of my LOVE FOR YOU. After all, you're THE ONLY ONE who knows what my HEART sounds like from the inside.

I love my sweet boy more than I can ever put into words. At times it simply overwhelms me the amount of love that I feel pouring out of my heart. I often sit late into the night in our recliner where I rock him to sleep well after he has drifted off and simple stare at him and breath in his sweet innocence. I thank GOD for blessing me with this boy that I call my son. I know I am not worthy of such a treasure, but I am so thankful that I have him.

I love you Parke Jace.

Dokie Dokie

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One of my favorite phrases that Parker uses regularly is "Dokie Dokie" which is suppose to mean "Okie Dokie". I'm really not sure why I love hearing him say it so much, but to this Mama heart it sounds so sweet and makes me smile. Yesterday morning while he was helping me clean I asked him a question and he replied with a very clear "Okie Dokie Mama". For a brief moment, I really felt sad. My baby boy who really isn't a baby anymore, but will always be my baby is growing up. Some of those sweet little ways he said certain things are slipping away, and while I am so thankful he is learning and growing, I know I will miss them all.

Fifth's Disease

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Early early on Sunday morning Parker woke up complaining of his tummy hurting. I took him to the bathroom and before I knew it, he was throwing up. My poor sweetie pie looked miserable and felt warm. So, we cleaned him up, gave him some tylenol and rocked in the recliner until he drifted back to sleep. He slept for several hours and was still warm and very tired the rest of the day. On Monday, he still had a fever and pretty much didn't move off the couch except to nap. And he wanted no part in food. This was totally not like our wild crazy boy. Even though his fever broke sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning, we kept him home from preschool.

On Tuesday we noticed that his cheeks were remaining a rosy color, almost as if the were chapped. He still slept and/or lounged all day. By later afternoon his rosy cheeks turned bright red, as if they were burned. I put in a call to his pediatrician and scheduled an appointment for the next morning.

Our sweetie pie was still the most calm I had ever seen him on Wednesday morning, opting to cuddle and sleep the morning away. I goggled "bright red cheeks" and Fifth's Disease came up in the search results. It certainly fit his symptoms. So we headed on it to the doctor and it looks like goggle was right. It was Fifth's Disease alright. Fifth's Disease is a virus that can start with a fever and have symptoms of a cold. It then gives you bright red rash cheeks and the rash can spread to your arms and chest presenting as a lacy type of rash.

We kept Parker home for the rest of the week and he slowly gained his strength back. By Saturday, our wild and crazy kid was back. He still has a pink rash on his cheeks, but it looks a hundred times better than before.

The Question

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My husband recently asked a question that had me roaring with laughter. It was a simple question and perfectly innocent. He was sitting at the computer, on eBay, looking at clothes from J. Jill, a long favorite company of mine.

"What style are you going for these days?"

Little did he know it would elicit such whoops of laughter!

Is there a style name for comfy pajama bottoms paired with long sleeve super soft cotton tops? Add fleece when cold? I'm pretty sure I'm a candidate for TLC's "What Not to Wear", though would NEVER have the energy to fly to New York City and shop for three days!!! That's okay because I'm equally sure Stacy London's shoe choices would neither accommodate orthotics or an AFO! As I'm incapable of making decisions regarding money, it truly is pointless to even go down that road.

My clothing is functional. It is often difficult for me to fall asleep at night. Though I'm tired, it is when I experience the most pain so I often catch up by sleeping in the morning. Each day at 2:45pm, I trade the pjs for a pair of yoga pants or khakis and pick up our daughters from school. I had to laugh when our Border Collie leaped to attention mid-morning last week after seeing me change, certain we were heading out. When I shared this memory with my husband and demonstrated with the dog, we were both laughing until tears rolled down our cheeks.

Maybe this is just one of those questions that is better left unanswered? Wishing you the joy of laughter!

Gratitude for Summer

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Shorter days, cooler nights with frost warnings, reds and yellows sneaking into the foliage, Canada Geese and Sandhill Cranes heading south; all undeniable signs that fall is right around the corner. It is with a bit of sadness we say good bye to warm sunny days, sand between our toes, trips out the backdoor to harvest fresh herbs, kale and onions, flowers in the yard, and amazing memories of special times spent with loved ones. Summer could not have come at a better time and the slower pace for rest and healing was very much needed and appreciated! We loved every minute of it!!






What kid doesn't have a few back-to-school jitters and yes, we've had our share, so what a treat to share in the girls' excitement as they headed off to school this morning! Our youngest returned to a sparkling building anxious to meet old and new friends. For our oldest, it was her first day of high school. She was returning to the building she knew well as a child. I'm hoping it will feel a bit like home to her. The most emotional part of her day will be walking into my old classroom for science. May it be easier than she imagines. I'm hoping the hour will fly by and she will love every minute of it.

And while I'm making wishes, the biggest one I send out today is that our girls remain healthy enough to enjoy life the way they want to be living it. The balancing act has begun again. Hold on, Girls! We'll take it one day at a time! XO

How do you know?

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How do you know a pediatric neurosurgeon loves his/her patients? When the dressings are cut away to reveal gauze cut in the shape of hearts!

