ALL ABOUT MOMS: Fall Edition

[MCmom]

This thread is for moms of all ages, with kids of all ages, looking to be as healthy as they can be! Please feel free to join us!


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Perimenopause

Causes

As you age, your body produces less of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations are the root of the changes your body goes through during perimenopause.

Certain factors may predispose you to experiencing perimenopause at an earlier stage in life. These include:

Family history. If your mother experienced an early menopause — at age 45 or younger — chances are you'll experience menopause at a younger age, too.

Cigarette smoking. Perimenopause occurs one to two years earlier in women who smoke, compared with women who don't.

Hysterectomy status. Even if your ovaries were spared, surgery that removes your uterus (hysterectomy) may impact how well your ovaries function — and how much estrogen they produce.

Poor nutrition. Excessively thin or undernourished women may experience menopause at an earlier age

[MCmom]

My baby turned 3 yesterday!! I know you ladies are all so busy, so I forgive you for not saying, "Happy Birthday" to her. Leah's party is this Saturday, and I'll be running out tonight, to get her final gift. Tomorrow is official "clean up the house day," so I don't want to do much running around. Thankfully we're ordering pizza, so I don't have to worry about cooking as well. The one good thing about birthdays, is they give me a much needed break from cooking.

The weather has gotten a little cooler this week, but we're still not wearing coats yet. That will come next month I'm sure. Can you believe it's only 3 mths until Christmas??! I'm already asking my kids what they want, so I can get an early start on shopping.

Stephanie - I haven't heard from you inawhile! What's going on there??

Nicolle - "Ditto" to you!! I hope you're still posting with us!

Lee - How's self-induced crazy life going??

Dawn - Everything going okay?

[Epi_Doc]

Mary - Just have a second this morning. I've been so so busy and I can't say I even know where my time goes. Just finishing up on those last minute chores to get settled in. Had to seal the basement floor and then move tons of stuff down there for storage to clear out the garage, working on the yard, installing a new cabinet, cleaning, fall shopping for Jack some new clothes, etc. So I apologize for being absent.....

And Happy Birthday to Leah!!! Your baby is getting older...good for her and maybe sad for you to see the last one growing up? I hope your party goes well and that you can relax and have some fun. At least you don't have to cook...that is a break in itself. I'm trying to decide what to do for Jack's birthday in November. I have to plan his party around hunting season so Alan will be home.

Oh, and I must chime in on the last thread....not all Southerners are rednecks and not all rednecks are from the South. I know this because I happen to have married one...a redneck, not a Southerner. He's from Ohio, but his family is from WV. And we don't find the term offensive...I call him that in an endearing manner. I can't speak for others. We use it to refer to those truly hillbilly type folks. So Dawn, I'm sure, doesn't fit the bill!

I promise to do a long post later. I know I keep saying that...but I will get to it.
In the meantime Hello to Dawn and Lee and Curly.

Niccole

[DarkSiren]

Thanks for that Niccole. Wasn't quite sure how to respond. LOL
In my neck of the woods, , being called a redneck is actually an insult. We're a little more genteel(sp?) I suppose. But I don't take it personally.

I actually had this conversation with a friend of my husband who's from Costa Rica by way of Miami. He called me a redneck and I informed him that not all Southerners are rednecks. Contrary to the Southerners that are typically shown on TV. Most of us kind of cringe when we see one type representing all of us.

And of course then his wife responded that if I wanted to get him back then I should call him a Puerto Rican because that was the equavalent of all Southerners being called Rednecks. But if you're not from the South it's kind of hard to know what's okay and what's not. LOL

Now, my brother does qualify for the term Redneck but that's a whole different story.....

Anyway, to everyone having B'days this month and whom ever I may have missed last month!!!! I admit to being a bit self absorbed lately.

I'm doing all right here I suppose. I've just been dealing with a bit of depression. I started taking St.Johns Wort to see if it will help any. And I got my eating back under control. So, now I'm dealing with relosing the weight I gained back. I had gained 20lbs back and I've gotten all but 6lbs back off. It's frustrating knowing that I could have been further down by this point and instead I'm having to deal with back tracking.

