Same 😂 I would say, “I appreciate that you got me a gift for my birthday. However, we did have a conversation about this particular item last year. Maybe you don’t remember. It is not something I would have asked for. The kids are enjoying it, though.”

I am so sorry.

Yeah that’s a huge request. I would decline. If DH wanted to do it, I would support him. (Him, not me!)

Such great points. I donate a LOT of stuff. I don't feel bad anymore. I really hate it when people give me things for the house because I am very particular about what I display.

If you really want to do this, don't do it at Christmas. It is the only way to actually show love to these people through your gift giving. Otherwise, it does not feel loving to them. It comes across as you disregarding their feelings on the matter which is not loving. So what I would suggest is, when you see something during the year that you think SIL would love, just buy it and give it to her. I would say, "I saw this and I really wanted to get it for you because I thought you would love it." Gift giving can be very stressful and can feel forced to a lot of people. Receiving can be just as stressful if you are a minimalist or trying to live life with less stuff.

My mom had one of the first “breakthrough” cases of most likely Delta. It was like a mild flu and did not last long. Then last summer she had another case, even more mild, just like a cold. She caught it from my dad who was worse but not too bad either. And they were both twice boosted. Not sure if it was omicron or something else at that point. They got it in Germany in August.

Hymns can be quite a learning curve. I was her age when I was thrown into it, and it was TOUGH. I learned how to leave stuff out. I used to cross out notes before I figured out how to just do it. That made a big difference. If the arrangement can be flexible, she can get arrangements that are more friendly. There may be others, but this was one of my go-to books for popular hymns written in a more friendly arrangement: https://www.amazon.com/Maranatha-Music-Praise-Hymns-Choruses/dp/3010130368/ref=sr_1_8?crid=174XSV19Q56XN&keywords=maranatha+praise&qid=1667868393&sprefix=maranatha+praise+%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-8

I’m so sorry. I would have a very real conversation with DH and say “I’m absolutely miserable. I cannot do this anymore.” Is keeping them in school and substitute teaching an option? I know it’s not as much money but you could do it as much or little as you want. Might be a compromise?

Do you have a protocol for flares? Ibuprofen, antibiotics? We did Celebrex for several days after covid shots per DD’s immunologist.

The flu shot has not caused flares for DD.

This is Ginger. She’s the best 🥰

I don’t know what it is, but my 14yo was hired this fall at a local grocery store (small, family owned) for his first job at $9.50/hour.

Sealy posturepedic

No. They just smelled like it, so we never really used the ice.

Same! We used to have a fridge that made ice cubes that tasted like garlic powder 🤔

I made this recently. It says grill, but I think you can use a pan. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/grilled-old-bay-salmon-with-corn-quinoa-13161174

I’ve always had gas. Recently got duel fuel with our new build (gas range, electric oven.) I love it and I’m not worried. I know I would *hate* cooking on an electric cooktop, I’m way too impatient and particular.

Apparently there was more testing ordered than I thought because I'm still getting alerts from test updates. Her ANA screen was positive, I guess a low positive at 1:6. The doctor said her Western Blot is technically negative with only 2 bands positive but to continue the doxy while I wait for an appointment with infectious disease and also advised her to see a rheumatologist.

If this were me, I would try to take down the post or make it private or something and try to remove identifying information.

Congratulations!

Thank you @Spryte and @Catwoman I do have her on a strong probiotic.

I'm so sorry. 😢

She's 16. She had a very severe and debilitating onset of PANS when she was 11 so I definitely understand the mental health component. She can take it easy somewhat. She's in a hybrid/university model school this year that meets M/T/TH, no extra homework on those days and home school days W/F.

@Spryte She often says she feels "dead", is exhausted, drained, has muscle pain, leg pain when standing for long periods (or even short periods) of time. She started the doxycycline yesterday. Her Western Blot came back positive on bands 18 and 41.

Any tips on managing pain?