Betcha in about five days ;) you'll suddenly be repulsed by the sight, smell, even thought of food. You'll suddenly notice that your calorie consumption has dropped by about five fold and you're drinking more water than you were. Are you taking iron? Often the verrrry tired and verrrry hungry months go hand in hand for me and it's usually related to overall lack of sleep and/or need for iron. Sometimes I can also attach those symptoms to a pattern of less exercise than normal.

Please post updates or link a site for the family. I linked the You Tube video on my blog. Do they know about CaringBridge? It's a site for families who are having tough medical events. They can make their own page, keep friends and family updated.

Amen and amen. :) I used to say, jokingly, that I have to read TWTM, research, etc., because then I have a plan from which to deviate. :D But if I don't take all the inspirational, material, directional, philosophical helps and use them to set the bar high for my family, I'm missing out and so are my kids. I doubt very much that any of us here has much in common in the small details of how we prefer to teach, reasons for choosing particular curricula, or even the range of needs within our families. However, the thing that keeps us coming back is that we are more alike than different and we gain strength in that. Thank you, all, for your POV, not-so-humble opinions, and being willing to share. It makes TWTM, an already incredible resource, an absolutely stellar one.

How about some sort of flat bread with minimal toppings in a skillet? We used to make pizza on the grill this way -- it was awesome. Or something like a quesadilla, minus the cheese -- fruit or savory fillings in thin pastry, warmed on both sides in a pan?

I'll get out my suit that I use for my covert cryogenic maneuvers. ;) And -- let's have more forum conversations like this. They're enlightening and I never get to do this grown-up stuff anymore. :D

What's that Chinese curse? "May you live in interesting times." :D

Standing O, here. I heard someone (was it on 60 min?) discussing this. They said that the bailouts necessary to correct the economy enough to keep us from a true crash due to the recent unregulated melee of sub-prime lending will make the S&L numbers/scandal look like a Sunday picnic. But hey (pardon the snark), regulation is always bad, conservatives are always touting a hands off approach, liberals are always of the tax and spend camp. As long as we attach ourselves firmly to such notions, instead of recognizing that the lending institutions in many cases showed blatant disregard for good sense, never mind the law, we'll continue to pass on trillions of debt to our grandchildren while rationalizing away the most amazing things... Isn't it predicted that by the end of the month, more than 3 million households will be on the verge of losing their homes because of this? This, to me, is nearly the same as when a classroom full of students does quite poorly on the test. Not every student can be said to be ill prepared, or an idiot, etc. There are other flaws that must be corrected in order for that classroom to succeed. In this case, the first step, IMO, is to put the crack dealer who is standing in the hall, grinning at his great acheivements, in jail where he belongs. On a slightly less, erm, combative level, I've also heard it said the the real problem with the structure of the loans in question is that none of the financial institutions involved had a "horse in the race." That is, none of them had to ultimately be responsible for making a desperately awful choice in whom they'd lend to, which resulted in a good old-fashioned capitalist passing of the buck. And frankly, was not the baseline understanding in society that the "pre-approval process" runs your numbers and comes out with a mortgage that can fit your income? Because what bank wants to risk their viability? If people even knew to assume that much?? I'd like to see more vile people have to answer for their vileness. But then, I have a heavy surplus of righteous indignation. :D

Yup to the "it's all connected" thing -- mine is the worst on my left side which is also my "problem" side: neck, shoulder, arm, hip, and knee pain (and surgery) all on left side. Dosing: I take NSI (ordered from Vitacost -- cheapest source I've found) brand. Turmeric Extract Curcumin C3 Complex with BioPerine 1160mg/serving. I take one in the am, one pm. Two in the am and pm if I'm feeling creaky or having pain. Ginger Root (same brand) 1100 mg -- one am, one pm (with food to avoid heartburn). I'd suspect that any allergy might have more to do with other, even accidental ingredients (wheat, etc.) than the G or T -- but who knows? :) Ditto on the deep tissue massage. It's important to note that if your massage causes discomfort, you need to be taking it easy, not looking for trouble in the form of a chiro appt. Most people, though, truly do not get actual deep tissue work (Rolfing), or even deep pressure. Most people can't handle that type of work -- it's really intense and often leaves bruises. Heck, it often makes people cry. Still, if you're already feeling like you've been somewhat adjusted via massage, whatever the level of pressure applied, you definitely aren't up for skeletal adjustments. Scarlett, I'm guessing that your massage therapist did some trigger point work? That's often the most immediately effective thing when it comes to TMJD. Glad things are easing up for you a bit. Let us know how the rest of your course of treatment goes. :)

I have no idea whether or not it would get a baby drunk, but having read and watched kids with FAS -- sometimes it's about what hits at a particular moment, combined with environmental issues, maternal stress... There's no way to know what caused Q's issues, but the particular stage of development at which he was affected coincides with his diagnosis and my world blowing up. So: I'm a little tetchy about these things and just wouldn't do it. Of course, I don't drink anyway :D and avoid everything "suspicious" --even caffeine (most days), because I'm still nursing.

