All About Moms: June & July

[MCmom]

This thread is for young moms, old moms, and all the moms in-between! Our main goal is to be as healthy as we can be, for ourselves and for our families. Feel free to share whatever you like, whenever you want! Let's support each other doing one of the most difficult jobs there is.

Knowing this is one of my problems (and most of yours too), I thought it would be a good idea to post an article on getting enough sleep. I know it's practically impossible to get enough sleep if you have an infant or a toddler, but you can save this info. for later on down the road. Let's all strive to get as much sleep as possible. Lately, I've been taking regular naps. This usually means falling asleep on the couch for whatever time my kids allow me. It does help give me a boost, to get through the rest of the day. I highly recommend it.
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Get your Zs: A good night's rest for better weight control


Experiencing a weight loss stall? Turn off the television or computer an hour earlier and go to bed. Eight hours of sleep a night is recommended for most adults. Yet Americans average under seven hours during the workweek. In fact, a third of adults reportedly sleep no more than six-and-a-half hours nightly.

Lack of sleep alters metabolism
Too little physical activity is clearly part of why overweight is now common.

But a lack of sleep may make weight loss and weight control more difficult by altering our metabolism, as well as our eating and activity patterns. Keep in mind that maintaining a healthy weight affects more than your appearance.

The American Institute for Cancer Research advises everyone to limit weight gain in adulthood to less than 11 pounds to reduce cancer risk.

The effect on hormones
A little research has directly tested the idea that sleep deprivation leads to weight problems. In a Japanese study of six- and seven-year-olds, children who slept nine to 10 hours a night were compared to those who slept only eight to nine hours.

The latter group was almost twice as likely to be overweight. Children sleeping less than eight hours a night were almost three times as likely to be overweight.

A lack of sleep may change hormone levels and thus influence weight gain. For instance, higher levels of insulin -- a condition known as insulin resistance -- have been linked to a shortage of sleep.

Since insulin promotes fat storage, as well as controls blood sugar, extra insulin could make weight loss more difficult.

Further research needs to confirm any hormonal changes. But even without affecting hormones, sleep deprivation can promote weight gain by changing our behavior.

Dragging from drowsiness
When people low on sleep find their energy dropping, many turn to food for a pickup. The short-term rise in blood sugar gives a more energetic feeling, but often the extra calories are unneeded and stored as body fat.

Furthermore, the most appealing foods when we feel low on energy are often sweets or refined carbohydrates with low nutrient density, like cookies. If sleep deprivation promotes insulin resistance, overconsuming these types of carbohydrates worsens the problem.

Tired people may burn fewer calories, too, because they are too fatigued to exercise. Or if they do manage to exercise, they work out less intensely than usual.

For example, a rested person may walk two miles in a half-hour. Someone fatigued will probably go a much shorter distance in the same time. The tired person would burn fewer calories, despite walking just as long.

Shutting off the TV or computer an hour earlier means an hour less munching time. It could also improve your metabolism. It could even leave you with more energy to exercise. Definitely, these are propositions to sleep on.
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Hey ladies, how's everyone feeling? I'm not feeling the greatest myself, due to my latest cold/allergy episode, but I'll be okay in a day or two. That is, until TOM arrives. Since my last one was mild, I'm due for a very painful one. I wish I could just stop having them, since we're done having children.

I was way up on the scale, (too scary), which made me analyze my diet even more. I had to cut out something that I didn't want to cut out. After 2 days of complete elimination, I'm still craving it. I want it all the time, and almost caved in last night. I won't say what it is, b/c it makes me feel like a moron for not cutting it out sooner (no it's not on the "do not eat" list). I'll let you know how it goes.

[Epi_Doc]

Hey Mary!

Just wanted to let you know I found the new thread

About lack of sleep...I have always found that if I don't get a regular night's sleep I am always up on the scale the next day. Strange, but true.

And I'm curious about what you eliminated from your diet....inquiring minds want to know!

I'll be back later for a regular post!