Rewind to August. Two weeks before her ninth birthday, our daughter started having a rougher time. She had less patience, was easily agitated and had a more difficult time making eye contact. She noticed memory issues. School started and in her words, "Things that used to be easy are taking a lot longer and sometimes I can't even remember what to do."

Things like how to add or subtract.

We noticed a decline in fine motor skills, more confusion, increased cognitive difficulty, dizziness, queasiness, increased headaches, fatigue and falls.

A CAT scan provided the first clue, hydrocephalus in the third ventricle of the brain. An MRI revealed hydrocephalus in the third and lateral ventricles, a Chiari malformation and part of a syrinx in the spinal cord. An MRI of the spine revealed two syrinxes in the spinal cord. A pediatric neurosurgeon joined the team of amazing physicians spanning four children's hospitals who have helped her to be where she is today: endocrinologist, bone geneticist, infectious disease specialist, orthopedic surgeon, pediatric opthamologists, ENT, pulmonologist, pediatricians and now a neurosurgeon. Our daughter was born with cerebral Lyme disease. She was diagnosed three years ago, solving many of her medical mysteries, but leaving challenges still to be faced.

The neurosurgeon explained that the Chiari malformation or hydrocephalus triggered the remaining problems, but which came first? A chicken/egg scenario. Fortunately, early MRIs provided the answer. They were normal, ruling out the Chiari malformation as a birth defect. The hydrocephalus came first. One cause of hydrocephalus is an infection of the central nervous system. Chief suspect: Borrelia.

This week a V/P shunt was inserted into her brain. At the time of her surgery, her cerebrospinal pressure was extremely high. In the surgeon's words, "It was the real deal."

She has been through so much in her nine years and there have been countless instances where we have been in awe of her courage and determination. Other than a few tears in the recovery room, she hasn't cried. Not during physical therapy, not when she tries to get up or roll over. Her one complaint, "I didn't realize it would hurt everywhere."

When she was tiny, she announced after getting a nightly shot of growth hormone, "I am one tough cookie in my wonderwear!"

She still is! Revealed once again when those heart shaped dressings came off today. Hearts meant to ease the hurt. A gift from a gifted surgeon.

Today, her hand has cautiously slipped behind her ear, carefully exploring where her hair has been shaved. A few tears. In three months, repeat MRIs will determine whether more surgery is necessary. We pray not, but know chronic Lyme is a marathon. There will be more challenges ahead. For now, it is enough to take comfort and gather strength from being home. It is time to rest and heal.

In closing, unforgettable words of encouragement from a nurse who shared our joy in her first steps after surgery to explore the Children's Garden. "Look at you, Little O!"

Angel Unaware

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Every once in a while you read a book that touches you so deeply it becomes a part of you. When I was young, my mother shared, Angel Unaware by Dale Evans Rogers. A beautiful tribute to a child who was here only a short time, but who forever touched the lives of her parents, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Rogers and other special needs children, for which they were eternally grateful.
Our daughter had her own little angel unaware. He came on four legs, not two, but an angel nonetheless. This summer she cared for a super sweet bearded dragon lizard named Paco. She fell in love and began saving for her own lizard and tank. When we learned the seriousness of Olivia's brain and spinal cord issues, our family and dear friends moved forward with the dream.

In our family, we believe our pets chose us. Marley, our beloved Border Collie, a rescue, didn't want to leave when he first met the girls. When our daughter walked to the aquarium where the lizard was housed, he came over and stood on two legs at the side of the tank and looked inquisitively at her. She walked around the store to look for things she would need and when she came back, he was waiting. It was love at first sight for both. We brought him home, much to the joy of all. Little Tuko, nicknamed Taco to rhyme with Paco, helped our daughter immensely in the days leading up to her surgery.
He had not been home long before he developed a bacterial infection in his mouth. The vet noticed signs of metabolic bone disease, unusual for one so young. She suspected his mother had been calcium deficient and he was born with it. A bit of irony as it was one of the diseases our own daughter had been born with. The Lyme disease caused placental complications, resulting in severe intrauterine growth retardation and metabolic bone disease. At six months, she was diagnosed with severe rickets, a vitamin D deficiency. We felt even more empathy for Taco.

Sadly, a secondary respiratory infection developed and his condition worsened. He rallied to join our daughter when she returned to school for the first time after her surgery. He erased the physical pain of her incisions and the emotional worry of her hair. Taco had been a star in the class's get well cards and it was very important to our daughter that they get the chance to meet him. Last night he quietly passed away.
As my heart was breaking for my daughters, our youngest, so wisely reminded me of a line from one of her beloved books Houdini Was written by the second grade students of White Bluffs Elementary in Richmond, WA after their class hamster died. "Don't cry that it's over...be happy that it happened."
So I wiped my tears. Thank you, little Taco, for making some very difficult days so very special.

Shreds

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I've been wrestling with writing, missing the May deadline for a Lyme Awareness post. Yesterday our Border Collie cracked the writer's block.

