Moms's Chat 4 All Moms

[previously Lee A]

I'm so looking forward to routine.
The kids go back on Monday and will be pretty tired as they have been staying up late despite my putting them to bed earlier.
Right now the family is watching Spiderman3 on pay per vu.
We went to the library last night and took out Shrek 3rd and the 5th Harry Potter DVD's.
The librarian is awesome in always getting the latest books and movies and membership is free so how do you beat that?

I made a mistake about the Vtech.Dayton has a Vtech alphabet pad that he loves.It was the Fisherprice InteracTV I wish I hadn't of purchased.It's a few years old and barely used,technology has since improved.

Kids love project crafts but often they are alot of work for the parent.I'm getting the wait until later attitude on a lot of them now.

Good luck with Induction.I'm not on it per se but I am trying hard to be good.
I'm tired of how I feel.I think incorporating in regular exercise will be the key.You continue to burn calories all day afterward and it also helps decrease appetite strangely enough.

Is Leah suffering *night terrors*?
My kids are light sleepers/avid dreamers
but thankfully they quietly climb into our bed most nights.
I know how desperately us mothers need sleep.
I don't think I've slept entirely through the night in 10 years.
Hopefully it's a phase that will pass.Did you consult your doctor about it?

Oh the worries of children.I've recently discovered that 2 of my kids have chipped teeth.Cody has 2 teeth coming in and they are almost up and the ones in front of it aren't even loose.Selena I hope is still ok.Her one and only cavity that she had filled is still a potential problem.They said if it ever acted up it would have to be pulled and I worry that when a tooth starts coming up underneath it,it'll aggravate it.

Plus I worry about going to a new dentist.I often think they try to get as much visits/money out of you as they can.I had complete faith in our last dentist and she only did what was necessary and backed it all up with proof and explanations.
Sigh I wish I had a dental.Our next goal was to hopefully pick up a 2nd vehicle cheap(out of Income Tax and some saving until then)

Cool that you got a PS3.I'll probably pick one up off of EBay in about 5 years.
I am contemplating picking my DH up another PS2.We had 2 and one got broke when he was in camp(he brought it as they had TV etc...).He bought me an $80 watch for Christmas(breaking our no gift agreement).I was happy with my $10 one.I'm not very materialistic.I'd be happy with some new bakeware...but I was thankful and never said a word to the contrary.So I may pick one up as the PS2 we have now isn't reading any of the blue discs.

My kids adore all the Sims games,especially the pets one.I always rented when I had coupons.Sims games go for around $50(ouch)

So anyway hang in there
TTFN

[MCmom]

Wow, has it been that long since I posted!?? I kept meaning to post, but always got sidetracked, or figured I could do it "later." That me, the procrastinator.

I have been seriously stressed by Leah lately. She is going through a phase where she'll wet on herself, occasionally getting a little #2 on her underwear too. I have been having to do extra laundry, b/c her clothes will smell after only wearing them for a short time. She's peed on our bed twice this month. I went through something like this with Moriah, back when she was around this age. I can't believe I have to go through this twice! If anyone says that girls are easier, I'll laugh til I cry. Elijah has been the easiest child of all three. Let's just say, I'm trying to wait it out, figuring it too shall pass. Please.

Lee - We go to the library (or at least I do) once a week. I've been checking out books as well as videos. I even found out that we can order books/videos from other libraries in our state. There's so much to choose from. I currently have 5 videos and 1 book on hold, from other libraries.

I've been doing okay with my eating, but I don't think I'll see much weight-loss. I finally got myself on the scale, and will use that to check my weight after TOM has come and gone. It's due in less than a week. I've been exercising too, but that won't help for awhile, b/c it's slow going trying to get back into shape. I feel like I need an appetite suppressant. Even in ketosis, I still have a good appetite.

Leah regularly has sleep problems, but I'm not sure if I can put it all down to "night terrors." She sometimes just doesn't feel like sleeping all the night through. Then there are the times she'll scream, and other times cry. With her speech problem, there's not much I can tell the Doctor. If I had a sense of "why", then perhaps there could be some help. At this time, I have no idea what Leah's problem is.

I've gotten to the point of "no more puzzles." Leah is mixing them together, and forgetting pieces on the floor. I have a feeling that some are missing pieces. They're ending up to be more trouble than they're worth.

Our health insurance is getting to be more and more expensive each year. I'm just thankful that everyone is healthy for the most part. I can't imagine the cost if one of us had a serious health problem. Thankfully, the dental cleanings continue to be paid for. At least I know everyone is in decent shape. I am a serious stickler when it comes to teeth, since my teeth were horrible as a kid.