Niccole

[MCmom]

Tip For the Day: Drink Up
Surprise -- the most common reason people feel tired is because they're dehydrated. Why? The less water there is in your system, the less oxygen is circulating in your bloodstream. The cure: Drink eight glasses of water throughout the day -- or chug a glass of the refreshing stuff whenever your energy lags.


The A/C has been up and running for a few days now, and it's made it much more bearable in the house. Thankfully, a cool front is coming through on Wed., and we'll be back down to the low 70's.

Niccole - Thank goodness someone found the new thread! I was beginning to worry it would be just me. Please come back and share all the latest info.!

Okay, since you asked, it was peanuts. I really like them alot, but I have portion control issues. I figure anything that makes me want to eat and eat it, is not a good idea. Especially when the carb count adds up quickly. I was so hoping to allow myself a small amount each day, but alas, it had to go. I'm still waiting for dramatic results on the scale. Maybe my lack of 8 hrs. of sleep is contributing to the problem.

Lee? Stephanie? Dawn? Anyone else??

MaryC

[DarkSiren]

Hi!!
Don't have time for much else. But did want to at least say hello.
I am reading but don't know when I'll have the time for a real post. Just know that I'm here and trying to keep up with everyone.
We're doing good here just getting ready for my Mom's visit in a little over a week. Then I'll have a little more free time.
Oh and good news....Mom's finally getting her Port taken out. So, they evidently think she's clear. YIPPEE!!!
Well, gotta run again!!
Take Care!!!
Dawn

[previously Lee A]

Hi Mary and the rest of the moms out there

horribly busy....
just in to shut off the PC before I collapse on to bed

be back for a real chat hopefully tomorrow

TTFN

[chels_hoff]

Sleep... what is that ?? i seem to have forgotten ....... thanks for the info !!

xoxo Chelsea

Payton Wayne captured my heart forever on May 8th 2005





Payton's Web Page

Mom & Dad's Website

[curlyque]

Just a quick pop in. The weather here is terrible. It's so hot and humid and I'm not doing well with it while pregnant. I stayed up in Roarke's room most of the day yesterday with him with the air conditioner on.

I hurt my ankle last week. I scraped it on a dead flower stalk. No big deal right? Well a week later it's still swollen, red and throbbing. I went to the doctor last night and he said that it's not normal to take so long to heal. He gave me a Rx for antibiotics. He said if they don't work in a week that I will have to come back and he will have to cut it open and let it drain. Yikes. But today, it seems somewhat better. it still hurts but not as red and swollen. So I'm going to hold off filling the prescription for another day or two and see if it continues to get better on it's own. I hate taking medication while pregnant if it's not necessary.

My MIL will be here on Friday until Wednesday. She couldn't find a hotel because it is graduation season here so she will be staying with us. Ugh. I will try and take advantage of some babysitting while she is here though.

[MCmom]

Most of us know that eating fats is healthy for us, but here's another reminder of why:
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Avoiding fat? There's no need to fear fat or completely avoid it - we need some in our diets! Why?

Fat adds a ton of taste to foods.
It keeps you feeling satisfied longer after a meal so you won't overindulge later.
It helps us absorb many vitamins (A, D, E & K).
It provides us with essential fatty acids that keep us healthy.
It's essential for proper growth and development in your kids too - check out "fat and kids" for more info.
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I'm still finishing up 1st grade with Elijah, but I'm so ready to take this week off. I'm suffering from premenstrual cramps, and am just dragging. I'm trying to get some work done with him anyways, since there's not much left. In fact, I've printed sheets off the internet to add to his work. It doesn't seem right to give him 2 1/2 mths of not doing anything. Elijah seems interested working on the computer, so I'm going to do some teaching on it (learning disguised as fun games).

Dawn - Thanks for checking in, and sharing the info. about your mom! Great news!!

Lee - Come back soon! I'm waiting to read a nice, long post from you!

Chelsea - Welcome and thanks for sharing an adorable pic of Payton! Awwwww, what a sweetie pie! Don't worry, in about 2 or 3 yrs., you'll start being able to get a full nights rest. Make it lots longer if you're planning on more babies!