A family of rabbits lives in our backyard, darting and hopping; very playful. Giving the illusion that Richard Adam's Watership Down's warren has sprung straight from the pages into our yard. Our Border Collie has a different take. To Marley, it is more like Cynthia Rylant's Mr. Putter & Tabby Feed the Fish.where Tabby, is driven crazy by goldfish. Yesterday, Marley flew into a frustrated frenzy, shredding every piece of bedding down to and including my side of the mattress. Fortunately, no quilts were damaged, but UGH! Suffice it to say, between medical expenses, student loan payments and life in general, new bedding and a mattress are not in the budget. So what to do beyond providing love and reassurance to one very remorseful BC who just happens to be draped over me as I write?

Well, there are two traits that come in handy if you're going to survive Lyme. You must be adaptable and a great problem solver. At bedtime, my husband carefully laid out the sheets, making sure the tears didn't overlap and fell quickly asleep. Sewing machine repairs could wait, but what to do with the rather large hole in the mattress on my side of the bed?

Wool roving? I replaced a piece of mattress, stuffed roving around it, then used a pad from a brace to hold it all in place. Good enough. Just as I drifted off to sleep, it hit me that the shreds of fabric were a simile for our lives.

Life as we once knew it in shreds or we're holding on by a shred? A bit of each I think. Dear ones facing cancer and congestive heart failure. Shared grief from recent losses. On the Lyme front, our nine year old is adjusting to life with a shunt and the remaining syrinxes in her spinal cord. Painting, singing and writing bring much joy. She has loved rejoining her classmates at school. Our 14 year old recently developed complex regional pain syndrome after a knee injury. So painful and debilitating! Music remains her solace and inspiration. As one world opens up a bit, the other shrinks. The ebb and flow of chronic illness.

A friend recently asked if I was keeping my head above water? I laughed, "Nose and lips."

Daily antibiotic infusions keep me afloat. Infusions to knock down mastoiditis, a stubborn bone infection left over from my Lupus days. I tire easily. A sense of humor, though sorely tested, hangs tough, but please pardon me if I laugh too loudly. The sense of humor is a bit strained and the left ear still messed up, but as our youngest says, "Welcome to my world."

Who can argue with that?

Yes, blankets are torn and our lives in disrepair, but shining moments keep us moving forward and our spirits alive. So here is my May service announcement in June. As the tick populations grow and spread and scientists warn of a perfect Lyme storm brewing, please learn what you can about Lyme disease. Not all ticks are infected with Lyme, but one that is can change your life forever. When I think of the havoc a tiny deer tick caused in our family's lives, it's humbling. Remember, a bull's eye rash is a definitive sign for Lyme, but it shows up in a small percentage of cases. Unfortunately, the tests for Lyme are often unreliable. Lyme disease should be a clinical diagnosis. A bull's eye rash or a summer "flu" are warning flags. Adequate treatment at the onset of infection can spare years of suffering later. Closing with best wishes from our family to yours!

Sweet Friends

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Parker and I have the pleasure of being friends with the sweet Lohse family. I have known Kelly for about 8 yrs now and she is truly one of the sweetest people I know. Her youngest daughter is 9 months older than Parker. In fact the day Miss Addy Bugs was born was the day I found out I was pregnant with Parker. These two adorable little ones are just smitten with each other. Kelly and I often joke that we are going to marry them off together. Addy is such a little mother hen and tries her hardest to "help" Parker with things, like getting him something to drink or helping him wash and lotion up his hands. And my boy just eats it up. I truly hope these two become life long friends.
Look at Parker's cheesy grin! Can you tell he likes her just a little!?!

Santa

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Santa visited our small town's library this evening, so we stopped by to say "Hi". We thought we would be safe and go a little early to avoid the long lines, but even going a little early wasn't early enough. We got there about 10 minutes before the designated time and the line was still almost out the door.

When we found a parking spot, Parker excitedly asked if we were in the North Pole. My sweetie pie really thought our 2 minute drive from the house to the library landed us in the North Pole. We waited in line for a little bit and P did so well. He started to get a little nervous once he was able to see Santa, but when it was his turn he went right up to him. He started in on telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas before he even sat on his lap.He asked Santa for " Shake Shake Bridge" ( a Thomas and Friends playset) and happily told Santa that he was being a good boy. Santa gave him a little treat bad, posed for a couple pictures and then we were on our way to have some cookies and do a craft.

Dentist and Errands

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Today started way too early in my opinion. Why my child feels the need to be up before the sun, is beyond me. He certainly didn't inherit this quality from me. Nope, I'm a girl that loves her sleep, esp that early morning sleep. He gets it from his Daddy. That's right, I have two early birds on my hands. But like it or not, up I got this morning.
We headed off for a dental check up for Parker. Now I've been trying to prepare him for our appointment. We talked in great length about how Dr. L was going to count his teeth and then brush them with a fun toothbrush. And if he was good, he would be able to pick out a sticker and a new toothbrush. At his last check up it took 4 of us to hold him down so they could look in his mouth. Yep, I was super nervous going into this. Once we got all checked in, I was informed they were going to try to do bite wing x-rays and have him go back and have the examine by himself. I'll admit, I was a nervous wreck, but Parker walked back there with the sweet assistant like it was no big deal. The nice receptionist must of seen my nerves because she kept reassuring me that he was fine and I did a good job of encouraging him. So, there I sat on pins and needles waiting to hear the screams come from my child. But all I heard was silence. I watched the door like a hawk and it was a LONG half hour, but he made it and was SO good. He received a great report of no cavities, healthy gums and super behavior. I am so proud of my big boy! When he came out with his "treat"bag he had a huge smile on his face. He was super excited to show me his special teeth "pictures" and give me the sticker that he picked out for me. We do have to go back in 6 months to have sealants put on to his molars because of the deep groves in the teeth. But we will most likely combine that with his next check up.Since we were out and about anyways we made the most of out morning and ran a few errands. Our next sop was ToysRUs to pick out a toy for his preschool party gift exchange. Holy moly, it was a mad house there. We made it over to the mall to see the puppies at the pet shop, look for some dress shoes, have some lunch and see Santa. He has held true to what he wants for Christmas. He once again asked Santa for "Shake, Shake Bridge". I'm pretty sure Santa will be able to fulfill this Christmas wish. ;)