I'm not entirely happy about the cost of the PS3. It's another thing we have to pay off. On the other hand; we don't take vacations, we rarely eat out, we don't have cable, we don't do much in the way of entertainment. The PS3 is fun for the whole family. We got 5 free blue-ray movies too, so it is worth it when you think about it. It's a game and movie system in one.

I'm curious about how you got TVs for all the kids for cheap! Was it through E-bay? We have a TV in our bedroom, one for the livingroom, and one for the basement. No plans on getting any more. Besides, their bedrooms are fairly small, and they barely have enough room for their toys.

Moriah wants a hamster for her 8th b-day (April 5th). I'm going back and forth on the idea. Part of me says, "No way, we have a dog and that's enough." The other part says, "Hamsters are cute, and they don't live that long, so maybe it'll be okay." I have a fear of getting a pet, and then it dies from neglect. That stems from my own childhood, when I had pets that I didn't take very good care of. My mom wasn't the one to step in and take over either. If they didn't get fed, they didn't get fed.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

....yes time does fly.

So I've been eating *healthy* since the 2nd.The worst thing of done was have a few bowls of cereal.I've worked out faithfully for 2 weeks now(not on the weekend).I do a video after my DH leaves for work and before the kids get up for school.

Plus I started working for my DH's employer this week.I worked Mon and Wed.The first day she sat me down at the PC and showed me the spreadsheet where the truckdriver's load times etc are recorded.She did one and then watched me and after I did a few she left me on my own to finish.I'm barely PC literate and I've never worked in Excel so this was a new experience for me.Then I did the next part of my job which is cleaning/sweeping the shop.It's pretty big.I only got 1/3 of it swept(well actually shovelled).The next time I went on Wed I was able to get the 2nd half done plus a light sweep over the 2nd.The 3rd part is the washbay and I may tackle that on Mon if I don't spend hours punching in the load slips.Plus I keep the office clean,bathroom etc...clean up what I'm able to in the way of shelves,tables etc in the mechanics areas.

It's physically/mentally gruelling and I love it.I take Dayton and there's a TV and desk for him to use and I brought his PS and we pack puzzles,colors etc...He has adjusted well.My only problem is the dog.The first time I left for 6 hours she was fine.The next time I did she pooped on the floor.DH says that's too long to crate her without food and water so I should run home from work,check on her and then go back.I told him that's hard to do(tho not impossible).I'm going to try and speed it up and make my workday shorter.

Anyway on the second day I went in and put in all the loads and then my employer came and showed me how to add it all up with these different formulas and when they didn't work we had to use the sum sign.I was a little lost but sorta got it.She did one and then let me do the rest.I had minor errors that she showed me how to correct.I hope I remember for the next time(we do it mid month and months end).They own four businesses and she told me she is going to give me lots more and to let her know when I can't handle it.This is really scary but I'm just going to take it one day at a time.The clean up is easier than the PC part.

So anyway she gave me use of a vehicle(an older car like ours).So it snowed yesterday and I went to go to town and first stop at the shop to switch their vehicle with ours(their tranny is going).I pulled into the shop and the entire road pulling in was white,next thing I know I'm in the ditch.The ditch had been level with the road and I couldn't see it until I was actually in it.So I'm stuck and I go in and tell the mechanic who is terribly busy and he said he'd tow me out if I couldn't get out.Well it took me maybe an hour of shovelling but I did get out.It's a little embarrassing as here they are trusting me with their stuff.I almost didn't want to go uptown.So by this time Cody and Dayton are a bit cranky and squabbling and the parking lots were sloshy and slippery and alot of the reasons I went uptown I wasn't able to get or get to.
Coming home the road was slippery and their was a guy flipped over off the highway.I wish I could just stay home the rest of the winter

So I'm still exhausted and I have to catch up on things around here.Oh and I haven't lost an ounce in regards to my new activities but I'm almost done TOM so that may be why.

MY kids have wanted hamsters too but I'm holding off also because I know it'll be me checking on them to make sure they get fed etc...but I would go into it knowing it's partly my responsibility.I had them growing up too and their life span is pretty short.If you think Moriah may be traumatized like you were it may not be a good idea.I've told my kids when we buy fish etc that they will die someday and yes they still cry etc when it does happen.

I wish I had a suggestion to help you with Leah but I don't.I know when the teacher suggested counselling over what she considers Selena's bizarre behaviours I was a little offended.
When my kids had *accidents* after they were potty*trained* it was because they didn't want to leave the activity they were doing until it was too late.I think Cody has the odd accident even now but doesn't tell me about it(I pack them extra clothes to take to school and she'll change but won't admit to it, but I know).