Stephanie - Sounds like you need central air too! The cool front is supposed to hit later today for us, hopefully you guys will be feeling it too in a day or two.

Who would have thought that scraping your ankle would turn out to be such a problem! Sorry to hear it's still causing you pain. I hope you're feeling better ASAP. I hated taking medications too while PG. I avoided taking anything, unless it was absolutely necessary.

5 days with MIL, eh? Let's hope the visit goes smoothly. I'm sure her babysitting services will come in handy.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

...I'm so tired...
and I think it may be because I cut out afternoon coffee awhile back...

the fact that I haven't slept through a night since I began having children 7 years ago doesn't play into it

...so we got a pet today...a Betta fish and a frog...
hopefully this will amuse the family enough to forget about a dog

I'm supposed to be working on my resume right now
it has to be done before bed.

Hi Mary-thank you for the informative posts.
Hope you are feeling better.
Yes peanuts,I was tempted to buy some and refrained...
portion control is also one of my big problems

There is so many great websites for children...
alot of my kids learning has been conducted on the PC
it's avidly used at school as well
great that Elijah can use the summer stimulus

sometimes I wished I HS...
the kids are picking up all sorts of ideas from classmates
I have to appreciate the fact that they tell me and also that they know it is wrong

School is so busy now too and parental help is expected

my scale is up 5lbs from my 2 weeks of carbs.Today I'm back on track!
you must be at a *set point* on the scale?

Hi Steph-sheesh we are still using heat here
but I feel for you
did you perhaps have an allergic reaction to the plant?
Hope MIL's stay goes better than expected.

Hi Dawn-I hear you
I'm so busy myself it's crazy
my dear newly walking son had 3 good falls today
poor noggin,I think he got a black eye too when he hit a chest

That's great news about your mom!

Didja get your floor done yet?

Hi Niccole-I forgot to peek at our old thread...

How's the housebuilding going?

Hi Chelsea-your Payton is precious!
and I love your *scrapbook* picture

guess I should tackle my resume before I nod off

TTFN

[Epi_Doc]

Okay, so I'll try this again...I started posting yesterday and my husband and son were just all over the place so I didn't get to finish and lost my post Boys...

Anyway, I've just been so busy I haven't had much time to get on the computer. The house is really coming along now, which is exciting. They put on the siding and shingles, so it looks like a house! They finished the well and septic system and put in the insulation and poured the floors and porch. So next is the drywall. Which means I need to decide on some paint colors and get that purchased because soon we will need to paint and stain the doors and trim. So let's try a picture...



At least you can tell a little more what it will look like. And don't you just love that tape on the front window...they cracked it during installation

Mary - I should have known it was peanuts! I love peanuts, almonds, cashews and all the others and they are my total downfall! Yesterday I must have eaten half a pound of peanuts...not my wisest decision but I just could not help myself. Oh well, today is a new day...

I think people equate eating fat with body fat so that's why people avoid it. I have really cut back though since on LFL...it promotes low-fat eating, which I must say hasn't been all bad. But I do still use olive oil for cooking.

Sorry to hear about the cramps and the fatigue. I'm sure the humid weather doesn't help with the tiredness. I myself was so tired the other day my SIL kept asking if I was pregnant. Ummmm, no.

Dawn - Glad to hear your mom is doing so well.

Chelsea - You have such a young one we wouldn't expect you to be getting any sleep yet My son started sleeping through the night (like 8 hours or more) at 10 weeks, so there is hope you'll be getting more sleep soon.

Curly - Sounds like you are having an awful time between the ankle, the heat and the MIL. We actually caught a cool front yesterday so the past two days have not been too bad. Hope it cools off for you too. Don't know what to say about MIL...just try to get through.

Lee - A fish and a frog? You would think those would distract from the idea of a dog, at least for a while. Or the frog anyway...I'm not much for fish. Unless it's called Filet O' and comes from McDonalds

Did you get your resume done?