Chuckle. Consider these "high end" you can do it type books. :D:D:D My favorite part about Martha Beck is that you're just reading along, thinking, "Wow. That makes sense!" And blammo! She nails it with funny (even snarky) analogies, mostly drawn right from her life. I'd love to know what you're up to if you decide to go this route -- art blogging, stuff for sale, etc. It'll be vicarious tuckus kicking -- for my tuckus. :D

I'm sorry you're all experiencing strife, in any form, at any level. If you're of a mind to do so, I think one of the most useful things for children to see and experience is the process of resolution and efforts to connect. To that end, I'd strongly suggest getting things like "The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage," anything by Dr. John Gottman, Steven Covey's "How to Create a Family Mission Statement" on tape or CD. Make a commitment with your spouse to listen to these things (even if he does it grudgingly), even (maybe especially) with the kids, perhaps as you run errands, etc. If you can do this and involve the kids in the process of family work (not the adult issues, but the family ones -- in particular the Mission Statement), their ability to process whatever arises is strengthened. Because fear arises from the not knowing, make there be good stuff to be known. It's important for all of you to be able to feel like you're in an environment where you're valued, heard, and an important part of the group. I think (guessing here) that the lack of those things may be at the root of the issue for all of you. Even if you listen to the above and decide parts are completely kooky, that's something you can discuss as a family, as a part of strengthening the whole family. Even if your politics are very different from some of the authors' (and I know they are ;) ), there's still an awful lot to be gained, not the least of which is the conversation surrounding doing something palpably GOOD for you all. I suspect that the act of doing such a thing seems emotionally daunting right now. If so, actually doing it couldn't be more important. Hang in there, friend. I'll be praying over here. :grouphug:

Hooray! The best facial/oral work I ever had was when I was in massage school and we were doing trigger point releases. Man, I was so relaxed I felt like jello. It was awesome. FWIW -- I haven't taken ibuprofen in a couple of months. This is through PMS, clicking knees, even some shoulder and back twinges. I'm totally comfortable crediting the ginger and turmeric. :)

So much of this sounds like what a firend describes in her (tentatively diagnosed) bi-polar kiddo. No matter what it is, it ain't easy, is it? :grouphug: Have you tried leaving a message with a nurse there about this? As in: We've already discussed this, doc says she's not an expert, I'm an hour away, having a baby any minute, I'd like a referral to a pediatric neuro-psych person. Please. Thank you. This kind of thing usually works well with my pediatrician. She's familiar with us (how many hsing families of 5 with a disabled baby are there? ;) ), supports the stuff I'm doing with the kids and is generally quite helpful but sticks to her guns if she thinks I'm off base. Good for you fo being willing to do this. Evals sound all scary and create lots of anxiety for lots of people, but they're such a good source of info. Having a toolbox full of good, appropriate, functioning tools to apply to kids with special needs is such a relief. Blessings as you wait for the newest and work on things with your hardest.

Sometimes they grow out of it, sometimes not. In the interest of progress ('cause don't we all love that?) ;) I'd take him in, ask for a referral to a speech path and hear from him/her what solutions there are. There are MANY, most of them sound pretty simple. It can be a benign neuro thing, sensory, whatever. It might be a stand alone issue or indicative of something else. It's quite likely, from my observations of message boards for parents of kids with speech (oral) issues that something can be done, that it's no big deal if dealt with now. (I know, you needed one more thing to do, didn't you? ;) ) Hugs.

