Moms' Chat: Days of Autumn

[MCmom]

to our group for moms who want to talk about anything and everything!

Here is your Autumn thread, for all you overanxious gals!

We seem to be hovering in the 60's this month, and I'm enjoying it after all those hot days we had during the summer. It will be interesting to see when we have to turn the heat on. Hopefully, not until mid-October at the earliest.

I found Moriah (6 yr. old) a beautiful church dress in a thrift store yesterday. They had $6.00 on the tag, but I asked if they'd take $5.00, and they did. It would have cost waaaaay more in a store. My DH even said it looks like it could have been used in a wedding. It's a cranberry color, with a long, full skirt, and a little velvet jacket with roses around the collar. Moriah is anxious to wear it, but I'm holding her off until October. That's the earliest time I feel that velvet should be worn.

My allergies are a bit better, but now the kids are all sniffling and sneezing. Maybe I had a cold afterall??

Lee - You poster you! Now to remember some of the things you wrote in your last post...

We actually had Leah's birthday party last Saturday. My DH tried to get off the Saturday after Leah's birthday, but he couldn't. I usually like to celebrate after the real birthday occurs. Anyways, the party went well. Leah liked her gifts, and did all the unwrapping herself this year (1st time). You remembered about my other kids being sick on their b-days! Good memory!

Yes, our 12th wedding anniversary is on Oct. 22nd. Very close to yours! We're planning on leaving the kids with my mom, and going out for dinner somewhere. I'm thinking Mexican, since I really like it and rarely get it.

I took my kids to a funeral once. It wasn't real to them, not really knowing the person who had died. They've yet to go to a funeral for someone close. Not something I'm looking forward to, as you can understand. I'm just hoping & praying it won't be anytime soon.

Moriah likes to do arts and crafts, but Elijah could care less. I actually feel guilty for not doing projects often enough with Moriah. I'm going to make more of an effort, to do at least one art project a month with her. I know it would make her happy, and would be worth any mess. No glitter though!

Hi Dawn, Niccole, Tarrah, and Stephanie!

[DarkSiren]

Originally Posted by MCmom

Here is your Autumn thread, for all you overanxious gals!

Ha Ha!!!

[randtbrown]

Good day ladies. Not much going on here. We are trying to get the house ready to put on the market. I'm trying to think positively about that- but I'm a little (well a lot) afraid it won't sell- too much new construction around us. But the agent said that if we are reasonable about the price, it is helpful that my house will show like a model (my mom decorated it and she is a professional decorator), so MAYBE it will move- we hope within 6-8 months. If it sold I'm not sure what we'd do.....just rent a cheap apartment for a couple months and put our stuff in storage maybe, keep our options open until we make a final decision about where we are going to settle. I feel good about it. EXCEPT the part of having to keep the house clean ALL the time and leaving the house when it is shown. Not so easy with Kyle around but we'll deal.

60 degrees sounds WONDERFUL! It has been much better weather here this weekend- it was about 79 in the mornings with a high of 85ish and lower humidity. Supposed to be like that all week!!!!! As for turning on the heater-we didn't once turn ours on last year. But I was preggo and hot and we both like to be cold. But this year with the baby we may have to..

Everyone have a wonderful day!

[MCmom]

Nope, it's allergies, not a cold. It just goes on and on. Allergies are supposed to improve by next month. I can only hope and pray it does.

Elijah threw up on Saturday, which was strange, since he only had a cold. He's fine today though, and doing his schoolwork. I bought 3 big boxes of kleenex, which should last about 2 weeks. Everyone has runny noses, that just won't quit.

Anyone else a regular flaxmeal user like me? I use it everyday, and like to find new ways to make bread/muffins with it. My latest favorite single serving recipe is using 1/2 cup of flaxmeal, some SF apple cider (the powder), cinnamon, a TB of SF vanilla DaVinci syrup, and one egg. Mix it all together in a microwaveable bowl, and nuke for 1 min. 15 seconds (varies). I also mix in chopped walnuts. It makes for a great breakfast or snack. I put butter on top after it's cooled down. If anyone's interested, I have a good chocolate recipe too. It's like having a chocolate muffin. Yummy.

Dawn - Glad to make you laugh! Now get back here and post!

Tarrah - You actually have the ability to heat your home in TX??! I thought it was never cold there?

A reasonable price makes a big difference in how fast a house sells. Everytime I see a house for sale that doesn't sell, I always think - "they're asking too much." A nicely decorated house helps too. Now to make it smell like fresh bread or just baked chocolate chip cookies. I actually read about people doing that, before a house showing.