I don't really look forward to Jack picking up "interesting" information from his classmates. Especially after we took him to the playground last week and I was told a very disturbing story from a little 4 year old. Let's just say anytime the words "my brother watched a porno movie" start a story from a 4 year old you know it will not end well After that I told my husband we needed to leave the park so I could go get therapy.

Sorry to hear the little one keeps falling down...I know Jack looked awful for the first few weeks after he started walking. He had a collision with the iron table leg and took the brunt of the damage. Needless to say I was afraid to leave the house with him looking so bad...thought someone would call children's services

Anyway, that's what is going on here...

Niccole

[previously Lee A]

Hi Niccole-house looks great!
Shame about the window...

I'll have to upload a pic of our new pets
quite entertaining actually

I'm working on my resume now LOL
Hard to picture working around the busy needs of a family but I've done it before

gotta run
TTFN

[MCmom]

Many women are under the false impression that if they see their gynecologist for a Pap smear every few years and perform monthly breast self-exam they have nothing else to worry about. However, all women need a comprehensive routine physical every 1 to 2 years to screen for other health conditions that may arise including diabetes and heart disease (the leading cause of death among women). Remember a clean bill of health only begins at your gynecologist's office.

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I strongly urge everyone to schedule a complete physical, every year or two (at most). Remember that we moms need to stay in good health for our families!

Speaking of seeing a Dr., it looks like I'm going to have to go in to see one about my allergies. My allergies are getting worse, and half the time, the over-the-counter stuff doesn't work. I'm going to have to try and do a search on allergies, to see what causes allergies to worsen. Is it normal or abnormal, as a person gets older?

My poor Sasha was fixed today, and she's not herself at all. She's sore and groggy, not wanting to eat or drink anything. They say she should be fine in a day or two. Her puppy classes are on Sat., so I hope this is true.

Leah is driving me nuts with wanting to pick out her own clothes, and changing outfits several times a day. I picked an outfit out for her today, but she went and changed her shirt on me (putting it on without me seeing). This is a new one for me. Moriah only recently started wanting to pick out her own clothes, and Elijah doesn't care much about clothes. Leah will throw a huge fit if she doesn't get to wear what she wants.

Lee - The fact that you haven't had a good nights sleep in 7 yrs. does play into it! You need to take good care of yourself woman!

I've never cared for fish myself (I agree with Niccole), but a frog might be fun. I wonder how long they live for. We've had Sasha for over 2 mths, and she's part of the family now. It would be strange without her. At the animal shelter (where we took Sasha to be fixed), we saw an adorable 8 wk old puppy. I thought, "how cute!", but I definitely don't want to go back and start all over again. Sasha is slowly but surely outgrowing the difficult puppy stage.

Done with that resume yet?

I find it's best to avoid eating anything I can't control. I've never been big on "portion control". I've read/heard some say you can eat anything, as long as you control your portions. I just laugh at that one. I've found it not to be true for most people.

What do you mean I'm at a "set point?" Are you saying I'm stuck forever??! No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm hoping to keep my children innocent longer than the average child. I know realistically, I can only do this for a limited period of time. I'm not going to run off and live in the mountains or anything.

How's it going being back on track?

Our cool front came through, and we're back down to the low 70's. It's nice being able to open the windows, and get fresh air. I like the A/C when it's hot, but I don't like feeling "closed in."

Done with that resume yet??

Niccole - Thanks for sharing another pic of your lovely house! It's really coming along! When is the official move-in date? Are you planning on ever having pets? I had a few chameleons when I was a kid, and I highly recommend them.

They say with the exception of cashews, any other nut is preferred over peanuts (which as you probably know, are not really nuts). I'd buy walnuts and pecans more often, if they weren't so pricey.

I've gotten so used to eating a relatively high-fat, low-carb diet, I don't think I could switch easily. I like eating this way, and it's become normal for me. I'm really hoping to figure out a way to get back to losing, without having to do anything drastic. I'm still trying to find more energy to exercise regularly. Today I was so completely drained, I had to go and lay down in my bedroom to take a nice, long nap. My DH had off today, so he was able to keep an eye on the kids. Naps really do help quite a bit.