I know if she could communicate it would make life alot easier.Even with Dayton I don't get what he's saying.I'll ask him maybe four times to repeat himself and then I give up.He has a good vocabulary he just doesn't speak *clearly*

We picked up the TV's from Walmart(cheap ones),their not LCD or anything,just a basic TV.I put them on their dressers.I want to pick up a new PS2 but my DH says he may have about 5 more paycheques before they have a seasonal lay off.I want to keep on top of our bills and get our credit cards caught up and stash some savings.We are currently saving for a truck and my DH has said maybe we would lease/buy.It's expensive but he wants something reliable and warrantied etc...

This is the year we pay off our student loans that we've been paying a dozen years on.We don't have life insurance or RRSP's and really it's time to grow up.We have RESP's for the kids.It's unlikely we'll buy in the near future as the prices are ridiculously inflated due to the oil industry in these parts.I need to get that dental financing as well but I have to drive to a different town to do it.Winter is so inconvenient...

anyway Good Luck with all that
TTFN

[MCmom]

TOM is due any second now, and I'm living off of ibuprofen. The pain is barely tolerable, as long as I keep the pills coming. I'm trying not to be too grumpy.

We are in the middle of a deep freeze, with temps way below zero (-17.77 C). Not much in the way of snow. So far we've missed the last two snowstorms that have hit Wisconsin. Sometimes being so close to Lake Michigan, we get slammed with snow, and other times we miss the storms that are more west or north of us.

Leah is doing better these last few days with her "accident" problem. She's been managing to keep her underwear dry.

I have been doing okay with my eating as well, no cheats, but perhaps too many SF LC treats? They're not store-bought, but single servings made my me. I'm staying away from sugar alcohols for the most part. Let's see what the scale says after TOM is over. I'm not holding my breath, but I can dream.

Lee - You're back to working again, I figured it wouldn't be long. You don't seem content unless you're working your butt off. I'm sure you'll get the hang of the PC, once you do it over and over again. I prefer desk jobs over manual labor. You get the best of both worlds.

A few years back I got stuck on a patch of ice, on the side of the road. This was before we had our cell phones. Thankfully, a kind stranger helped push me back onto the street. That was scary for a few minutes. I can't believe no one helped you, especially with you having two young kids in the car.

There's no government programs in Canada for people without dental insurance? My mom raised us three girls, and she had to get help from the state to pay for our medical & dental bills. She never could have done it on her own. That stuff is SO expensive.

I would definitely help take care of Moriah's hamster, I just don't know if I want to, or am up to it. I know how quickly kids get tired of doing it all themselves. That's where my hesitation comes in. I don't think I would be too traumatized at the animal dying. Not for a hamster. I might be a little sad, but not to the point of crying. I have bad memories of having neglected pets as a kid, and I don't want that to be repeated. Moriah goes on and on and on and on about having a hamster. She's expecting one, b/c I haven't said, "No." Decision time will be by the end of March, before her b-day on April 5th.

Is there a way you can chain your dog in the kitchen, near her food and water bowls? We don't actually use a "chain", but we do hook our dog up to her leash, when we're gone. She can go all day without having an accident. During the winter, she usually goes outside once in the morning, and once in the evening. We don't use our crate anymore. We still have to hook up our dog, b/c she likes to lay on the furniture when we're gone. She knows she's not allowed, but she figures she can get away with it. So no complete freedom for now. Next month she'll be 3 years old.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

...DH left for work a short time ago.I have to wake the kids in half an hour.I just packed all their backpacks(I make Dayton a lunch too).Then I'm going to do a quick workout,shower and head to work.It's a lovely -25C out but that is warmer than somedays.We had a blizzard last week that knocked the power out and it got to 15C in the house(actually that's the temp right now in this room).Also it's been fun shovelling snow every day

To be honest I think our dog *spite poops*.She's mad that I'm not home or didn't take her or something.She doesn't do anything else wrong in the house.We don't allow her in the front room or on the furniture but she probably does it.She doesn't chew anything but her own toys.She manages to hold it all night (6-8ish hours).I'll leave her loose again today with a stern warning before I go and see what happens.I do believe she understands language.I say poop or point to the spot and she hangs her head down and tries to slink off.She'll be 2 in May.

We make too much money for government subsidized medical/dental.Last year I earned $700 too much.Otherwise we would've had free medical($1000ish for the year)and free dental for the kids(in which we spend probably around a $1000 a year).That's why I express to my employers that I don't want to work alot as it messes up my finances,especially when most of my earnings go to a sitter anyway.