Kids are doing great. Kaylee absolutely loves 1st grade so far. And poor little William wants so bad to do school work with her but being only 2yrs he just doesn't understand enough to even do K-5 stuff that I have left over. So, I just sit him down with some paper and a pencil and let him pretend. And then when he gets cranky I just bring out his blocks to build stuff. That will usually keep him pretty busy for at least 20 minutes.

Other than that I'm anxious about the official list of openings that comes out next Friday. I'm hoping that it will have the places that we want to move to. Of course I keep reminding myself that the needs of the service out weigh what ever we might put on our "wish list" but it's still nice to "think" that we may actually have a say.

Oh and it looks like we're going to postpone Christmas this year. The DH won't be home in time for it so since the kids don't really know that it's not Christmas unless I tell them we figured we'd just wait till he got in and celebrate his homecoming with one big party. Although I may do something small for the kids on Christmas Day. I'll figure it out I'm sure. ROFL

Well, I better run so that I can get the kids ready to run some errands. DH is off today so I'll have extra help. YIPPEE!!!

How about we start sharing little tidbits with each other when we can manage to write. Nothing we wouldn't mind the world knowing since anyone can read these things. But just some things to help get to know each other a little better.

Soooooooo, I'll share that I'm actually a writer. I'm currently not published but I have had articles published back in my younger years. LOL My DH keeps pushing me to get back into it but I haven't had the nerve to put my stuff back out there knowing that 85% of the time you'll get rejected. It's just part of the job. But I'd also like to start contributing more to the family income without having to go outside of the home.
Next...........Anything we don't know about you??????

[curlyque]

Happy Birthday, Leah!! Three already!! I remember when you had her Mary and you posting about her birth. The time just flies, doesn't it.

I'm doing okay. I'm in the home stretch now with about 5 weeks left. I have bad back and hip pain. I've had some unusual movement from the baby as well and will ask for an ultrasound at my next appointment. So far the doctors don't know what it is but tell me not to worry. I don't understand how they can tell me not to worry if they don't know what it is. I get a quivering/tremoring type movement from the baby every now and then. It only lasts a few seconds but it's quite unsettling. From looking on the internet on my own, it could be cord compression so that is why I am asking for an ultrasound on Monday. I want to make sure that the cord is not compromised at all.

[previously Lee A]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEAH !!!

Sorry Mary
I remember you saying her birthday was coming up in a couple weeks but i didn't know the time passed that fast!
I'm just in quick,my DH got home a couple hours ago(and has to leave 1st thing Sunday morn) and I came down to turn off the PC etc...

You know in all honesty I would rather be home with my children(sigh)
tho' i don't need to work at this moment...my DH's trade is so unstable and weather driven(there are men here that haven't worked for months that's why my DH went away and even then it's iffy up there too)
So how does one quit a job just because you don't need money but hope to get it back when you do?
That's the obligation I have

But my days are so hectic even tho I am working half of what I was!
The kids are doing well though and fortunately my shift revolves around them,they like the 2 hours social time after school with my sitters kids
She has very well behaved children so this makes it easier for me.
The bad part has been i still have some long weekend shifts(like tomorrow,the only full day DH will be home)and trying to get teen sitters has been like pulling teeth,but I'm surviving

so how was Leah's party?
What did you get her?
Is DH feeling better yet?

gotta run
check back soon

Hi Steph-Wow 5 more weeks
where did that 9 months go?!

Hi Dawn-we're rednecks up here too(in Canada)
we just live in igloos is all
Seriously we got snow yesterday and it's still here!
I'm a writer currently not writing too! LOL

Hi Niccole-when in Nov is Jack's Bday?
My eldest turns 8 on Nov 7.
yeah what is it about homes,yards,families that vacuum up our time?

TTFN
bread to throw in the oven and then bed time

[Epi_Doc]

Okay, just a quick check in...

Dawn - Glad you weren't offended by the redneck thing. I do understand why it is offensive to those who live in the south because "people" assume that EVERYONE from the south is the same way. The truth is there are rednecks everywhere...and some do live in igloos like Lee said! But I must say that often times when the media interviews someone from the south they seem to pick those that make southerners fit into the stereotype, if you know what I mean. Do they pick the most backwards people on earth on purpose????
Glad to hear your kids are well. And you are back on the weight loss track. We all have setbacks, so don't be too hard on yourself. But you did realize where you could be if you hadn't fallen into old habits...so that's a plus for next time you feel like giving it up.
Hey, I've been published too! I had an article from my dissertation published last year and some little things besides that. But I haven't done anything else since I graduated and haven't been working. So what kinds of stuff do you write? Or what have you had published?