We set our thermostat for 60 degrees at night, and 65 during the day, during the winter months. Let's just say that we do alot of bundling up!

MaryC

[DarkSiren]

Tarrah- I feel ya on leaving a house for a showing with a child. At the time the ex-owner of this house decided they wanted to sell I was freaked a little by the idea that we would have to pack up the kids every time they wanted to show the place. Especially since these people had a tendency to call us 30
minutes before they wanted to do something. Like just because I was a SAHM that made me available 24/7. Hope everything works out for the best for you and your family.

Mary- Sorry about your allergies.
It seems that William is taking after me with his allergies. I've noticed that we're both suffering at the same time. Thankfully Kaylee took after her father and hardly ever gets sick and never has suffered from allergies.

Well, not much going on here other than trying to get back to the painting of the downstairs. I took some time off after rushing to get the main wall in the livingroom done before the sofa came. And have had trouble getting motivated to finish. But when DH gets back from Training we want to get the new flooring down so I better hurry up and finish.

Oh and I took my first test for my Accounting Course and made a 95. Woo Hoo!!!

Okay gotta run again and clean up from lunch and get back to lessons.

Take Care All!!!

[previously Lee A]

...yeah I can't imagine having a clean house for any reason LOL...

Like today I've been going steady on it and I've barely scratched surface.
I think the best thing a person with kids can do is minimize the clutter as that's what makes a place look disorderly.We don't allow kids toys in the kitchen/dining/living areas anyway so it's just the downstairs and their bedrooms that look messy.

The kids are due home from school any minute and I want to finish washing the floor before they get here so thought I'd pop in quick.

Sorry to hear Elijah is unwell Mary.You'll have to do conversions for me.I know my thermostat is set the same as yours so it must be American made.
I've been using the heat the past 2 weeks so I can't imagine never using it

Anyway GTG
TTFN

[randtbrown]

Lee- where do you live? I'm guessing in teh mountains......

Mary- it SOMETIMES freezes here (like 2x a year). Not too cold for us, but may be a little chilly for baby.....we'll see. It was 55 here this am and we sat outside (and enjoyed our beautiful new landscaping!) and drank our coffee. LOVELY! I plan on making my house smell yummy with a candle warmer since I can't actually BE here baking. I'll decorate for fall this weekend, and then when christmas comes my mom will decorate the house for that and it is BEAUTIFUL. I wonder how a pot roast in teh crock pot will smell??????? lol

They came yesterday to do the yard and I couldn't be happier with it! Ron's landscaper said he would do it free, but that is a huge no no with his company- taking things for free. So Ron worked out a fee of $300. Five men came yesterday and make two large flower beds in the back yard- one around a maple tree we planted last year, one larger one in the corner. Three large crape myrtles. Two large spanish palms, tons of green plants and purple fountain grass. Then mulched all beds (including around the new crape myrtles) and replace our stone wall. In the front they remulched the three beds in the front, replaced the stone around them, and trimmed our baby oak trees and shrubs. They are coming back tomorrow to replace the bull rock around the beds and re-sod the dead spots in teh front and back yard. We couldn't have even bought the three crape myrtle trees for $300! I'm so excieted. We'll have to make payment to him, but I think it REALLY helped the appearance of the yard. I know that would make a huge difference to our family. When we first moved in we extended our porch with brick pavers and fenced it in with an iron fence (to keep dogs off the porch and the baby on). The dogs are going to a new home this week and once they are gone I'll work on making that area beautiful. My mom is giving me some plants and a waterfall thing, we are going to try to make a backyard oasis- that kind of landscaping isn't found aroudn here so we hope it helps. and it won't cost us any money . we also have a dog run on one side of the house with a custom dog house ron built- with hardiplank siding that matches the main house, shingles on the roof, windows, electricity, a mini ceiling fan and a heater (yes, in teh DOG house!). Ron built it when we moved in with extra materials from his construction site. People will love it or hate it! We are going to ask someone to watch kyle next saturday and spend the day cleaning out closets and other junk piles to streamline the house (and sell on ebay for extra cash). I'm feeling good about it.

AND I'm down to 181- the lowest I've been in months! so excieted! Today is a happy day for sure. My mom is coming over to play with Kyle at 10. I'll let you know if it is STILL a happy day after that.

[DarkSiren]

Hey Tarrah!!

That landscaping sounds wonderful. I'll be so happy when we're done with the updating of the inside of the house and we can start working on the outside of it.

And a HUGE CONGRATS on your new low!!!!


Hey there Lee, Mary, and Curly!!!