The mechanic would have helped me if I'd technically asked for it.He said let me know if you can't get out and of course I got out.
With all the exertion lately I should be sweating off pounds and I'm not.I haven't budged.I'm happy to be working as I'm not tempted to snack and lately my food portions are cut way back and the snacking is minimal so I'm confused.Patience I guess.

Good luck with TOM,I sometimes wish mena would just show up.Have fun with the hamster dilemma.I'm going to get more fish down the way.We're going back home in May,so maybe after that?

TTFN

[MCmom]

Okay, now we have snow. Lots of snow. It was light outside at bedtime last night, and I knew we were in trouble. I woke up this morning to lots of snow, with more coming down. I put off the trip that I was going to make across town today, and decided to go to a closer store instead. I so hate driving in this kind of weather.

Illness has struck our home. First Leah got sick, then Elijah, with me following close behind. The only good thing I can say about it is, at least my appetite has been suppressed. I was back to eating too many carbs before I got sick last Wednesday. Let's see what Mr. Scale has to say on Monday. That's when I'm due for my next weigh-in. I'm not expecting any loss though, I have a feeling that I'm like you Lee, in not having much success in that department. At least I'm eating healthy! Weight-loss or no weight-loss, you can't beat eating healthy.

Anyways, Leah & Elijah & I are almost back to being healthy again. I'm expecting Moriah to come down with it any day now. She went to a Bible quizzing meet 2 hours away from us today (her first), and Elijah was supposed to go too. He was too sick, so he stayed home. I'm all nervous, wondering how she's doing. I wish I could be there with her. Parents are allowed to go. I plan on going to the next one, next month. Thankfully, it's at a closer church the next time. That's the newest thing that Elijah & Moriah have joined at church. It's alot of work memorizing all the verses, but the kids like it. As long as they want to do it, I'll do all I can to help them.

So our oven went out, needed fixing (almost $300.00), and now the faucet on our kitchen sink needs replacing (completely unuseable). I wonder how much that will cost. We really need a whole new kitchen, but that's out of the budget right now. Someday...

We keep the house at 65 F (18.33 C) during the day, and at 60 (15.55) at night. I thought that was on the chilly side, but your house sounds a wee bit chillier. Brrrrrr. I make sure to bundle up in the house, when I get a chill, which is often.

No snow blower? We plan on getting one someday. You guys probably get twice as much snow as us. I'm suprised that you guys don't have one, being Canadians and all.

I've temporarily solved the "hamster dilemma" by telling Moriah that if she doesn't stop sucking her tongue by her 8th b-day, then she'll not be getting a hamster. Her tongue sucking habit got started way back when she was a year or two old. She sucks it like it's a pacifier, it's gotten to be a terrible habit. I've tried everything to get her to stop, and enough is enough. I've made it very clear to her, so we'll see what happens.

Our dog showed her displeasure with being left home, by peeing all over our bed (about a year ago). Now you know why she has to be hooked up when we leave. Even if we do close all the bedroom doors, she'll get up on the furniture for sure. We even contain her to Elijah's bedroom at night, b/c she was caught on the livingroom chair one time, during the night. Yes, she's a knuckle head sometimes.

I'm anticipating mena to arrive in about 4-8 years (sometime in my early 40's), if my mom is any indication. I'd like to give it a try, see if it's as horrible as they say.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

Hi Mary-
what is it about winter and things breaking down?
Hopefully you can find a faucet reasonably priced.The one we put in at our last place was $30 and it was fine.
Every year our vehicle broke down(2 tranny's,1 motor and this year it was a battery which wasn't so bad but for that we don't live near a parts store and all Dh's coworkers were gone for the holiday)
So yesterday DH stepped on his glasses and had to drive to a town about an hour away to have them repaired.It took forever to warm up the car as it's been -45C the nights and mornings and warms up to the -30's for the afternoons.
Due to the weather the kids are out of school and we are off work.
I have to go in Thurs as the pay has to be done,I hope it warms up and I hope my employer's car will start(currently it will not).
We don't just have ice on the inside on the windows and doorframes but also on some walls and corners.Very interesting.
I'm strangely old fashioned and love manual labour.Even if I was wealthy I would still mow the lawn with a hand mower and shovel snow by hand.I will generally walk over driving as well.

We've had lots of snow and yeah that's normal
but they're anticipating alot more in the next few days...

I'm sure Moriah will be fine but I always like participating in the kids events if I can.