Something about me to share???? Well, as I said I had an article published and I graduated with my PhD in 2003. Don't know if I told you all that before...

Curly - Glad you are in the final stretch, but sorry to hear about your current worries with the baby. I'm sure an ultrasound will help clarify the baby's/cord's health and ease your mind a bit. I'm afraid I don't know anything else to suggest to you right now, but just know we are thinking of you and wishing you well. Let us know about the ultrasound.

Hi Lee! Jack's birthday is Nov 22, so just before our Thanksgiving. My husband is usually gone that week for hunting season, or as much time as he can get from work, so I have to plan a birthday party around his schedule. In his defense I will say that he's missed the last 2 hunting seasons that week...because of Jack's birth and last year because of his dad's heart attack. So he's really looking forward to going.
Glad to hear the family is well. Sounds like your schedule has settled a bit since you are working less...although you still sound REALLY busy. I understand about the job thing...you can't quit and then count on them hiring you back just because you need a job at that time. So it's better to stay with it even though you don't NEED it now. It does get you out of the house and you do get to make some money in case your husband's work situation becomes difficult so those are 2 pluses. But I know it would be better to spend more time with family.

And Mary, where have you gone? How was the birthday celebration? You know I cannot believe it's getting so close to Christmas already. Time for me to start shopping too.

Well it's lunchtime so I better go.

Take care all!
Niccole

[curlyque]

Everything looks fine with the baby. Thank God. I am so ready to have him though. I got to see him today on ultrasound. The Dr. got such a crystal clear pic of his face, I couldn't believe it. He's beautiful. I can't wait to hold him.

[MCmom]

I'm popping in with (hopefully) a quick post. I'm tying up the phone line, when my DH could call from work at any time, and then there's a show I want to watch which starts in 15 minutes.

Leah could have cared less if she had a party, and got any presents. She screamed in terror when we put b-day candles on the cake, and she wasn't interested in opening a single present. She did like most of her presents though, after they were opened, and she saw what they were. Her favorites being a baby doll stroller, a Barbie microphone, which also plays lots of different songs, a toy Princess cell phone, and 2 Veggie Tales DVDs.

Thanks for all the b-day wishes!

I'm currently in the middle of a cold, and not feeling the greatest. I slept good last night though, not waking up until nearly 9:00am! That's late for me. The kids didn't even wake me up for anything. Leah slept in late with me, and Elijah & Moriah just went in the livingroom, and waited quietly. How nice is that?

The weather here is great! It was sunny and in the 70's today. A beautiful fall day. I packed up all Leah's short sleeve shirts, and then had to go and unpack them. Duh! It's not like it's freezing cold or anything yet.

Something to share. Hmmmmm. I thoroughly enjoy reading, and wanted to be a novelist at one time? I've written poetry and short stories before. Hey, alot of us seem to have writing in common! Cool!

Thanks for the interesting discusson on "rednecks." I've heard the term before, and it's been on many comedy shows on TV, but I wasn't sure if it was an offensive term. I would never have called anyone that. Now I know. Some think it's funny. Some take offense. Don't use that word. It's not PC.

Times up! I'll be back for personals tomorrow. Promise.

MaryC

[MCmom]

Once again, I only have a few minutes to spare, but I will try to post to a few people.

Niccole - I can relate to not knowing where my time went! It seems like I've been busy, busy, busy lately. This year is my first year teaching two children, and it's been an interesting challenge. I like teaching, so it's been enjoyable. I wanted to be a teacher back in highschool, but I didn't pursue going to college, so now I get to be one!

Speaking of teaching, Moriah is in kindergarten, and she's so smart, that as soon as she finishes learning to read & write, she's ready to go into 1st grade. She listens to what I teach Elijah, and some of the stuff, she knows better than him!

Glad to hear that aside from continuing to work hard, things are going well for you! Are you going to be having a big party, or a small party for Jack?

Can you believe my time is up? We're getting a ride to church tonight, and our ride will be here in 20 minutes. I have to finish getting everybody ready, and everything together.