Fifth's Disease

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Early early on Sunday morning Parker woke up complaining of his tummy hurting. I took him to the bathroom and before I knew it, he was throwing up. My poor sweetie pie looked miserable and felt warm. So, we cleaned him up, gave him some tylenol and rocked in the recliner until he drifted back to sleep. He slept for several hours and was still warm and very tired the rest of the day. On Monday, he still had a fever and pretty much didn't move off the couch except to nap. And he wanted no part in food. This was totally not like our wild crazy boy. Even though his fever broke sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning, we kept him home from preschool.

On Tuesday we noticed that his cheeks were remaining a rosy color, almost as if the were chapped. He still slept and/or lounged all day. By later afternoon his rosy cheeks turned bright red, as if they were burned. I put in a call to his pediatrician and scheduled an appointment for the next morning.

Our sweetie pie was still the most calm I had ever seen him on Wednesday morning, opting to cuddle and sleep the morning away. I goggled "bright red cheeks" and Fifth's Disease came up in the search results. It certainly fit his symptoms. So we headed on it to the doctor and it looks like goggle was right. It was Fifth's Disease alright. Fifth's Disease is a virus that can start with a fever and have symptoms of a cold. It then gives you bright red rash cheeks and the rash can spread to your arms and chest presenting as a lacy type of rash.

We kept Parker home for the rest of the week and he slowly gained his strength back. By Saturday, our wild and crazy kid was back. He still has a pink rash on his cheeks, but it looks a hundred times better than before.

Updates

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Yesterday Parker had another counseling session. I wish I could say it went great, but it didn't. They made puppets and tried to make a story about them. Parker of course wanted to make a Sonic puppet, but started to withdrawal from the activity. He had a slight meltdown when one puppet was larger than his and I'm not really sure what that was all about. The rest of the day after counseling is always rough. It's like his emotions are all out of whack and are right on the edge. So, he had a full crying and screaming tantrum over putting on his shoes. Later that night when we were talking, he mentioned how much he misses his Daddy. The sadness in his voice and the look in his eye was enough to break my heart all over again.

Today was a better day. Not great, but better. We ran some errands this morning and met up with Grandma M for lunch. Yard work was next on the list, and let me tell you I really dislike yard work. Mowing kicked my rump, but it had to be done. It was starting to look like a jungle out there. Tonight Parker was drawing on his glow board and drew a portrait of himself but with tears down his face. He explained that he had the tears because he was sad and missed Daddy. He then told me that I was sad because I missed Daddy too. I tried to explain that I am sad and it's okay to be sad and it's also okay to cry because we are sad and because we miss Daddy. We read the book, A Terrible Thing Happened tonight, which was given to us by Mr. Brad, his counselor. He sat very still and seemed to take it all in. He didn't have much to say and didn't want to talk about the book after we finished it. I'm going to try to talk to him about it tomorrow and see where that gets us.

Watching Parker go through all this has been the hardest thing that I have been through. My heart breaks for him every single day. It is so hard to watch your baby hurt and not be able to help. At time I feel helpless and so inadequate. I pray every night that God will show me how to help Parker and that He will ease my sweet boys pain and heart ache. I have to believe that we will be okay in the end. I know we are forever changed but, I have hope that we will find our way.

Head Lice

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One of the most common misconceptions is that head lice only happen to the poor, the unclean, or the uneducated. For a long time, it was thought that people got head lice only from being in filthy environments or because of poor hygiene. We know that isn’t true. Head lice are found on children who attend any school, who shampoo daily and have short or long hair. In fact head lice prefer a clean head. It can happen to anyone.

Head lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. They are tan or grayish and are often difficult to see. They like to be in dark places and will quickly hide under hair when you part it to look for them. It is usually easier to find the nits or eggs. Nits are whitish and teardrop shaped and very tiny. You will find them attached to the hair. They are “glued” on and are difficult to remove. Head lice can’t fly or jump, so don’t be concerned when you are looking for them.

If you are certain your child has head lice, check other family members. Everyone infested should be treated at the same time. Don’t worry about the family pet, head lice only live on people. Please inform the school ASAP so that the spread in your child’s classroom can be limited.

Children cannot ride the school bus until the school nurse has checked the child.