[previously Lee A]

well I think I have a moment around my 2 youngest shenanigans
so my DH's employer called to say that things are not well in the logging business and there is lots of cutbacks.He had to sell some trucks and may even have to relocate so that DH should try to find something elsewhere,it's not so great around here either
Ironically I'm cut back at this time.I'm not going to worry because things always work out.
I need to get cleaning out closets too.

Hi Mary-great deal on the dress.I have a friend that almost gets a high when she makes a good bargain.Selena will be wearing a sorta scrunchie velvet dress for her school pic tomorrow.

I don't use flax,once or twice I put it in bread but that's it.I'm still struggling but I'm almost through TOM so after that I'll be fine.I generally don't use LC products but am glad to see a lot more Splenda articles on the market.I'm going to buy the kids some Diet Rite pop I saw just made it's way onto the shelves here.

Hi Tarrah-you've sold me
that's a great deal on the landscaping.I love those fix up,sell shows and it's amazing how much more they can get with such simple improvements.I believe a few of us have similar relationships with our mothers and Congrats on the new low
I used to live west of the rockies and now I'm east of them.

Hi Dawn-how do you find time with younguns at home to even inside reno?
Women are just plain amazin' I guess

well I think I'll hop in the shower and then start supper.I'll make a stew so my DH has something hearty when he gets home from hunting.It's 10c here right now so it's warm out

Hi to Niccole and Steph-hope your both in good health

[DarkSiren]

Originally Posted by previously Lee A

well I think I have a moment around my 2 youngest shenanigans
so my DH's employer called to say that things are not well in the logging business and there is lots of cutbacks.He had to sell some trucks and may even have to relocate so that DH should try to find something elsewhere,it's not so great around here either
Ironically I'm cut back at this time.I'm not going to worry because things always work out.
I need to get cleaning out closets too.

Hi Dawn-how do you find time with younguns at home to even inside reno?
Women are just plain amazin' I guess

well I think I'll hop in the shower and then start supper.I'll make a stew so my DH has something hearty when he gets home from hunting.It's 10c here right now so it's warm out

I'm sorry that things are a little shakey for you guys right now.

I guess that's one of the few good things about being married to a military man. There's always a guaranteed paycheck as long as he doesn't get hurt.

Although it is coming up close to retirement time and that is scaring both of us at this point. He has no clue what he wants to do when he gets out and the idea of losing the steady paycheck(even if it isn't much) is freaking me a bit. Although the idea of traveling for another 15yrs if he extends that long freaks me just as much.

As for the updating of the house. I have no clue how I'm getting things done but it is coming together.

And I'm doing all the major work because DH's hours and traveling have had him gone most of the time. I just do a little at a time. I rushed like crazy to get the main living room wall done because that was where the new sofa was going. But after that I slowed down a bit.

When it comes time to lay down the new flooring we'll have to work it around the DH's schedule because there is no way I will be able to do that by myself.

Other than that I'm of course doing Kaylee's lessons, Studying for my Accounting Course, taking care of William, and my usual daily chores.

Don't ya just love being Super Mom??!!

Well, gotta run and get breakfast cleaned up and set up for lessons.

Waves to Tarrah, Mary, Curly, and Niccole!!

Take Care!!!

[MCmom]

Leah always has had a problem with going poo-poo on the toilet, but the problem seems to be escalating, instead of improving as she gets older. I called the Dr. yesterstday, b/c Leah has been fighting going #2 for a week now. I was even up with her one day at 4am in the bathroom, b/c she was so uncomfortable and still wouldn't go. Anways, the Dr. wouldn't prescribe a stool softener like I wanted, she instead recommended a Constipation Clinic in a different city. Uhh, I don't think so. So last night I went to a local drugstore to get Leah a mild laxative (safe for children). It looks and tastes like chocolate. I gave her a small piece last night, and even though she was bouncing around this morning, she STILL wouldn't go! I'm going to keep giving her a piece a day, until she goes. I can only hope and pray that this nightmare is over by time she turns 5. Eventually, she has to realize she has no choice but to go.

Dawn - Great job on the accounting test! I need to do some major painting (3 bedrooms and the livingroom), but I'm putting it off until Leah is a little older. I can't imagine doing it with her underfoot. We bought her a Barbie doll for her b-day, and she colored its face with pen. Imagine how much fun she'd have with paint!

Lee - I can't imagine a spotless house either. As long as things are not laying all over the floor, and the counters are relatively clean, I'm happy. It's amazing how fast a house can become cluttered. I have to work at it all day, to keep it somewhat uncluttered around here.