Tomorrow I'll finish for sure!

(BTW, we're wearing jackets tonight to church! With the windchill, we could be near freezing tonight! Brrrrr)

MaryC

[DarkSiren]

I haven't had a chance to read posts yet but wanted to say a quick hi!!
We've been busy busy this week with doctors appointments and what not...Fun Fun?!
Now, I am literally heading out the door as soon as I send this through and going to a ball game at the DH's Base that I only just found out about like an hour ago. So, it's been fun getting myself and two kids ready at a moments notice.....LOL
I will try to get back by either today or tomorrow for a full report and replies....
Later Gators!!!
Dawn

[MCmom]

Now I have the time, but I'm exhausted. I'm looking forward to going up to lay in bed, and watch a show I taped last night. I taped Lost, and ended up staying up late to watch it (why I'm exhausted), and then there was a show that came on afterwards. Something to do with Aliens. I'm too tired to think of the name!
Wait, after posting I remember the name! It's "Invasion." So far I've been watching the above mentioned shows, along with "Surface," and "House." I'm not sure about "Invasion" or "Surface" yet. What are you guys watching this season?

Some good news is that someone from my church last night, thought I had lost another 10 lbs! I told her it's more like 5 lbs. I don't share the news here, b/c I don't know if it will "stick." I've been shopping at the 2nd hand store alot, and I think all my new clothes, makes everything think I'm thinner than what I am. I like to think that I have a good eye for slimming colors, and materials.

Dawn - Glad to hear that you're back in control, and that you've lost most of the weight that you re-gained! That's an accomplishment to be proud of. I'm one of those nervous types, who don't like to take herbal pills, so I've never tried any. I hope it works for you though!

We're having our Thanksgiving this year on Friday, (the day "after" Thanksgiving), b/c my DH is working. On Thanksgiving, the kids & I will be going over to my mom's house. We actually get to celebrate twice! I'm not happy about my DH working on Christmas Eve. We're all supposed to go over to my mom's house, but it will once again, be just the kids & I. At least he has Christmas Day off!

Keep us posted about the official list!

Stephanie - I'm SO glad the U/S went well!! There's nothing like r-e-l-i-e-f !!!! Now the last 5 weeks should be a piece of cake! Yeah right!!

Lee - Hey, if you don't mind working, and it works okay for you and the family, then that's great! I can certainly understand about wanting at least one of you to have a stable job! Having 4 kids makes it kind of important. I know of more than one set of parents, who both work full-time jobs, and they manage just fine. The kids turned out well, and they're all reasonably happy. Some SAHMs are miserable, and the kids end up being miserable too. Whatever works I say!

I was wondering, are you guys facing the same heating price hike, that we're facing here? On the news, we're being told that it will cost 40% more this year, to heat our homes. People are panicking, trying to do whatever they can, to cut the cost down. I'm a bit nervous as to what our 1st bill will be like. So far we haven't had to turn on our heat yet, but the day is coming soon.

Is that everyone? I think I'm up-to-date now!

Let's see, another personal tid-bit about myself. I've had "stomach problems" for years now. I've learned to live with the discomfort, mild pain, and sometimes intense pain. I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. That's why my flaxseed meal has become very important to me. By eating it regularly (no pun intended ), it lessens my pain. Usually I make pancakes or muffins with it.

MaryC

[DarkSiren]

Okay another quick hi. It's wayyyy past my bedtime but I wanted to say hi and that I'm still here and yes I still plan on trying to catch up with everyone.

Okay I pushed enter way too soon. ROFL
Anyway, as for my list ladies. It just plain sucks.....
Nothing that we wanted is on the list so we're having to do the least objectionable to the worst.
Also, my brother had a heart attack today behind the wheel of his 18wheeler. He's very lucky he got out alive. He had the attack and passed out completely right as he was taking an exit to get onto the interstate. When he woke up he was hanging by his foot from his seatbelt and had almost completely gone off the overpass just beyond the exit he was aiming for at the time.
Currently he's in the hospital and they're going to go in and look at his heart and see if there's any damage. If they see anything they will fix it while they're in there. This is serious enough that he could die from the procedure alone. So, please keep our family in your .
So, that's what's been going on today. I'm going to try to get back by tomorrow after I get the news how it went and let you guys know. And I'll try to do my catch ups as well.
Take Care Everyone!!!
Dawn

[MCmom]

No heat needed yet, thankfully! It's been nice in these parts overall. It was in the 70's and sunny today.