To successfully treat head lice several steps need to be followed:

1. Use of a lice (pediculicide) shampoo. There are several brands available, without prescription, at local pharmacies. Consult with your doctor before using any lice product on pregnant/nursing women, infants, or those with allergies. Read the label carefully and follow directions. Apply the shampoo to dry hair. Wetting the hair first makes it less effective. It is best to do this over a sink as this keeps the shampoo on the scalp only. Make sure behind the ears and the nape of the neck is treated thoroughly. If you notice swollen glands in the neck or under the arm, or scratch marks can be seen, infection may be present. Consult with your doctor before giving any treatment.

2. Comb out the nits while the hair is still wet. Use the comb that came with the shampoo or a separate one can be purchased. Many people find a metal comb more effective and it can be sterilized and re-used. It is time consuming but very important to remove all of the nits. If you are having a lot of difficulty, some people find that a vinegar rinse helps to loosen the nits. After you are done with this, shampoo with a regular shampoo. Check daily and keep removing any nits that might have been missed. A second treatment, 7-10 days after the first treatment, may be necessary to eliminate any new nits or lice. If after these two treatments the problem still exists consult with your doctor. Remember your child has to be “nit free” to return to school.

3. Since lice can survive off the body for several hours and nits for longer, it is important that your immediate environment be cleaned. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and mattresses. Wash recently worn clothing, towels, sheet and linens in hot, soapy water and dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Items that can’t be washed can be vacuumed or placed in a plastic bag and sealed for 2 weeks. Soak all combs and hairbrushes in hot water (130 degrees) or in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes. Vacuum your car seats and headrests.

Do not use sprays-they are not effective and are potentially harmful to humans and pets. All of these measures take time and patience, but should limit the spread of head lice in your family and in school. If you have any questions about head lice and treatment, I am more than happy to help you with the answers.

If you have a computer handy go to the National Pediculosis Association web site at www.headlice.org. They have a wealth of information.

Nurse Donna

The Flu~A Guide for Parents

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Looks like the Influenza Season may be starting earlier than usual...

What is the flu?

The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by influenza virus. The flu can spread from person to person. Most people with flu are sick for about a week, but then feel better. However, some people (especially young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems) can get very sick and some can die.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Most people with the flu feel tired and have fever (usually high), headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles. Some people, especially children, may also have stomach problems and diarrhea. Cough can last two or more weeks

How does the flu spread?

People that have the flu usually cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose. This makes droplets with virus in them. Other people can get the flu by breathing in these droplets, getting them in their nose or mouth, or touching contaminated surfaces

How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?

Healthy adults may be able to spread the flu from 1 day before getting sick to up to 5 days after getting sick. This can be longer in children and in people who don’t fight disease as well (people with weakened immune systems).

How can I protect my child from the flu?

A flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. CDC recommends that all children from the ages of 6 months up to their 19th birthday get a flu vaccine every fall or winter (children getting a vaccine for the first time need two doses).
• Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older.
• A nasal-spray vaccine can be given to healthy children 2 years and older (children under 5 years old who have had wheezing in the past year or any child with chronic health problems should get the flu shot).
• You can protect your child by getting a flu vaccine for yourself too. Also encourage your child’s close contacts to get a flu vaccine. This is very important if your child is younger than 5 or has a chronic health problem like asthma (breathing disease) or diabetes (high blood sugar levels).

Is there medicine to treat the flu?

There are antiviral drugs for children 1 year and older that can make your child feel better and get better sooner. But these drugs need to be approved by a doctor. They should be started during the first 2 days that your child is sick for them to work best. Your doctor can discuss with you if these drugs are right for your child.

How else can I protect my child against flu?

1. Take time to get a flu vaccine and get your child vaccinated too.
2. Take everyday steps to prevent the spread of germs. This includes:

- Clean your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes
- Tell your child to:
- Stay away from people who are sick
- Clean hands often
- Keep hands away from face
- Cover coughs and sneezes to protect others (it’s best to use a tissue and throw it away).

What should I use for hand cleaning?

Washing hands with soap and water (for as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice) will help protect your child from many different germs. When soap and water are not available, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used (the gels should be rubbed into your hands until they are dry).

What can I do if my child gets sick?

Consult your doctor and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks a lot of fluids. If your child is older than 2 years, you can buy medicine (over-the-counter) without a prescription that might make your child feel better. Be careful with these medicines and follow the instructions on the package. But never give aspirin or medicine that has aspirin in it to children or teenagers who may have the flu.

What if my child seems very sick?

Call or take your child to a doctor right away if your child:

• has a high fever or fever that lasts a long time
• has trouble breathing or breathes fast
• has skin that looks blue
• is not drinking enough
• seems confused, will not wake up, does not want to be held, or has seizures (uncontrolled shaking)
• gets better but then worse again
• has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes) that get worse

Can my child go to school if he or she is sick?

No. Your child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the flu to other children.

Should my child go to school if other children are sick?

It is not unusual for some children in school to get sick during the winter months. If many children get sick, it is up to you to decide whether to send your child to school. You might want to check with your doctor, especially if your child has other health problems.

When can my child go back to school after having the flu?

Keep your child home from school until his or her temperature has been normal for 24 hours. Remind your child to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, to protect others (you may want to send some tissue and wipes or gels with alcohol in them to school with your child).