If it's 10c there, it would be converted to 50 degrees F. That's close to what we are today. We're in the mid 50's today. A bit cooler than it's been. It's supposed to slowly warm back up into the 60's again.

Time to move again! That's a great way to get rid of the clutter! Let us know when DH finds another job. With the holiday season around the corner, I'm sure your hours will bounce right back up.

I'm a moderate user of LC products. The things that I use are SF ketchup, Splenda, SF vanilla DaVinci, flaxmeal (which is really a health food, not a strictly LC item), occasionally SF candy, LC tortillas, porkrinds, and every so often, a protein bar.

DH kill anything?

Tarrah - Your house sounds lovely! I want to buy it!! I wish that we could have work done on our yard. It's such a mess. My DH and I don't have a clue as to what to do. We need the $ to hire someone to fix it for us. Someday...

Congrats on reaching a new low! I'd be happy too.

Hi Niccole!

MaryC

[randtbrown]

The landscaping ended up being free! They cut our phone line and felt bad about that- so they aren't charging us!

I picked up another- from home p/t gig doing medical billing. A few more of those little jobs and I'll be good to go! Not making as much as if I were to use my grad degree and get a "real" job, but I'm okay with that! Ron thinks they approved his raise today- that will help a little too- we will know at the end of the day! And my mom met a new guy-friend. First date last night went greaat and they are seeing each other again tonight! She is very happy about it. Things are looking up!

I updated Kyle's website- link in my siggy or go to babykylebrown.blotspot.com

[previously Lee A]

Hi Dawn-apart from a little gnawing concern I am not overly worried about our situation,other battles are being fought in the world our problems are small in comparison.

I'd like to take a course down the way too.DH would love it if I did accounting as I do our taxes every year and he thinks I have some skill in that department but I don't enjoy it.
Way to go with all that multi tasking.

Hi Mary-I wish I had some advice concerning Leah.It seems like the more pressure we place on children the more they resist.I went through a little potty resistance but I guess I wore them down

DH hasn't "filled the freezer" yet but the getting out is good for him after so many months of inactivity.He has also put on alot of weight.

I'm still staying the same despite being strict and exercising every day but i refuse to give up,being diligent has led me to success in the past.

Ooops I confused nutritious with LC again
I wish my family ate brown bread etc...but it's just as well or I'd eat it to.At least with white bread I won't go near it.

Hi Tarrah-yeah lots of good news for you
I checked out Kyle's site.He is a cute little bruiser.So have you arranged a marriage with him and Jordan?

I just watched Survivor...I confess I'm a reality TV aholic.
I guess i should spend some time with DH now that the younger 2 finally got to bed.
My days are so darned busy and I'm exhausted.

Hi to our MIA's
TTFN

[DarkSiren]

Originally Posted by MCmom

Dawn - Great job on the accounting test! I need to do some major painting (3 bedrooms and the livingroom), but I'm putting it off until Leah is a little older. I can't imagine doing it with her underfoot. We bought her a Barbie doll for her b-day, and she colored its face with pen. Imagine how much fun she'd have with paint!

The getting into the paint is definitely a worry of mine. I've been trying to do the work while the DH is home and can keep an eye on the kids but that isn't always possible with his schedule. UGH!! So, I'm doing the best I can and
that the kids don't decide to "help" at some point.

Originally Posted by randtbrown

The landscaping ended up being free! They cut our phone line and felt bad about that- so they aren't charging us!

I'm sorry they cut your phone line but happy that you got it for free. That's always nice.

Originally Posted by previously Lee A

Hi Dawn-apart from a little gnawing concern I am not overly worried about our situation,other battles are being fought in the world our problems are small in comparison.

I'd like to take a course down the way too.DH would love it if I did accounting as I do our taxes every year and he thinks I have some skill in that department but I don't enjoy it.
Way to go with all that multi tasking.

I don't plan on going on to becoming an actual accountant or doing taxes for anyone other than our family. But I thought it was a good place to start before heading on to learning how to do Real Estate Appraisal and then finally Interior Decorating so that I can flip houses.

Hello to everyone that missing!!!

Gotta run and get some stuff done before heading out to a doctor's appointment. We're finally getting William's Asthma taken care of. We'll find out the treatment plan today.

[DarkSiren]

Update on William:

He officially has mild asthma. He uses an inhaler at night before bed since that's his worst time. And he's taking a chewable Singular in the mornings.

He's only been on the new treatments since Friday night and already it's made a HUGE difference.

Sometime this week we'll get him the flu shot and hopefully with these treatments we'll be able to avoid bronchitis this year or at least not have it as bad.

