My grandma always said rub whiskey on the gums and the little that gets to the tummy helps, too. I never used it but I know they used it on me and I didn't become an alcoholic! My doctor always recommends premedication when you know it's coming. A dose of Motrin an hour before bedtime goes a long way through the night for pain or earaches. I don't go there often, but our local Akin's Natural Food Market carries all kinds of alternative medicines and the salespeople seem to be really knowledgable, so I would try there for teething gel type treatments. I have to say, I love holistic approaches that really work but ALWAYS call my doctor before I use them since most of the ingredients aren't regulated. Seriously, nothing beats oil of oregano when you are losing your voice-too bad nobody wants to get close to you and your breath for days after you take it!!!
I think I'll just go to Starbucks for a peice of coffee cake because if I make a whole one I know I will slowly eat away at it until it's gone.

Justa, the coffee cake recipe is the basic one in the red plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. Except I can't find my book. It must've gotten lost in one of the moves. Grrrr. It's just a very simple, basic recipe but is always a crowd pleaser.

I'm heading out to do yard work. And guess what I found out. I don't own a single pair of shorts. I can't even remember the last time I wore shorts but I thought some sun on my legs would be a good idea. And not even the fake kind from a bottle or a tanning bed either. Oh well, I did find some capris so at least my ankles will be happy.

80s and sunny here today. I'm in heaven!

luvmykids ~ chocolate is good for you... excellent source of magnesium! Enjoy those hersey kisses.

Thanks for the tip on the cold wash cloth. i am ready to try anything. She is fine during the day as she is busy playing, even with nap time ~ But she just cannot make it through the night. We were up every two hours last night and I am exhausted.

My monsterinlaw suggested rubbing rum on her gums - but I just don't think that is the best approach ~ who knows it might be a fairly acceptable one, but I just can't see doing it. I will try the wash cloth and simply massaging her gums to see how that goes.

Onarollpto, Thank you for the muffin recipe. I am going to the store in a moment to get all the ingredients. I cannot wait to try them.

Crewchief, how about that coffee cake recipe? I cannot get that off my mind now. I might just have to go to RecipeZaar.com to see what coffee cake recipes they have... it is a really good site for finding both the old fashioned and unique recipes.

Dlf, thanks for the teething tips too. Also thanks for the tip on Terabitha. My son could not handle the dying scene either. The idea of watching the star wars in 45 minute increments is excellent. I am definitely going to try that. Today we are having a big Peter Pan day... got the Platnium DVD and have invited the playgroup over for popcorn and movie day. Should be fun.

Oh well, i need to run to the store to get the basics and the supplies to make these muffins before the big event starts. Not to mention make the house semi presentable. I keep hoping the "cleaning fairies" will come in while I sleep at night and do the dusting, sweeping, washing floors, and the such that I really don't like to do..... if only...

Hope everyone has a great day ~ be sure to eat some chocolate for your share of magnesium!

Justa I used the washcloth trick too. They have hurricane gel not sure if thats red though, but they have teething gels that are clear or just use and adult oragel thats all the hurricane gel is anyways your just paying for the name.

I feel your pain with the sleeplessness my 2.5 just broke hers in.

Justa, I used the frozen wash cloth for my little ones too. Harder to use for molars though.

You guys are making me too hungry with all the "muffin and coffee cake" talk! I went out the door without my piece of fruit for my morning snack and all I can find here at work is Hershey Kisses. Guess if I eat a salad for lunch I'll be okay.

dlf, that dinner sounds wonderful. You know sometimes you just have to do something elaborate like that and not think about the calories. My family was hinting at a pork loin this morning. I think the warm weather has them in the mood for things on the grill. We did steaks last night.

Oh, that reminds me. I forgot to tell you guys about the treat I had a week ago. Chocolate bread pudding with vanilla cream sauce. It was like a big, gooey hunk of fudge! Did I have a sugar high after that! It was at a local bake shop. She is doing a cookbook and I have to find out if that one is in there. Wow!

Morning...coffee anyone? Cream, sugar, extra caffeine? Ugh - it's crazy how the time change can mess me up. Anyway, here is that recipe for Maple Muffins

Preheat oven to 400F.
Muffins
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup maple syrup
4 oz. cream cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Topping
3 tbl. flour
3 tbl. sugar
2 tbls chopped nuts (I didn't use, still yummy!)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbl. butter

Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. In a different bowl mix the milk, butter, syrup, cream cheese, egg and vanilla. Stir that into the dry ingredients until just moistened (it will be a bit lumpy). Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Combine all the topping ingredients and sprinkle over batter. Bake for 16-10 minutes. I got 12 really big muffins!

Our girls did great with Terabithia and they are 7 and 9. But, they are both really close and all into making up stories, fantasy lands, imagination, etc. so it was right up their alley, to kind of put themselves in the characters minds and turn a forest and animals into trolls and mountains and streams and a story. They both did fine with the sad part. It was my husband and I that were choking back the tears! It just depends on your child, what they are into and what you think they can handle.

The sun is trying so hard to come out here...come on, you can do it.. keep trying.......