Wishing you all good health,

Nurse Donna

Strep Throat Is Still Among Us

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Please be advised that we are continuing to see a great deal of Strep Throat in in our classrooms at this time.

If you child develops a fever or sore throat, DO NOT send your child to school and PLEASE follow up with your family physician immediately for treatment options.

Should a unknown rash develop please seek medical attention as strep w/rash is also known as “Scarlet Fever

***Symptoms of strep throat include fever, stomach pain, vomiting and red, swollen tonsils***

Now is the time to reinforce proper hand washing techniques at home with your children and remind them not put their fingers in their mouth, nose or eyes as they are the 3 ways by which viruses enter the body.

Wishing everyone a healthy day,

Nurse Donna

Dressing For The Weather IS Necessary..

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Dressing for school can be a guessing game. Some day’s we are warm, some days are a bit cool. A very cool morning can change to a warm afternoon for recess, or a cold front can move it with a surprising chill. Air-conditioning and heating a large building is a challenge as the weather fluctuates. It can take up to 24 hours to adjust the heating system.

Students are encouraged to dress in layers so they can be comfortable to learn. Wearing light shirts and pants with a sweatshirt in the backpack can be a formula for comfort. Please check with your child to make sure they have a sweatshirt in their backpack if needed.

Nurse Donna

Summer Eye Safety

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PROTECT EYES FROM THE SUN

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays without proper eye protection may cause short and long-term damage to the eyes. Eye doctors encourage adults and children to protect their eyes by wearing a hat or sunglasses that properly absorb UV radiation. Children are especially at risk because the effects of sunlight exposure are cumulative with 80% of lifetime UV exposure received by age 18. No matter the location or activity, if you’re outside in the sun you should wear a hat or sunglasses, even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days. Children should wear UV blocking sunglasses to reduce the amount of light entering the eye, protect against harmful UV light, decrease glare, and increase contrast. A dark lens does not necessarily have UV protection—look for lenses that absorb 99 to 100 percent of UV light.
 
PROTECT EYES WHILE PLAYING SPORTS

Helmets prevent head injury, but often do not protect the eyes. Make sure children are wearing a polycarbonate face guard or other certified safe protection. Prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses typically do not provide adequate protection for sports use. Lenses in sports eyewear usually are made of polycarbonate, which has built-in ultraviolet protection—a valuable feature for outdoor sports. Visit www.playhardgear.com for information about obtaining protective sports eyewear at no charge.
 
PROTECT EYES WHILE DOING HOUSEHOLD PROJECTS

A common injury in the summertime is a scratch on the surface of the eye (corneal abrasion). Sanding, spray painting, working under cars, leaf blowing or lawn mowing are frequent activities that result in corneal abrasions. Safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses and side shields should be worn whenever there is a risk of particles flying. If a foreign body is in the eye, it may not cause immediate pain, and material embedded in the eye is usually too small to see by the naked eye. Call an eye doctor and irrigate the eye thoroughly with water or saline.
 
PROTECT EYES FROM CHEMICALS

While swimming is a favorite summertime activity, it can lose its appeal quickly if eye safety is forgotten. Wearing swimming goggles keeps irritating chemicals and germs out of children’s eyes while they swim. Adults and children should not wear contact lenses in the pool. The surface tension holding the contacts in will be washed away by water. Infection can also result from untreated lake or pond water getting under the lens. If eyes sting from swimming in a pool, it may mean the chemicals aren't balanced. If the pool water hurts the eyes, get out of the pool. If the eyes continue to burn, rinse immediately with clean water. If the stinging persists, see an eye doctor.

Bug repellant is another chemical to watch out for. To avoid getting repellant in the eyes, spray it on the hands first and then apply to the face. If bug repellant gets in the eyes, flush with lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
 
Have a safe Summer~
 
Nurse Donna

Summer Safety Tips

Hoping this finds everyone enjoying their summer break as it won't be long till we are back in school.

I know all our parents at Black River Local School District strive to make every effort to keep your kids safe year-round, but it is especially important in the summer when most kids are out of school. Hot temperatures and more time spent outdoors, perhaps unsupervised, can put kids' health and safety at risk, leading to a lot of accidents and tragedies this time of year.

Sun and Summer Heat

The most obvious hidden dangers in the summer simply have to do with the heat and can include:

•heat stress and heat stroke, which can be prevented. Keep kids well-hydrated, take frequent breaks when playing outside, and watch for symptoms such as thirst, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fever. Never leave a child or let her play in a hot car.
•getting burned on metal slides or other hot playground equipment.
•sunburns--although parents should be aware of the risks of not applying sunscreen or sunblock on their children, sunburns are still common (especially if lotions are not used properly.)
•never leaving a child unattended in a car, even for a few minutes, as a car can get hot quickly, and be sure to always lock your car and secure your keys so that your kids can't play in your car and get trapped inside

Water Safety Tips

Many families try to escape the summer heat in a pool or nearby lake. To keep your kids safe around the water be sure to:

•childproof your pool by enclosing it in a fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
•supervise your kids around the pool, even if they know how to swim.
•have children who don't know how to swim wear a life vest instead of "floaties" when they are in the pool.
•always have your child wear a life vest when on a lake or river, even if they know how to swim.
•take your child to swimming lessons once he or she is four to five years old, the age when most kids can learn to swim.