Stephanie - How's it going?

Dawn - Hi there hon!

MaryC

[Epi_Doc]

Mary - I think it is quite common for allergies to worsen with age. I think it has to do with the process of sensitization to the allergens. And the more exposure you have over time the more you are sensitized and the bigger the allergic reaction. Of course there is a bright spot...just FYI but people with allergies tend to be less at risk for certain types of cancer like brain tumors. Just one of the many useless pieces of knowledge inhabiting my brain I like to think of myself as the Dean of the College of Useless Knowledge Now if I would only use that brain space for something constructive..

We had our cat neutered...he bounced back fairly quickly so I think the same would be true for dogs. But since she is a girl it may take a little longer to feel better.

Some girls just are more girly than others and enjoy clothes more. One of my nieces will change her clothes about 20 times per day and of course they never match or anything. She'll come down wearing pjs and the next time appear in a swimsuit. The other niece isn't so much into changing all the time. Just depends on the girl. Hopefully Leah will outgrow this phase soon.

Our official move-in date is yet to be determined, but they mentioned the end of July to us. Something like the 26th or 27th they will turn over the keys. That would be nice. And we do currently have 2 cats. I'm not much of a cat lover but I have 2 and sometimes they just drive me nuts!! One of the cats was my sister's but she had to give her away when she moved, so I took her in. The other cat my husband found in WV and he was sick and hungry and lonely so he brought him home. I would rather have a dog, which we had as pets when we were younger. We always had hamsters and birds and a cat and a dog...never reptiles or amphibians because my mom isn't a fan.

Anyway, I do hope you get some energy and start feeling better! I understand all about the diet and portion control and exercise and all that. I'm not good at portion control but trying to get better (unless it's peanut butter or nuts and then I go crazy ). And I've been really good about exercising so that has helped. Of course I only have one little one running around so I can exercise during his nap.

Lee - Glad to see you are working on that resume! And I look forward to pictures of the new pets. I have been assured that the window will be replaced in the near future...which is good because it just annoys me to see it with the crack in it!

Have a good evening ladies!

Niccole

[DarkSiren]

I'm here and alive. Barely but alive.
I'm still working out and still eating right. And have gone down another half a size. I can pull up and zip that next size but just can't wear it in mixed company. LOL
Kids are doing great. We did have to take some time off from Kaylee's lessons because of illness but we're back on track now.
William will be 2yrs on the 27th and I'm just shocked at how much time has flown. Haven't really decided what we're going to do for his B'day yet. It just doesn't feel as nice without the DH here to take part.
I've been thinking of just waiting and doing a huge party to celebrate DH's, William's, and mine all together before Mom leaves to go home. I guess we'll see soon enough.
Oops Phone call...I'll try to get back later......
Take Care!!!

[MCmom]

Here is some interesting info. on allergies:


Allergic rhinitis (often called hay fever) is an overreaction of the immune system to particles in the air that you breathe. The immune system normally protects the body from viruses and bacteria by producing antibodies to fight them. With allergic rhinitis, the immune system starts fighting essentially harmless substances, like dust mites and pollen (allergens), as though they were trying to attack your body. This overreaction (allergic reaction) causes inflammation and symptoms that affect mainly the nose but also the eyes, ears, throat, and mouth.

Your body may not have an allergic reaction the first time you breathe in an allergen such as grass pollen, for example. The next time you inhale that pollen, however, you may develop a stuffy nose and have trouble breathing. This is caused by the response of your immune system.

You may have allergic rhinitis for many years (chronic). During this time, you may lose some of your sensitivity to allergens and your reaction will not be as severe. You may also develop complications such as sinusitis and ear infections.

Allergic rhinitis is closely related to a type of asthma that is caused by allergies (allergic asthma). For more information, see the topic Asthma in Teens and Adults.

