• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
House of Hawthornes
  • DIY
  • Gardening
  • Budget Decor
  • Thrifting
  • Seasonal
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY
  • Gardening
  • Decorating
  • Thrifting
  • Seasonal
  • 🛒 Our Amazon Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Musings

    Spring Break Midwestern Style

    Published by Pam Kessler | 698 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article. - 19 Comments

    I'm back! Bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to take the world on.

    Thank you all sooooo much for your thoughts and comments on my last post. I really do appreciate each and every one of you no matter if you comment daily, read silently, but religiously or just pop in every now and then. Or heck, if you're reading for the first time today.

    You just make my heart hurt. In a good way 🙂

    Mason jar lids found at Target

    Before I go any further, I thought I'd jump over my no-talking-about-my-son line in the sand.

    Ooomph - I needed a running jump to get over that one.

    So, I think we have a new game plan for my son right now.

    He's had issues with his lungs in the past due to his prematurity. It's one of those things that a lot of preemies go through just because your lungs are not ready to do real work yet when you're coming out two months early. The lungs get damaged and need time to recover.

    But my son had seemed to have grown out of breathing issues. And years and years of routine visits to the lung doctor sort of lulled me into a false sense of not having to worry about THAT any more. Out of sight and out of mind is my motto 🙂

    But when he developed a cough that would not go away this fall and it just lingered and lingered, I knew something wasn't normal. It wasn't anything big enough to warrant a trip to the ER and numerous trips to the Pediatrician just made me feel like a hypochondriac. I don't know how many time I was told it was "just a cold".

    Months passed, coughing continued and when his normal yearly check-up with his Pulmonologist occurred recently, I finally felt vindicated. And more than a little guilty that I had let the local doctors dismiss the problem so easily. Don't mess with a Mom's intuition.

    Turns out that having a cough for six months is not normal. It's not just a cold. The Pulmonologist WAS concerned about it.

    So after a few tests and trying a few different inhalers, we think we've got the right combination of meds that can control his cough and keep his 02 levels where they need to be. We still don't have an answer for why exactly the cough was occurring yet, but it's gotten a whole lot better and I'll take that for now.

    It's a new daily routine, but we're getting used to it.

    God, get me started and I just don't shut up!

    So what's been happening around here on my little stay at home spring break?

    For one, my daffs have popped up. Sort of.

    Daffodil shoots sprouting out of the ground

    They're just shoots right now and I may have to put blankets on them tonight since it's going down below freezing. Again. But it's hope, right?

    And no, I haven't raked all the leaves up from last fall yet.

    I did lots of dog walking. Dogs loved it. My feet, not so much. I need a great pair of walking shoes, so if you have any recommendations, bring them on.

    I did a lot of cleaning and organizing. It feels nice to have the dust bunnies under control. And all my underwear clean at one time.

    I did a little bit of retail therapy. Some thrift stores. A few estate sales. And even Target.

    Did you see those lids on the Ball jars in the first photo. Found the lids in the dollar bins at Target. Oh, yeah!

    Mason jar lids found at Target

    The one on the left is a flower frog type thing and the one on the right is a thing to make a jar into a drinking glass (just insert straw into middle circle). Or in my case, I use it to hold my ball o' twine.

    Love when I find something useful in the dollar bins. Makes up for them playing footloose and fancy free with our credit card information 🙂

    That about sums it up. Glad to be back. I'm raring to do some spring projects and can not wait for garage sale season to kick into high gear here!!!

    « Eclectic Vintage Lunchbox Vignette
    Estate Sale Religion »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces

      March 25, 2014 at 1:20 pm

      So nice to see you back, Pam, I've missed you! I'm glad you are getting some treatment for your son...a parent's intuition is usually right! Lovely photos...I'll have to look for some of those lids!

      Reply
      • Pam Kessler

        March 25, 2014 at 3:58 pm

        Thanks, it's good to be back. I was getting a little stir crazy with too much time on my hands.

        Reply
    2. Musings from Kim K.

      March 25, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      Mother's intuition is usually right on. I'm glad you've got a treatment plan. I've been thinking about you and your son. We still haven't been able to see our grass yet and I I can't wait to see what mess lays under our snow mounds. It's going to be a HUGE mud pit in our backyard. Josie will be heaven. I grabbed some of those lids in the Target $1 bin too. Awesome find! Welcome back.

      Reply
      • Pam Kessler

        March 25, 2014 at 3:57 pm

        You have me addicted to that Target dollar section now! I used to overlook it and now I scour it for fun stuff!

        Reply
    3. Shelley Kuhn

      March 25, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      happy that you finally got a plan for your son....it takes a lot these days to get people to listen!!! and today I spotted either tulips or daffodils popping up in our back....WOOHOO...they look like tulips...but we planted a big mix of each...so time will tell..and for this former Phoenix girl..this is exciting stuff....lol and I NEED some of those tops for canning jars...I MUST get to Target!!!!

      Reply
      • Pam Kessler

        March 25, 2014 at 4:00 pm

        I bet they're daffodils. My daffodils always poke their heads up right before the tulips do. Either way it will be nice to see some color in the flower beds again!