Other Summer Safety Tips

In addition to using sunscreen, supervising kids around water, and protecting your kids from the heat, you can keep your kids safe this summer by:

•checking the pool (or nearby ponds and hot tubs, etc.) first if a child is ever missing as someone calls 911. Next, check the car, including the trunk, as every second can count if your child has drowned or is trapped in a hot car.
•avoiding pourable gel fuel for firepots that have recently been recalled.
•educating kids at the beach that digging holes in the sand deeper than their knees can be a risk for a collapsing hole and getting trapped under the sand.
•keeping younger kids away from lawn mowers. Despite the need for a summer job or simply wanting to help, remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children younger than 16 years old should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers; children younger than 12 should not use walk-behind mowers.
•using insect repellents when necessary.
•doing a daily tick check if your kids have been playing outdoors, especially in or near wooded areas.
•outfitting your kids with appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet and pads, when they ride a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter, or while wearing heelys.
•putting a guard on windows above the first floor if you are going to routinely open the window during warmer weather to help prevent falls
•not letting your kids play with fireworks and instead visiting a public fireworks display this fourth of July.
•not eating food that has been left out for more than an hour at barbecues and family picnics, which can cause food poisoning.
•teaching your kids to recognize and avoid poison ivy.

And of course, keep your home well-childproofed. This also applies to wherever you are staying when you are on vacation, whether it is a hotel or relative's home.

Although not a safety danger, it's important to remember that time off from school also means that your child may have more opportunity to become inactive and eat more junk food, leading to his becoming overweight. Always encourage your child to be active and eat a healthy diet all summer long.

See you soon,

Nurse Donna

Immunization Requirements for Students

OHIO IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS*

In accordance with the 2011-12 state law, students must have the following before they may enroll and attend school:

4 doses DTP – Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (5 doses if 4th dose was administered prior to age 4)*Required before entry into Kindergarten

3 POLIO-IPV – (4 doses required if a combination of IPV & OPV were given or if final dose was administered prior to age 4) *Required before entry into Kindergarten

3 HEPATITIS B – ALL Students K-12. ***If the 3rd dose was given before 6 months of age a 4th dose is required. *Required before entry into Kindergarten

2 MMR – Measles/Mumps/Rubella- ALL Students K-12. *Required before entry into Kindergarten

2 VARICELLA – Chicken Pox Immunization- 2 doses for K-1 1 dose for grades 2-5 *Required before entry into Kindergarten

All 7th & 8th grade students must have a Tdap booster to return to school.

**For students with religious or medical exemptions, special forms are located in the clinic.**

Special Note: By law, vaccination records must show “day” as well as month and year of each dose administered and must have the signature or stamp of the physician/health facility that administered these.

Should your child not meet these requirements a note will be sent home reminding you what vaccinations need to be completed. If these are not completed your child WILL be excluded from attending school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the clinic and speak directly with me.

Wishing every student a successful school year,

Nurse Donna

Vaccination Deadline IS Approaching

One of my least favorite tasks at the beginning of the school year however it is the law. Many of you will be receiving bright pink notes stating that your child has until September 22, 2011 to provide proof of mandated vaccinations. If you receive this note, please heed the warning.

Those students that do not comply with Ohio law will NOT be able to return to school after that Friday, until their vaccination records are brought up to date. Should you have additional questions by all means call my office.

Nurse Donna

Strep Throat

Please be advised that we have positive diagnosis of Strep Throat in both 1st & second grade classrooms at this time. If you child develops a fever or sore throat, DO NOT send your child to school and PLEASE follow up with your family physician immediately for treatment options.

Should a unknown rash develop please seek medical attention as strep w/rash is also known as “Scarlet Fever

***Symptoms of strep throat include fever, stomach pain, vomiting and red, swollen tonsils***

It is a great time to reinforce proper hand washing techniques at home with your children and remind them to not put their fingers in their mouth, nose or eyes as they are the 3 ways by which viruses enter the body.

Wishing everyone a healthy day,

Nurse Donna

Week of September 12th update

Strep throat is still on the rise; first, second and third grade classes at this time. Should your child complain of a sore throat, please take it seriously.

It is also the season for head lice so I ask that you remind your children not to share hair items, brushes, scrunchies, hats, hoodies, etc. Girls with long hair should try to pull it back while riding the bus to avoid additonal exposure. Remember it is not a hygeine issue, but rather a pesky issue that can happen to any of our children.

Most importantly; I need to stress proper hand washing for ALL our children. Especially while at school. Proper hand washing technique to teach your childen is;

1. Use warm running water
2. Use liquid or pump soap whenever possible
3. Rub hands/fingers together 10-20 seconds vigorously
4. Scrub under fingernails (germs hide there)
5. Rinse and dry well

Sometimes it helps to teach our little ones to sing either Happy Birthday or the ABC's song while washing to assure they wash long enough before rinsing.

Always remember, hand washing IS the #1 preventative in preventing the spread of viruses per the Center of Disease Control.