Which allergens commonly cause allergic rhinitis?

Tree, grass, and weed pollens are well-known causes of allergic rhinitis. Dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and mold also can cause the condition. Allergic rhinitis is classified according to when you may be exposed to these allergens.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). A seasonal allergy occurs at the same time each year and is often called hay fever. The most common allergens in seasonal allergies are windblown pollens from trees, grasses, or weeds, so the symptoms of a seasonal allergy usually occur when certain plants are in bloom. Some types of mold also occur seasonally and may cause similar symptoms.
Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). A year-round (perennial) allergy occurs any time during the year. The most common causes of perennial allergies are dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, or mold. The symptoms of a year-round allergy may be more severe in winter, when you spend more time indoors.
Occupational allergic rhinitis (OAR). Occupational allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a substance present in the workplace, such as grain, wood dust, chemicals, or laboratory animals. However, some experts consider occupational allergic rhinitis to be a subtype of PAR. 1

In seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), itching, sneezing, a watery runny nose, and watery and itchy eyes are most common. These symptoms generally occur only at certain times of the year. In perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR), nasal congestion and postnasal drip are most common, although sneezing and a runny nose may occur. These symptoms generally occur year-round.

You may have many symptoms or just one. Symptoms can occur in as little as 5 minutes after you have been exposed to the allergen, or they may take longer to develop (typically 3 to 6 hours). Symptoms that may take longer to develop include:

A stuffy nose, possibly with frequent sniffing, caused by inflammation and congestion in the nose and sinuses. This is the most common symptom in children and may be their only complaint.
Eyes that are sensitive to light.
Irritability.
Loss of energy.
Poor sleep.
Breathing through the mouth because the nose is blocked.
Altered sense of smell.
A chronic cough.
Problems with sinuses and eustachian tubes.
A sense of pressure in an ear or difficulty hearing.
Discomfort or pain in the face.
Dark circles or patches under the eyes (allergic shiners).
Frequently rubbing the nose, which may cause a crease on the bridge of the nose (allergic crease).
Frequently rubbing the nose upward with the palm of the hand to reduce itching and open the nasal passages (allergic salute). This is commonly seen in children.

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I've really been suffering from allergies this year. I wish I would have went ahead and called my Drs. office on Friday. I may even be able to get a prescription without having to make an office visit. This could be why I've been so tired for what feels like so long (along with having many of the other symptoms they listed).

Niccole - I don't think any piece of knowledge is completely useless! We keep our brains in better condition by continuing to learn as we age. Yours sounds well used! Thanks for the info. The only bright spot is the info. you shared about being less at risk for certain types of cancer. I read too, where women who were pear-shaped (like me), are at a lower risk for a certain type(s) of cancer than apple-shaped women. (maybe ovarian cancer?)

Sasha was back to her old self, the day after being spayed. You wouldn't know it if she wasn't shaved, and had the scar to prove it.

I don't mind Leah wanting to change clothes regularly. It's her throwing fits to wear the dirty ones I put in the hamper, that drives me up the wall. Like all phases, this one has to pass. Right? Right!

My DH doesn't like cats at all, but I don't mind them. I wouldn't mind having one if I weren't allergic to them. I can't even visit one of my friends, b/c of the allergic reaction I have to her 2 cats.

The funny thing is, I don't think I'd like my kids to have a chameleon or any other type of reptile (especially a snake). Even knowing that as a girl, I loved one particular chameleon I had. I used to take it places with me, wearing it on my shoulder like a pin. In fact, someone at a baseball game thought it was a pin, until they saw it move.

I have a problem with exercise b/c of low-energy. I want to get into a regular routine, once I figure out why I'm feeling drained so much. Hopefully getting in control of my allergies, will alleviate some of the problem.

Dawn - Sounds like you're doing great! Yahoo for you on working out, eating right, and going down another half-size!!