I hope you all mend and maybe she won't get it.My kids are coughing a little but so far so good.Maybe this cold will kill any bugs that happen our way.

I was thinking of taking an Excel course but my employer thinks I'm fine without it.I'll have to wait and see.I wish I could retreive it from my hard drive(we deleted it having never used it).The library is bringing in a book for me on it.I like knowing what I'm doing.Even in the shop the mechanic and my employer are giving me pointers on how to do a job easier/better...

anyway gotta run for now,the kids have alot of demands currently going....one just stole my salad I was having for brunch sigh...
TTYS

[MCmom]

Snow, more snow, rain, and more snow. That's how it's been this year. We're setting new records for the amount of snow this winter. We recently got dumped with a foot of snow, and another foot is set to drop sometime tonight. Is it spring yet?? (Do you like all the snow Lee?)

I've been SO good with my eating, that I'm now in deep ketosis (using keto strips). I recorded my weight about 2 weeks ago, and was set to do another weigh-in last week. I found out my scale was dead and needed another battery. I bought a battery, to find out it's not the right one. Now I have to wait a few days to get the right one. It figures, I don't use my scale for what seems like forever, and then when I need it, forget it.

Lee - Our big cost with the kitchen faucet, is having someone put ours in. My DH and I are not handypeople, so we have to hire someone to do it.

Ice on walls and corners??! Doesn't your house have insulation?? I've never heard of that happening. Strange.

I'm waiting to hear if Leah has school tomorrow. This is definitely the winter for the most school closings. I know they'll be making up those days at the end of the school year.

Moriah stayed healthy inspite of everyone in the house getting sick (even my DH). That's amazing for her. She's been the sickest child overall, and now it appears her immune system has gotten stronger.

I think it would be great to take a computer course. I want to take some myself, before going back out into the working world (a few years down the road). It definitely helps. We're getting a new computer this year, and I'd like to know more on how to use it.

Watch any good movies / TV shows lately? I haven't.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

Hi Mary

I actually don't mind snow as long as I don't have to drive in it.
It's the cold that's hard to bear.I doubt there is any insulation in this place.
Our utilities are atrocious(twice that of our last place which was twice the size and 2 stories).

DH would like to buy the place but it needs tons of repairs(and we are not handy either).I'm going to wait for the market to fall.

He may be laid off at the end of the month...due to the mills are full of wood on account of our high dollar, therefore the US isn't importing it in.Our dollar will then fall and it'll be business as usual.They are generally off a couple of months in the spring on account of road conditions.I don't know if I'll be off to.My employer did mention me painting the rooms when all the guys go home.

He has a good size bonus coming and we'll survive on that until he gets unemployment.

Good for you on staying on track!
I've been really good but for a few slices of multigrain bread and a few bowls of oatmeal over the past while but that's about it.I'm still not losing an ounce.I exercised for 2 weeks in the wee hours but life is catching up to me.I've only been getting a few hours sleep.The kids are home from school today and yesterday as the teacher's are at a convention.This all interfere's with my routine.

DH is off this weekend and wants to go out for Valentine's.We'll see.If so back on track next week.

So my oven broke down last weekend and the repair guy eventually made it over and then had to order the part(which came in yesterday).He doesn't have time to get over to fix it,they said maybe today.Sigh...for me that is life altering.

Are you familiar with Excel then?
My employer showed me once how to fill in the spreadsheets and left me to it.Then one time she showed me how to tally it up and how to start the next pay period.When she saw I remembered how to do that she showed me the other side of the sheet briefly where deductions and rate and whatnot are.I'll have her show me next pay period what I actually have to do with that side.It's getting a little less scary...

I have the same trouble with batteries all the time.Hopefully you will be greatly rewarded for your patience

I watched Survivor last night.I almost missed it as they never advertised that it was on.I'm following The Apprentice but I've missed a few.I've watched a few American Idols too.TV is hard to get to as I'm busy with family and then go to bed not long after as we're up at 3am.I'm way behind on movies tho as usual.

TTFN

[MCmom]

Snow, more snow, snow, more snow. Sorry to keep going on and on about it, but it really is incredible the amount of snow we're gettting. It's been snowing all day, and we recently got over a blizzard. I don't remember a year where schools were closed as much as this year. <sigh> Maybe next month it will get better.

I did our tax returns on-line last night, for the first time ever. I was a bit nervous, but I followed the instructions, and used last year's return as a guide. The Federal was free (b/c my DH makes under a certain $), but it cost us a little to do the State. It was way cheaper than paying someone else to do it, like in previous years. It's a good thing ours are relatively simple to process. The lady who usually does our taxes, goes to our church. I wonder if she'll say anything to us. Hopefully not.