Happy hand washing and good health to all,

Nurse Donna

The Question

My husband recently asked a question that had me roaring with laughter. It was a simple question and perfectly innocent. He was sitting at the computer, on eBay, looking at clothes from J. Jill, a long favorite company of mine.

"What style are you going for these days?"

Little did he know it would elicit such whoops of laughter!

Is there a style name for comfy pajama bottoms paired with long sleeve super soft cotton tops? Add fleece when cold? I'm pretty sure I'm a candidate for TLC's "What Not to Wear", though would NEVER have the energy to fly to New York City and shop for three days!!! That's okay because I'm equally sure Stacy London's shoe choices would neither accommodate orthotics or an AFO! As I'm incapable of making decisions regarding money, it truly is pointless to even go down that road.

My clothing is functional. It is often difficult for me to fall asleep at night. Though I'm tired, it is when I experience the most pain so I often catch up by sleeping in the morning. Each day at 2:45pm, I trade the pjs for a pair of yoga pants or khakis and pick up our daughters from school. I had to laugh when our Border Collie leaped to attention mid-morning last week after seeing me change, certain we were heading out. When I shared this memory with my husband and demonstrated with the dog, we were both laughing until tears rolled down our cheeks.

Maybe this is just one of those questions that is better left unanswered? Wishing you the joy of laughter!

Gratitude for Summer

Shorter days, cooler nights with frost warnings, reds and yellows sneaking into the foliage, Canada Geese and Sandhill Cranes heading south; all undeniable signs that fall is right around the corner. It is with a bit of sadness we say good bye to warm sunny days, sand between our toes, trips out the backdoor to harvest fresh herbs, kale and onions, flowers in the yard, and amazing memories of special times spent with loved ones. Summer could not have come at a better time and the slower pace for rest and healing was very much needed and appreciated! We loved every minute of it!!






What kid doesn't have a few back-to-school jitters and yes, we've had our share, so what a treat to share in the girls' excitement as they headed off to school this morning! Our youngest returned to a sparkling building anxious to meet old and new friends. For our oldest, it was her first day of high school. She was returning to the building she knew well as a child. I'm hoping it will feel a bit like home to her. The most emotional part of her day will be walking into my old classroom for science. May it be easier than she imagines. I'm hoping the hour will fly by and she will love every minute of it.

And while I'm making wishes, the biggest one I send out today is that our girls remain healthy enough to enjoy life the way they want to be living it. The balancing act has begun again. Hold on, Girls! We'll take it one day at a time! XO

How do you know?

How do you know a pediatric neurosurgeon loves his/her patients? When the dressings are cut away to reveal gauze cut in the shape of hearts!

Rewind to August. Two weeks before her ninth birthday, our daughter started having a rougher time. She had less patience, was easily agitated and had a more difficult time making eye contact. She noticed memory issues. School started and in her words, "Things that used to be easy are taking a lot longer and sometimes I can't even remember what to do."

Things like how to add or subtract.

We noticed a decline in fine motor skills, more confusion, increased cognitive difficulty, dizziness, queasiness, increased headaches, fatigue and falls.

A CAT scan provided the first clue, hydrocephalus in the third ventricle of the brain. An MRI revealed hydrocephalus in the third and lateral ventricles, a Chiari malformation and part of a syrinx in the spinal cord. An MRI of the spine revealed two syrinxes in the spinal cord. A pediatric neurosurgeon joined the team of amazing physicians spanning four children's hospitals who have helped her to be where she is today: endocrinologist, bone geneticist, infectious disease specialist, orthopedic surgeon, pediatric opthamologists, ENT, pulmonologist, pediatricians and now a neurosurgeon. Our daughter was born with cerebral Lyme disease. She was diagnosed three years ago, solving many of her medical mysteries, but leaving challenges still to be faced.

The neurosurgeon explained that the Chiari malformation or hydrocephalus triggered the remaining problems, but which came first? A chicken/egg scenario. Fortunately, early MRIs provided the answer. They were normal, ruling out the Chiari malformation as a birth defect. The hydrocephalus came first. One cause of hydrocephalus is an infection of the central nervous system. Chief suspect: Borrelia.

This week a V/P shunt was inserted into her brain. At the time of her surgery, her cerebrospinal pressure was extremely high. In the surgeon's words, "It was the real deal."

She has been through so much in her nine years and there have been countless instances where we have been in awe of her courage and determination. Other than a few tears in the recovery room, she hasn't cried. Not during physical therapy, not when she tries to get up or roll over. Her one complaint, "I didn't realize it would hurt everywhere."

When she was tiny, she announced after getting a nightly shot of growth hormone, "I am one tough cookie in my wonderwear!"

She still is! Revealed once again when those heart shaped dressings came off today. Hearts meant to ease the hurt. A gift from a gifted surgeon.

Today, her hand has cautiously slipped behind her ear, carefully exploring where her hair has been shaved. A few tears. In three months, repeat MRIs will determine whether more surgery is necessary. We pray not, but know chronic Lyme is a marathon. There will be more challenges ahead. For now, it is enough to take comfort and gather strength from being home. It is time to rest and heal.

In closing, unforgettable words of encouragement from a nurse who shared our joy in her first steps after surgery to explore the Children's Garden. "Look at you, Little O!"