        Reply
    4. Something Nice and Pretty

      March 25, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      So good that you found someone to listen... I love those lids and have to get to Target!

      Reply
    5. Tricia

      March 25, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      I'm so sorry to read that your son hasn't been well, Pam. I'm glad you've got things sorted out and that things are looking better for him.

      Those lids are so cute, aren't they? I saw them at Target, but had to restrain myself since I have a tendency to get carried away with cute things like that 🙂

      Reply
    6. ThrifterSisters

      March 25, 2014 at 5:52 pm

      So glad to hear that your routine is working out for you. Kids are sure resilient, aren't they? He's lucky to have a fierce mama bear like you 🙂

      Every time I go to Target, I look for those lids in the Dollar bins. My Target is a little slow. We just now got the cute straws that everybody has been showing off on Instagram for weeks. Hopefully those lids show up soon. I need them! Well, not really but Target has a really good way of making me think I do.

      Erica

      Reply
    7. Joanne Noragon

      March 25, 2014 at 6:46 pm

      So good to hear your kiddo is sorted out for the time being. It's just a long haul, isn't it. But, the flowers in the jar are wonderful.

      Reply
    8. TARYTERRE

      March 25, 2014 at 9:38 pm

      Glad to hear your son has a new course of treatment for his lung problem. My daughter was born with hyline membrane disease and my husband has COPD, so I know how stressful such things are. LOVE the ball jar lids. Very nice, indeed.

      Reply
    9. Merri Jo

      March 25, 2014 at 9:58 pm

      I'm glad you're back, really glad that your son is now getting proper treatment--shame on the pediatricians! My grandson was dismissed as "just a cold" last Oct, and later when he was rushed to the ER, found to have double pneumonia!
      I'm itching for garage sales, too, but here in Chicagoland it's still COLD!! My snowdrops are barely even out of the ground. The winter that keeps on giving! I'm heading to Target dollar section tomorrow! 🙂

      Reply
    10. Leslie Harris

      March 26, 2014 at 12:38 am

      Thank you for sharing about your son Pam. And I'm so relieved to hear you've figured out that cough. It's scary when those things persist. But Moms know when something's not right. Sending warm, positive prayers that he gets nice and healthy real soon.
      xo
      Leslie

      Reply
      • Pam Kessler

        March 26, 2014 at 8:35 am

        Thank you, Leslie!!!

        Reply
    11. Shabby chic Sandy

      March 26, 2014 at 1:49 am

      I am glad you have found a solution for Max's cough. I know how scary it can be...and how much "regular" doctors just don't know that much and it is frustrating. You always wonder if you should find a specialist or just stop being a worrying Mom. Wishing Max the best! (and you) Happy Spring! Our daffodils are beating out yours this year for sure! 🙂

      Reply
    12. Anonymous

      March 26, 2014 at 6:48 am

      Glad all is well! Okay... I have GOT to stop at Target and look for those jar lids! I want ot use one for string just like you did - what a great idea!!! And vintagey (is this a real word?) looking too! Hope the daffs bloom pretty!!!
      GADawn57

      Reply
    13. The Speckled Hen Cottage

      March 26, 2014 at 11:04 am

      Nice to hear from you! You have a good message in your post...don't ignore something for more than a few months before you start trying to get answers. I waited to long to find out why I was so tired, if my condition had been caught sooner I would be stronger now...not full strength, never that again. Wish we had a Target here...loving those lids. HAPPY SPRING!!!

      Reply
    14. Debby

      March 29, 2014 at 7:20 pm

      So glad that he is feeling better. Sometimes the doctors need to listen to the moms. We didn't go anywhere here either. Since I am on a school schedule, delivering and picking up, I feel like I had a Spring Break. So many years going places feels like I should have been somewhere, hah. Sounds like you got a little shopping in. Have a good week.

      Reply
    15. Melinda

      March 29, 2014 at 7:28 pm

      I wished that Dr's realized they were human too.
      Your son has a great Mom that advocates wonderfully and does
      not back down. Way to go. Glad he is doing better!

      Spring Break came and went here so fast, I don't know where it
      went.

      Glad you are back.

      M 🙂

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Learn how to create a budget friendly home you'll love using repurposed thrift store finds, easy DIY & craft projects and seasonal gardening tips.

    Trending Content:

    • DIY Industrial Pipe Shelves
    • How To Grow Peonies - A Complete Guide
    • How To Paint A Front Door Without Removing It
    • Homemade Squirrel Repellent Recipe
    • DIY Earring Holder
    • How to Make A Penny Bowling Ball
    • Top 10 Thrift Store Shopping Tips
    • Blueberry Crostata Recipe
    • How To Make Winter Porch Pots
    • How To Grow Hydrangea In Pots

    About Me

    Pam Kessler | Author of House Of Hawthornes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Web Stories
    • Blog

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up For Emails & Updates

    Shop

    • Amazon Favorites
    • Shop The Look

    Please use appropriate safety precautions when attempting projects. All projects are attempted at the reader's own risk.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 House Of Hawthornes, LLC

    🍪 We use cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    I Accept Read Privacy Notice
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled

    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

    Non Necessary

    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.