Lee - I'm somewhat familiar with Excel. I still would need to take a class, as a refresher course.

You too with the stove!!? Does it cost an arm and a leg there too, to have it fixed?

I haven't always been "perfect" with my eating, but I'm doing better than I've been doing. I went to the store the other day, but forgot to bring the wrong battery with. I wanted to switch it for the correct one. My DH said to only buy the essentials, so I waited on the battery. I don't know my weight, but I have a feeling I haven't lost anything. I don't feel thinner. I look the same in the mirror too. I'll still keep plugging along, hopefully incorporating exercise into my daily routine sometime soon.

We're supposed to go over to the house of people from our church on Saturday (first time ever), and they will be serving a Mexican dinner. Yum! I haven't had Mexican food in ages it seems. I probably will take a night off, and return back to being good the next day. I won't overdo it, but I'm sure I'll have to deal with cravings for a few days. I hate that.

I haven't been much into TV this year. The kids are busier these days, and the nights I would normally watch TV, I have to take the kids to Bible Quizzing practice, or other activities.

We may be getting a new computer on Friday. The one we have now is 5 years old, and keeps freezing up on us. Yesterday I had to unplug it (b/c it froze up), and I had to do the same today. It takes forever to go from page to page on-line too. I can't wait to go looking for a new one.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

...no serious plans as DH has to work.We'll have steak and prawns tonight and maybe a drink.I'm making his fave dessert...pumpkin pie.
We may go out for dinner this weekend(2nd time in 10 years).
I'm not too far from plan,just endured TOM and feel drab and flabby.
A lady in town is offering free haircuts with a color and I'm almost tempted to try in an effort to lose this winter blah...
We've had tons of snow too.There's probably 2 feet in the yard.
Shovelling is a daily activity.I've gotten away from exercise but work physically hard on the 2 days I work and I'm not losing for nothing.It's maddening in a way.
The oven took a week and was $300 to repair(landlord paid it).I smell gas now and he says that's normal...sigh

I don't mind Excel until I make a teensy mistake and it throws alot of things off.
I was inserting lines and somehow deleted a couple of important ones,which I was able to replace,formulas and all only to notice 2 line numbers completely missing.After doing a bit of reading I think perhaps I "hid" the lines.I'll find out next time I go in.Yes the mind desires to be challenged.

I do my our taxes too but haven't wanted to do them online as you have to buy the software.I'm waiting until they make it free.I have telefiled when it's simple but I have alot of things to claim this year(dental bills,the move etc...).
It only takes me a day to do them thus why DH thinks I'm good at this venue(finances)which frankly I find boring and doesn't nourish my creative side LOL
but I should take an accounting/excel course as they pay fairly well.It can't hurt to have it.Life will get easier in a few years when Dayton is in school full time.
Speaking of which I'm being hounded steady for volunteering etc...I'm participating in a lot of baking/fundraising.Oh my...

Mexican...that's one of your faves isn't it?
I've been craving Chinese forever but there isn't a good restaurant here so that makes it easy
I made guacamole recently yum...
Well good luck with that.

I'm an essential type myself.
We bought our PC 10 years ago and it's slow too but only because of dial up.We try to stay on top of the clutter so that helps.
I'd love a new one tho' and give this to the kids.But just like we need a new TV it's not anything we're in a hurry to get around to buying.
A truck tho is almost a necessity and that is our next big purchase.
I'm meeting a fiancial advisor at the bank tomorrow to discuss RRSP's,line of credit etc...

anyway I should go and maybe make DH a valentine
TTFN

[MCmom]

Okay, all my complaining about the snow paid off. Tomorrow we get freezing rain instead.

We all recently got over having the flu. Both Leah and Moriah competed for the most times throwing up. Elijah came in last, only throwing up once. I didn't throw up at all, but boy did my stomach feel like it wanted to. I think it must be an adult thing, that we're able to stay more in control of our stomachs. Maybe.

So needless to say, no special Valentines Day. The kids and I were sick, plus my DH ended up having to work overtime. We don't usually do anything fancy anyways. To us it's like any other day.

Don't ask about weight-loss. I got tired of being strict, without anything to show for my efforts. Not that I've completely given up. I'm just taking a couple days off, before restarting my efforts. I will never be comfortable with being overweight. I can so relate to feeling drab and flabby.

We got our new computer yesterday. It's taking a bit of getting used to, but we're getting there. My DH is figuring everything out, and letting me know how to use it. Elijah really likes having the old one in his room. I guess compared to yours, Lee, it isn't that old. In a year or two, we'll probably get a laptop. That's next on the list. Guess we're not essentials people.