Dawn - SO sorry to hear about your brother! I hope and pray he gets through the procedure okay. Please keep me posted.

Sorry to hear about the list too! Hang in there, b/c it can't rain all the time, right?

MaryC

[MCmom]

Irritable bowel syndrome

By Mayo Clinic staff

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders that doctors see. Yet it's also one that many people aren't comfortable talking about. Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function — including bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation — problems most people don't like to discuss. What's more, for many years irritable bowel syndrome was considered a psychological rather than a physical problem.

Up to one in five American adults has irritable bowel syndrome. The disorder accounts for more than one out of every 10 doctor visits. For most people, signs and symptoms of irritable bowel disease are mild. Only a small percentage of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe signs and symptoms.

Fortunately, unlike more serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn't cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.

[previously Lee A]

..I had a rotten day...(unusual)
...kids were cranky,hard to get them ready to go to the sitter,I actually lost my temper and yelled...I was almost late for work,literally had to run at top speed to get there...then the next shift called in sick and i couldn't get ahold of my evening sitter on last notice but did work a couple hours later...then I locked myself out of the house,I climbed up over the balcony and that door was locked...then I went over to the neighbours and she helped me jimmy a window...crazy day.I'm wiped...emotionally even.

I do like to work but all my money goes to the sitter and i am tired of all the running around.I've asked the boss to hire someone else and she says she's been looking(we have no one to cover if someone is sick)but I'm going to emphasize that I am willing to cut back a few shifts to provide someone with a job.She likes me to work alot(as things get done).
I'm also tired of single parenting.DH will be home next weekend for our Thanksgiving but of course I work the whole thing and long shifts too...

Hi Mary-I know of many people with IBS,so far I am fortunate not to have that problem.
BTW I guess we also don't have our TV viewing in common-I don't watch a single one of the shows you mentioned.
Mine are Supernanny,Nanny911,The Apprentice:Martha Stewart,The Apprentice,America's Next Top Model,Survivor and The Sopranos
Hope you are feeling better and how is DH?
I'm jealous your kids let you sleep in
Dayton(who is on my lap right now)keeps me up all night
and whoever gets up in the morning has to wake me up
Glad Leah enjoyed her gifts
Yay for the 5-10lbs and the compliments
glad to hear the 2nd hand store has been a boon for you

Hi Dawn-sorry to hear about your brother but thank God he survived the crash.
Prayers that his heart didn't suffer damage


Hi Niccole-my DH is an avid hunter too
and up here men proudly proclaim themselves as *rednecks*
and hillbillies are known as backwoods
you did mention the article and PHD but I forget what subject they were.
I've had a few stories and poems printed in local papers but nothing on a grander scale
We may do a skating party,last year we went to the bowling alley.
Hard to get outdoors in Nov.

Hi Steph-hope you can stand the final weeks until you see your son.
Do you have a name picked out? My step DD had her 3rd baby Aug 31 and named him Brendan

love to chat more but DS is indignant
so til next time
TTFN

[MCmom]

Irritable bowel syndrome

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are:

Abdominal pain or cramping
A bloated feeling
Gas (flatulence)
Diarrhea or constipation — people with IBS may also experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
Mucus in the stool

Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes these problems can be disabling, however. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don't respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be present with other diseases, it's best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

For most people, IBS is a chronic condition, although there will likely be times when the signs and symptoms are worse and times when they improve or even disappear completely.

Causes

No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from your stomach through your intestinal tract to your rectum. Normally, these muscles contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm. But if you have irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions are stronger and last longer than normal. Food is forced through your intestines more quickly, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. In some cases, however, the opposite occurs. Food passage slows, and stools become hard and dry.

Some researchers believe IBS is caused by changes in the nerves that control sensation or muscle contractions in the bowel. Others believe the central nervous system may affect the colon. And because women are two to three times as likely as men to have IBS, researchers believe that hormonal changes also play a role. Also, many women find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual periods.