Hope everyone is starting out their week on the right foot!!!

[previously Lee A]

...so I'm making the kids eat dinner right now(ham &saurkraut soup)
they just love me
I'm just popping in because I wanted to print a song
"How great thou art",it's Selena's new favorite,we heard it at Sam's funeral and I have it on a tape and played it today and she just sat there with tears rolling down her face.
Chey is in a race out of town the day after tomorrow,she is in a recess running club and qualified for it.
Cody and Dayton are keeping me so busy(I miss work-seriously)
I took the kids bike riding last night and for a big nature walk the night before and ended up carrying the dog or Dayton for a big chunk of it.
Speaking of DS he's doing #2 right now so GTG

BTW Dawn hope it all works well for William.I've been blessed that my kids never had asthma(insert fingers crossed smilie here)

Hi to the rest of you ladies,hope all is well

[MCmom]

Allergies have been better the last 2 days. Not gone, but controllable with meds. I'm not sure if we're having Indian Summer (too early?), but we've been in the 70's (21.1C) this week. We'll be back in the 60's tomorrow, but that's okay with me. I'm ready for 60's now. That's why I switched everyone's wardrobes. Good thing I left a few summer clothes in their drawers.

Leah (4) is luving pre-school. She has her 1st field trip next week to the pumpkin farm. I had to ask her teacher if there were going to be any scary decorations there, b/c Leah freaked out when I took her to the grocery store where they had Halloween decorations. She literally started screaming at the top of her lungs. I had no idea for a minute or two, what the problem was. I just held her and kept looking around, until I spotted what she was staring at. She wanted out of the store ASAP, so I had to hurry up. When I realized I forgot something, she refused to go back into the store. Leah's pre-school teacher assured me that she would take care of Leah at the pumpkin farm, redirecting her attention whenever necessary (they're going on a hayride where there will be Halloween decorations). I'm still nervous about her going. I've half a mind to just let her stay home.

Tarrah - Glad to hear things are getting better! Nothings beats free!

Lee - Leah's pre-school teacher recommended giving Leah a tsp of mineral oil in her juice per day. This is supposed to help Leah be more regular with her bowels. I'm going to give it a try.

There are some strictly "LC" items, but others are fine for LF'ers as well as LC'ers. Those are the "nutritious" items.

I have a concern with my children being overweight like their mommy and daddy, which is why I buy LC bread for them, as well as buying SF items whenever possible. Moriah (6 1/2) is the chubbiest of my children, and I don't want to see her become an overweight adult. So as not to single her out, I encourage healthy eating for all 3 kids.

Tomorrow starts "Lost" again. I'm going to continue watching it, hoping my interest will be rekindled this season. I did start watching "Dr. House" again, and have been liking it. Reality TV has only been mildly interesting for me. Different spokes!

I'm thinking seriously about getting some ketosticks (sp?), to help me get back to losing weight. If I know that I'm in ketosis, it will help to keep me on track. I'm a person who needs to see something.

Good job on your perseverance in the face of unresponsive results!

Dawn - Glad to hear that William is doing/feeling better! It's always a good thing when your child's problem has a positive solution. Still waiting on one or two for Leah (communicating, #2).

Hi Niccole! How's it going?

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

DH popped out to pick the kids up from school and go buy me a gift because yes
today I turned 40

Mary-I'm sure Leah will be fine.Kids are funny in that they act different with people other than their folks.

My kids eat incessantly and are thin as rails and they eat portions greater than mine as well.Studies show that thin children(who were deprived are OW adults)and many OW kids are thin adults but it definitely pays to have them on the right track at a young age.My DH will tell DD not to eat tuna on it's own w'out bread and she'll say well Mom does it.

I don't watch Lost or House but I like shows like Wife Swap,Trading Spouses(I think you'd like those 2),Ammerica's Next Top Model,Survivor,I watched Bachelor last night and have to decide if it's worth following.

Well my weight is unchanged but I took my measurements today.I'm 2" less in the bust(knew it as my bra is hanging off),1" off my waist,1" off my thighs,1" off my hips,it's barely discernable.My new resolution is to be fit at some point before my 41st BDay LOL

We're 2C here

anyway gotta run TTFN

[previously Lee A]

ooops don't mind the spelling mistake in America
Had a nice BDay-despite the 2nd hand car DH bought me,he also bought me a purse and the kids bought me some useful household items and he cooked dinner!
I took my own pic today with my digi and put it in my avatar.I feel and look 40 today,serious bags under my eyes from lack of sleep.
Speaking of which i should hit the hay
Hope all are well