New Beginnings

Recently, we have moved back to the states. Our baby turned 2 years old. And we are settling in a new house.

It is interesting how you need to get adjusted again to the way things are in the states after being away for a while.

Here are some new things I have learned.

1. You can order on line with Papa Johns, and have your pizza delivered at a specific time.

2. Even though Target is open late, you really don't want to go when the kids are in bed.

3. You can go to any grocery store and get helium balloons. (Awesome)

5. Netflix on line is the best. There is no need for TV, or ever leaving your house for a movie.

6. Going to Costco once a week, still feels like a vacation.

7. This Halloween will be the best ever.

We are busy with dance classes, preschool, and all the other fun things to do.

Plus, I really love the Pacific Northwest in the fall.

War Update.

Sometime ago, I declared war on my butt. And now I have a new update. I am starting to Win. Yeah!!!

Here is what I have been doing. I have been following the South Beach Diet, and I also have been learning about Nourishing Traditions. I have found that cutting sugar out of my diet makes me feel better.

For exercise, I have been doing the Biggest Loser Workout. I really like it. It is still challenging even over two months of doing it. I have exercised around 54 days. I have also started to add some running 3 days a week. I am following this program I got from Prevention magazine.

Results that I have noticed.

I lost my Greek roll. Last year we went to Crete for 10 days. I gained this big roll around my middle that has been there since now.

I have lost around 15 pounds.

I fit in all my old clothes.

I was stronger when I added running to my program. In other words, it has been easier for me to add running. Last time I ran, I could barely run over 2 minutes at a time, and now I can run longer, and have less hip flexor pain.

I have more energy.

My future goals. I am only two weeks into my running program, but I am going to continue doing the Biggest loser DVD 3 days a week, and the other 3 days do my running program. I also do around 20 to 30 minutes of The Biggest Loser DVD after my run each time.

I am also going to watch what I eat. Now I am not 100% good like I was in the beginning, but I plan on getting that back on track here soon. Also, I feel better when I eat very few grains, and stay away from sugar.

Update

Lots has happened since I last blogged.

1 My beautiful step-daughter decided she wanted to come live with us in Denmark, and finish up the school year here at the Copenhagen International School.

2. The whole family had food poisoning. This was an adventure with a one bathroom house. (I suggest no one try it on purpose.) My 4 year old thinks she will never eat Chinese food again.

3. Maddy has been busy with 2 play performances, 1 fashion show, 1 school picnic, and lots of fun times with friends like sleep overs and going to Bakken.

4. Tim was in Fargo, ND for an extra 4 days due to the volcano. He took 4 flights to get back, and we were so happy to have him home.

5. My 1 year old is ready to be a 2 year old. She also loves to dance, climb, and run around.

6. My 4 year old is so big. She is coloring so well, and loves to do puzzles and ride her bike. She is also a big helper, and she is trying to teach us Danish.

6. I have been trying to cook healthier meals. I have been learning a lot about using raw honey instead of sugar, and soaking grains before cooking them. All interesting and new things.

The weather is getting nice, and May is a beautiful month in Denmark.

Hopefully things will become more normal now, and I can get back on track with blogging.

Quote of the Day

"I thought guys didn't like cats. Maybe only mean guys do."

This is the what my 4 year old said while watching Bolt.

My husband tries to train our girls to hate cats. That is because he hates cats. And he hates cats because when he was 10 years old he was attached by a cat with rabies. He then had to have rabies shots in his stomach.

I think I would hate cats too, if I went through that.

Needless to say they all still love cats.

Sick Kids

Actually just my 4 year old. A couple of weeks ago I gave you some insight about the Danish Medical System. Well, my 4 year old started to have a cough around Thanksgiving. But we just waited it out. Sometimes it goes away. Then it did get a little better. But by the middle of December it was pretty bad again. Our doctor's office is closed around a couple of days before Christmas, and did not open until the 4th of January. On January 4th I took her to the doctor's office. I did tell her that she had a cough for around 4 weeks. Well the doctor thought she was fine because she was not running a high temperature. On the 11th I returned with my husband. We wanted to get a referral to a specialist. She has had chest problems in the past. (when she was 2 years old she had RSV) But the doctor really wanted to give her antibiotics for 5 days before doing so. Well my hubby and her got into a fight. She finally gave us a referral to the hospital. On the referral she wrote down the the father doesn't trust her medical opinion and wanted to see someone else. (Fortunately, I had my hubby with me because I would have been in tears at this point.) After waiting for almost 2 hours at the hospital the doctor came in and lectured him on not trusting the 4 year old's doctor. Finally, he asked if she was done so that she could examine our girl. Well after the doctor listened to her she decided to order a chest x-ray. She also noticed that she had a history with other problems. After the xray we found out that she had full on pneumonia. She was given 10 days of antibiotics.

We were told at the time to come back in two weeks. But they decided that it wasn't necessary for us to go back, but never told us. After two weeks we had to go back to our 1st doctor before we could go get a referral to the hospital again. Well, we had to change our 1st doctor, and we had to go the the kommune to do it. (Each area has a main center where they decide what daycare, and what doctor you should have. They also deal with trash, employment, and other neighborhood issues). It would take 14 days for the paperwork to go through.

We found out that there was a private hospital where you can pay $400 to be seen. We decided to go there to see if we could get more help. The doctor there told us it is very common for kids here to have RSV. They think that is normal especially if they are attending daycare. So now we are getting some blood work done to see if she has any allergies to things as well. We are worried about mold because our house has mold as well. (That is another thing that Danes think is normal to live with.)

Anyways, the weather has been below 38 degree F, and no were else to go because you don't want your child to get worse.

I hope everyone is staying warm and cozy, and keeping sick free.

Two New Writing Blogs

I have wanted to write for a long time. I have lots and lots of ideas, but have a hard time getting them down on paper. Two new blogs I have been reading have inspired me to write more.

I hope they inspire you as well.

/jscottsavage.blogspot.com/

/travelinoma.blogspot.com/

Facebook

This is to let everyone know why I am not on Facebook. 1st I love the idea of Facebook. I would love to connect with lots and lots of people. 2nd Facebook requires for me to give out to much of my information. Yes I can lie about my birthday, but it is scary to think that someone could use my information for bad. So for now, I am not on Facebook. But who knows what the future holds.

Good luck all Facebook people.