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

...well we've had rain forever and it was torrential over the weekend.Our town along the rivers flooded and a number of people had to evacuate.I ran out last night and took a bunch of photos on my digi.I stood on a little walkbridge and the waves were as high as the ceiling
So I come home and go to upload the pics and the PC says there is no pics in my camera(and there is the camera says how many I took).I fought with camera drivers and updating software etc...to no avail.Either there is a virus at work or something is wrong with the camera(sigh)

Today was our first day of sunshine and after i made my family a big Father's Day breaky of pancakes,ham and eggs...I took the younguns to the park.

I'm wiped now,after this it's back to dishes,making bread and getting a roast in the oven.

Hi Mary-yeah my resume is done but we don't have a printer so I'll have to put it on a floppy,bring it down to get printed and then fax one to the mill.I wish I could just email it there.

Hope your allergies subside.I am so fortunate in that regard and as yet my kids have no allergies.

Yeah the fish and frog thing is cool.Cichlid fish are like little puppies.They are very expressive.We had an Oscar fish for 10 years(and she died when she was 11 years).The Betta and frog should live 2-3 years and maybe longer.

Glad Sasha is feeling better and it'll be well worth it too in the long run.

I want to exercise,I have the energy for it but I can't find time.It's crazy really.

Oh "set point" means you've hung out at that weight for either a long time or for a few times in the past.Some people find it hard to break the bodies memory of it.

Hi Dawn-Yeah for you getting down in those sizes
When my DH was away I'd take the kids for a Blizzard at DQ and then have a party when he got home.Kids are very accomodating
Yeah 2 years,where did that go?

Hi Niccole-my 3rd DD changes alot too just like her older sisters did and funny it doesn't bother me like it used to.I guess I've adjusted to the fact that mountains of laundry is an integral part of my life

Hi Steph-how's your summer pregnancy going?

Gotta run
My son is getting into everything

TTFN

[Epi_Doc]

Hello ladies

So it's sounds like everyone is keeping busy (whether they want to or not)

I've been enjoying the "cooler" weather we've been having. Makes exercise much easier. And me less grumpy...for the most part. Although I must say the in-laws are starting to get on my nerves a bit. They invited us for dinner on Saturday, which you would think would be fine. But my FIL decides to make fried fish and potatoes, neither of which a good dieter like myself would eat. But he did grill some hamburgers for me and my SIL (who does Atkins). He doesn't decide to start cooking until after 7pm, which is annoying because we generally eat earlier with Jack. We end up not eating until almost 8pm and then my MIL gives Jack grape juice to drink. First of all, I don't give him juice (it's just a thing of mine...I prefer fruit to the juice) and second of all giving a kid a big bunch of sugar before bed is not a good thing I'm annoyed that she doesn't ask before she does stuff like that. Couple those things with the fact that they both drink too much and becomes obnoxious and you can see why things went wrong. There are other little things that went on too, so I was just very angry and frustrated when I got home. I guess I will just keep my distance for awhile.

Also Saturday we went to visit our house (that sounds funny) and see that the freshly poured concrete porch is cracking. After like 3 days and with no even living out there or using it...it's cracking. So we weren't happy about that. Called the builder today and he said he would go look at it. I guess they will have to redo it or something. I know concrete will crack, but not in the first week

Dawn - Yeah on the half size!! You'll look like a new woman when your husband gets back

Mary - Sounds like time for presciption antihistamines. They should help with you allergies and the fatigue. It's a matter of finding the right one for you.

Lee - That is something about all the rain and flooding. I assume that all is okay with your house because you didn't mention any flood damage. And digital cameras can be a pain. Does yours store pictures on a card and have internal memory as well? That could be why it's having trouble finding the pictures you took.

Anyway, I must jump in the shower and start being productive.

Have a good day!