Lee - I didn't need to buy any software to do our taxes on-line. Lots of places have their own websites, and you just have to pay a fee to use them. H&R Block is what I did this year. I'm not sure if you're familiar with that one or not. That's a big name tax place in the US.

I had to do my 2nd fundraiser baking today, and I'm tired of it already. I'm SO not a baker, and it's not enjoyable for me. The kids like it though, since I always have to make extra for them. They actually get baked cookies when I'm forced to do a fundraiser. Good for them, bad for me.

Smelling gas is not normal. At least from everything I've heard. I'd definitely get that checked out, since gas is so dangerous. Scary.

Mexican IS my favorite. Unfortunately, our dinner was canceled due to illness. It was the 2nd time cancelled, so we're planning on waiting until summertime before re-scheduling.

MaryC

[CatholicMommie]

Hey all!

I'm a SAHM, 30 y/o former Buffalo, NYer living in Sweden with my hubby Magnus (36), son Alex (2.5 y/o), and our cocker spaniel boy Rain (6 y/o).

I'd love to join here and get to know you all!

[MCmom]

Catholicmommie! How neat to be living in Sweden! I've never visited any place outside of the US. It would be a dream to travel some place outside of Wisconsin. My days of dealing with a 2 yr. old are past, but still remembered well. I have my hands full raising 3 children. I'm a SAHM and a home schooler. I wouldn't do it if I didn't like it. It's both challenging and rewarding. I hope to see you back again soon!

[CatholicMommie]

Thanks MCmom for the warm welcome

[previously Lee A]

...well it's a balmy +3C today...the birds are singing.the snow is melting and alas 2 of my 4 kids are sick.Coday and Selena have been running fevers off and on all week and coughing(no throwing up thankfully).I'm sure the other 2 will follow suit.

Welcome Catholicmommie!
It's a wonder anyone finds us over here.I've often thought they should make a Mom's board instead of sticking us in Women's health but we used to be on the Challenges board so maybe it'll change again someday.

Yes tell us about yourself.My grandmother was from Sweden(can't remember exactly where there)and how well I remember Lutefisk over Christmas.
My Stepmom's Catholic so we inherited a few of those traditions(my father is Protestant).My youngest boy is turning 4 next month and he has 3 older sisters.I am so glad I left the terrible two's behind(mind you the threes has is moments LOL).We have an almost 2 y/o shitzu skippersky X.

The furthest I've been in the States is Montana/Idaho thereabouts(near the Canadian border).New York is larger than life to me.We currently live in a hamlet of about 200ish people.

After years of LC(and having been successful until after the birth of my son),I've opted to try the Protein Power plan.I've just reread the book.I think I may also be guilty of not eating enough and that's why my body is hanging on to every ounce I put into it.What plan are you following?

Hope to see you in again

Hi Mary-Our kids were too sick for Valentines too so we didn't go out.We tried to go out Monday(provincial family day holiday) for dinner at Boston Pizza as they seemed all right but it ended up being too much and we weren't there long.Good thing we don't eat out much.Our bill was over $100

The gas isn't overpowering but it is obvious around the stove.We'd be blown up if there was a leak.He said there are failsafe mechanisms and what we smell is afterburn because there's no exhaust

Sorry to hear your Valentines was upset also.I hope you're all feeling better.I hate it when the kids are sick.I can't sleep listening to them through the night and usually they wind up in my bed.I hope I don't get it as they were breathing germs all over me LOL.

So I guess you'll be on the PC more often now eh?
I wouldn't mind getting a DVD player for our truck when we get it.The 10 hour drive back home this year might be a little much on these guys.Although we do plan to break it up some.

For once I wasn't running off somewhere and my house is still a mess sigh....
I'm always baking and that part is easy.We donated to the heart and stroke foundation as I didn't want the kids peddling door to door and now they're selling Purdy's Easter chocolates so of course I'm ordering some of them.It's crazy...

Well I had a little hiatus from the plan as well and now I'm up 4-6lbs and regretting it.My dog ripped my only pair of jeans that fit,so I either have to lose weight or go shopping

Aaagh I have to run,I have whining children harassing me

TTFN

[MCmom]

My kids have coughs, but nothing serious. I have to force Moriah to let me put chest rub on her at night. She hates that stuff. It's either that or listen to her cough her head off half the night. Nothing else works as good as that stuff.