Triggers bother some, not others
For reasons that still aren't clear, if you have IBS you probably react strongly to stimuli that don't bother other people. Triggers for IBS can range from gas or pressure on your intestines to certain foods, medications or emotions. For example:

Foods. Many people find that their signs and symptoms worsen when they eat certain foods. For instance, chocolate, milk and alcohol might cause constipation or diarrhea. A survey found that almost two out of three people with IBS felt a dietary allergy or intolerance was to blame for their IBS. The role of food allergy or intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome hasn't been well studied. And some researchers suspect that rather than food being a trigger, the actual process of eating may be the trigger because chewing stimulates the colon.
If you experience cramping and bloating mainly after eating dairy products, food with caffeine, or sugar-free gum or candies, the problem may not be irritable bowel syndrome. Instead, your body may not be able to tolerate the sugar (lactose) in dairy products, caffeine or the artificial sweetener sorbitol.

Stress. If you're like most people with IBS, you probably find that your signs and symptoms are worse or more frequent during stressful events, such as a change in your daily routine or family arguments. But while stress may aggravate symptoms, it doesn't cause them.

Other illnesses. Sometimes another illness, such as an acute episode of infectious diarrhea (gastroenteritis) can trigger IBS.

[DarkSiren]

Okay I've got about five seconds so wanted to say that I still don't know what's going on with my brother. They postponed the procedure till this morning. But when my Mom got to the hospital they had fed my brother breakfast which of course they're not supposed to do before a procedure. So, they have no clue what's going on at this point. UGH!!
Other than that we're now at the count down till the DH leaves again. He's got school this week. Next week is vacation. And then 3wks of getting the ship ready to leave here. I hardly every see him during that time so he might as well be gone already when that starts. UGH!!
I think once I get Kaylee going on her lesson I'm going to go workout and get some of this frustration taken care of. LOL
I'll be back later. Hopefully once the DH gets home and can watch the kids for a few minutes I'll have some down time. Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!
Dawn

[MCmom]

I have to say that with IBS, I don't have any problems with diarrhea. It's always been the opposite for me.

I'm feeling sick to my stomach this morning. I believe it's due to PMS, with TOM soon to arrive in the next day or two. This is a bad one for me. I'm going to try to hold it in check, so I'm not too grouchy with the kids. I dislike feeling so irritable, and the pain is pretty bad too.

Lee - You didn't answer my question about the heating costs there! (is it much higher this year?) I understand your forgetting though, with how crazy and hectic things have been there for you. Just the fact that you're still managing somehow, shows your inner strength. I would have had a break-down for sure. I'm definitely not a single-mother type! I don't even want to know what it's like, raising several kids on your own. I commend any mother who's able to do it successfully.

So sad about Thanksgiving! My DH is working it, but then he has the following 3 days off. I have a feeling with you being such a good worker, your boss will be reluctant to hire anyone else. It might end up becoming a "push comes to shove" sort of situation. (with you doing the pushing!)

I am a person big on suspense! I like reading books with it, and watching TV shows that have it. Anything gory I won't watch though. I don't even like "CSI" or shows like that, b/c of the autopsies and the crime re-inactment scenes. I did watch a few of the nanny shows, but then got tired of watching other people's bratty, out-of-control kids.

This woman at church squeezed my shoulder at church last night, and commented on how bony I was getting. I bet she wouldn't have said the same thing, if it had been my thigh she was squeezing!! That and my butt, is where I need to lose the rest of my weight.

Thanks for filling us in Lee! I hope things get better for you in the coming weeks. Please keep us posted.

MaryC

[MCmom]

Dawn - You jumped in the middle of my posting! Sounds like things have been hectic for you too! Please let us know what happens with your brother. I'll be waiting to hear the latest news.

Wow, your DH is already getting close to leaving again?? It seems like he just got home! How long will he be gone for this time? Is this how it will be until the day your DH retires?

I hope the exercise worked for relieving your frustration!

MaryC

[DarkSiren]

Mary- on the bigger boats that he's usually on it's 3 months in and 4 months out all year round, every year. So, I guess I'm "sort of" used to it. But because this boat is smaller it's 8 or 9 "weeks" in if we're lucky and 9 weeks out. So, the schedule is a little different. We're hoping for land next to get a break since he's already got 10yrs sea time but it always comes down to needs of the service. {{shrug}}