Niccole

[MCmom]

Apparently I'm going to have to get myself motivated to exercise. I believe that is the key to getting my weight-loss started again. Here is an interesting paragraph I read on exercising:

Exercise - It's nothing new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five - 30 minute sessions per week. The good news is that recent research has shown that three - 10 minute sessions in a day are as good as one - 30 minute session. This helps many in combating the old "no time for exercise" excuse. Be certain to find something you enjoy. You'll be more apt to stick with it. Try walking with a friend, joining an intramural sports league, participating in outings with a group like The Sierra Club, or trying some classes at your local gym. Once you give exercise a chance, you will begin to enjoy its positive benefits on your psyche as well - you will literally become "hooked".

I've read that 90% of "dieters" will regain their weight in 2 yrs., and 95% will regain their weight back in 5 years. The odds are against most people who want to lose weight permanently. I believe that's b/c most people think of a diet as something temporary, and/or are unable to exercise. I've changed my eating habits, but I've yet to stick to a regular exercise routine. I'm hoping to change that ASAP.

The weather here has been great. It's sunny, and in the 70's. I got out with the kids for awhile today, letting them play at a water park, and going to the library. I'm going to have to think up things to do this summer, to keep them active outside. I refuse to let them stay indoors and watch movies, or play video games.

Lee - We're below average with the amount of rain we've had this year. We need it to rain, and you guys sound like you could do with a little less rain. Too bad about the pics, I would have liked to seen them.

I made my DH a ham & cheese omelet for breakfast on Father's Day, and then I made him a homemade LC pizza for lunch. He had SF ice cream for dessert. He's thinking about trying the Body for Life program. I reserved the book for him at the Library today. I'll let him read it and see if he's still interested. I don't know anything about the program myself, except that it involves using weights. He needs to get back to losing too.

Cichlid fish? Never heard of them. I'll have to look them up on the internet. It sounds like you and the kids are happy with your new pets. That's good.

After looking up "set point," I now understand what you mean. Alas, you're correct. I did read that exercising can help to overcome this problem. It's certainly worth a shot.

I couldn't do without our printer. Half of Elijah's schoolwork is printed out for him. I didn't realize I would need it so much, back when we bought our computer & printer.

Niccole - Sorry to hear about the problems with the inlaws! Distance can be a good thing at times. I need to do it myself regularly, when it comes to my mom. She is best handled with limited doses, on an occasional basis.

Sorry also to hear about the concrete cracking! I would be pretty unhappy too. I hope it gets fixed without any additional costs on your part. I've heard how expensive pouring concrete is.

I've decided to try different over-the-counter allergy/sinus meds, before resorting to prescription ones. I've been using cheap, generic pills for the longest time. I feel like a fool for not thinking of this sooner. There are some good OTC products out there.

Glad to hear you've been enjoying the cooler weather, and getting in your exercising! It's good to know that there are people out there who enjoy it.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

just about to fall into bed...

we are very fortunate where we live,
about 2/3 of the town had to evacuate.
School was closed today because the sewers are still backed up.
We've had a boil water ban for 3 days now...I got up early this morning and poured a glass from the tap without realizing it and drank the whole thing

A friend is staying with us because his apartment complex doesn't have electricity or running water yet.
I saw people with their mattresses etc... outside drying out.
Most businesses are closed,we are still defined as being in a *state of emergency*

Hi Mary-that article must be written for me
I used to break it up in intervals when I had more time LOL
I really need to get exercising too!
The mill job wants someone that is physically fit,
could that possibly be me?

We gave away our printer when we moved because it cost us a fortune for ink.
We always meant to get another one(and we need speakers too) but have never gotten around to it.
I brought my floppy into the unemployment office today and had a dozen resumes printed up and I faxed one to the mill.I'll give it a couple weeks and then apply at the restaurants in town.I really wanted to do something different.A serving position pays $6.50 an hour here(back in BC it was $8)

Hope you can find something that helps alleviate your sinus troubles.
Is there Benadryl for adults?

Hi Niccole-inlaws
and most close kin too.
I feel for ya.
My mom always *sweetens* up my kids as well.

Sorry to hear about the concrete
but maybe better now than later?

Yeah the camera has a card but I'm not sure what you mean about the internal memory?

anyway time to hit the hay
waves to Dawn and Steph and any other Moms who pop in