Last Saturday, my DH & I went to Elijah's & Moriah's 2nd Bible quizzing meet. It was at a local church, which was nice. All the other ones will be much farther away. The kids did outstanding, winning medals, ribbons, and trophies (they are on different teams). They did better than anyone's expectations, doing what few kids ever do. That is, winning so much so soon after starting their first year. I've never received SO many compliments on my kids. It's made my head swell. It's a great feeling. One of the reasons they've done so well is the effort I've put into helping them. Not all parents are willing to work with their kids for an hour or two a day, every day of the week. It's a big responsibility, one that I take seriously. I can be a competitive person at times, and will do what it takes to help my kids. It's still fun too. I don't want to make it into an unpleasant chore.

Lee - Sorry to hear about the kids, I hope they're feeling better by now.

I can't believe the bill for the restaurant. is right! The most we've ever spent for eating out is around $45.00. I thought that was too high.

I probably won't spend any more time on this computer, than on the last. Afterall, I'll still only be doing the same things. More memory or a bigger monitor won't change that.

I'm not talking about my eating. I hope you're doing okay. I'm planning on exercising starting today. Let's see how that goes.

Leah had a fundraising catalogue in her backpack today. I'm not going to order anything, but will make a "donation" instead. I hate trying to get other people to order things. Most of that stuff is junk or way overpriced. This is the first one ever that they've done. I can at least be thankful for that.

We have our tax return money in the bank. Time to go shopping! (if there is anything left after paying off some bills that is)

No getting on the scale for me, not even with having bought new batteries for the scale.

MaryC

[previously Lee A]

Hi Mary-hope you all get through the cold symptoms ASAP.Selena and Cody still have coughs and thus far Dayton and Chey are unafflicted.j
Yeah for having your taxes done.I'm still hounding our past employers for our T4's.
We do have H&R's.My DH used to go to them years ago for Cash Back but they always insisted on doing mine which I already did and then there's the cost.They would also make mistakes on occassion(miss counting some receipts etc...).I know it happens but it's not worth the money and I've long since convinced DH the wait is better and we aren't paying any fees or percentage.
Thank goodness a dinner out like that only happens once every ten years.
DH's entre(steak and seafood)was $23 and my seafood linguine was $16.The kids had chicken strips and smoothies(recommended by the waitress but we didn't know the price until later 4 x $4)next time it'll be milk all around.We only go to a fast food appx once a year so I'll try to justify the expense as one of those once in a blue moon things.
Tomorrow DH and I are going to dinner theatre at the local hall here.I won tickets from a draw at the library.The librarian(Miss Sue)had to convince me to put it in.I was doubtful my Dh would be interested anyway.He said he'd like to go.Our employers will be there and it's an opportunity for him to meet some of the locals.I meet alot of people at the store,park and library.This week I met a Mom with 7 kids and she homeschools
She invited me over to her place someday for coffee.I said to her "you actually have time for coffee?"
I like getting out but tend not to get too close to people as in go to their house or they to mine but I don't mind meeting up at the park etc...
In 2 weeks we're going to a windup party.My DH will be laid off for the season.The roads are getting too mucky.Break up is generally 2-3 months until everything dries up and it's safe to get out there again.So we'll have our tax money,he gets his bonuses and we survive on this until UIC kicks in.We still need to buy a truck as we'll be going home for a holiday in 2.5 months and we'll be camping so a truck is a necessity.
Well I've been on PP about a week and took off the water weight but I'm still 161.I'm not doing so well with the eating *more* concept but I am making it a point to have sufficient protein at every meal.I'm writing every bite down now too.I've been doing some net searching,TV health watching and reading and there's so many different theories out there it is mindboggling.I know I need to get working out.I don't want to go home weighing more than I did when I was last there 3 years ago.I have 10 weeks to go.Wish me luck.
That's wonderful that your kids were acknowledged for their efforts and definitely it's a testament to what you've invested in them.
My DH has been off work on the very warm days and sees what I do in a day that explains why my house isn't spotless.I'll sit at the table with the kids and do a craft or color or read and I've taught Dayton his alphabet and some words and we are working on legible printing but he can spell his name and this from when he was 3(he'll be 4 in a month).We're actually working on telling time now.The librarian says she can tell who is an *active* parent.All the girls are top of their classes so I know that the time spent with them is time well spent.Even yesterday I was an hour at the table with Selena working on multiplication and division after school.
I read an article in Elle magazine about some slimming stats and I guess those that step on the scale daily are less likely to put on more weight than those that don't.I guess it's true.I scare myself all the time with the scale so at least I maintain instead of gain.
Anyway I should run,bread to make,homemade pizza to bake...a usual