Hmmm. Perhaps this is the kick in the tuckus from the universe that will get you into galleries or so busy with orders that you can barely catch your breath? Have you seen The Artist's Way, Finding Your Own North Star, or The Joy Diet? I could describe myself in the quote I selected from you. But life is creeping in here -- too much in the way of legitimate needs from the littles. So I have a plan (rubbing hands together): I'm doing the reading and "groundwork" now so that in case I get near to being able to actually go for it, I'll have my head right there with me, my supplies lined up, a plan in place, and nothing can trip me up because I'm invincible!!! Not really, but it's what I can do right now. Well, read and create little opportunities to do art. Besides, Martha Beck, author of those last two is hilarious. And not in the way that makes you want to roll your eyes and smack her. You'd totally get her. Even if you take nothing else from those books, the laughter is priceless. Anyhoo, I feel ya, baby. Post if you read the books. I'd love to hear your opinion. :D

I'm both a massage therapist and TMJD sufferer. I'm sorry you're having this. Pervasive, persistent pain is the worst. Chiropractic work and massage are complimentary. Having one without the other is for some people sort of like trying to adjust window-washing scaffolding without moving the ropes and pulleys. Putting your skeleton in place while it's still suffering the wrench of out of sorts muscles means it won't stay where it's put. If soft tissue work is what you need but your framework is off, you'll still have pain. If you can recieve both methods without getting off the table, that would be great and you're a lucky woman. :) The oral massage was quite effective for me. Have you seen a maxillofascial doc? The one I saw (a surgeon) prescribed biofeedback with a nurse in his office (it was a Godsend) and showed me stuff I could do to change the dynamic in my neck, skull, and face muscles. The thing I still use the most, nearly 20 years later, is this: let your jaw relax a bit and place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth. Stay like that as you do stuff during the day. You'll find yourself forgetting as you do other things, but just keep going back to that position and over the day you'll notice your face loosens up. It usually takes me about three days for the pain to disappear completely using this technique. You're right about exercise helping. Start with whatever you can do with a minimum of discomfort and equipment: push-ups, triceps dips, even things like lunges and squats that also contribute to core strength will bolster your resilience in your head and neck. Be sure to stretch. As you gain muscle, you'll be able to push yourself harder without (much) backlash. Also, have you ever tried taking turmeric and/or ginger? They're both powerful anti-inflammatories, with zero side effects for most. Ginger can cause heartburn in large quantities on an empty stomach, but I've yet to experience anything negative from the turmeric (curcumin is the active ingredient), even in large doses. The research on this is burgeoning at the moment -- "they" are finding these useful for prevention of Alzheimer's, etc., etc., etc. But the point here is: you need to drop the inflammation in order to reduce the pain. About 90% of the pain women experience is directly related to inflammation. I take huge doses of both, morning and evening, and the creakiness I was beginning to feel systemically and daily has all but disappeared. (This with hauling my floppy 27 pound little guy around in weird positions, lifting his chair, etc.) Disclaimer: I have no business giving you or anyone the impression that I'm able to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for your condition. The above describes what works for me in my personal and professional experience. Let me know how things work out!! :D

the Toot and Puddle series.

It was the only thing that worked with #5 -- it took care of almost everything --the urpiness, the throat, the nausea. HTH and hugs!!!

...maybe you'll get a giggle out of this. Visitation was being discussed the other night, over the phone. (He called, I don't.) The first call, at 7 something, went well. The second, after 11, went well. This in spite of the fact that Q was on my lap, just falling asleep, and a little jumpy when the phone rang. And in spite of the fact that I've asked him not to call between 9pm and 7am. In part because nights here can be fractious. The call that woke me at 1:30 went okay because I was barely awake and kept saying, "I'm sorry. I don't know what you want me to say." When I was finally awake enough to change that to "What do you need from me" and repeat that a few times, we got down to what he was aiming for. When I told him no, things deteriorated a wee bit. I pointed out that it was now nearly 2am. After a smidge more deterioration, I hung up. I headed back to bed, thinking, rather disgustedly, that I'd read a bit, pray (as is my custom when unable to sleep) and go back to sleep. With each step I took (only about ten), I was more awake and more, erm, not happy. Breathe, baby. We can do this. So I pick up the book and the paragraph that my eyes fall on says, basically, "If you're thinking about taking a risk, evaluate it and if it falls in line with your goals, go for it, even if it scares you." Uh-huh. I chose to read this as a divine sign. I called him back and said: "The next time you wake me at 1:30am you had better be naked and in my bed." The chick lost her mind. He spluttered but said nothing. I don't think he'll be doing that again any time soon.

Pat, pat, pat. I recently read about a family with six kids (all biologically theirs) who are on the spectrum. They usually put T-shirts on the kids when they go out that read: I have Autism. What's your excuse? I'm thinking of getting one made for my little punkinhead: I have brain damage. What's your excuse? ;) I have a friend with kiddoes being medicated with Tegretol (seizure med) for bi-polar disorder. They mostly remember to take the meds all by themselves because they feel so much better when they're taking it. Wishing you blessings and peace as you look for some answers and await your new little one.

And could we pretty please, Pam, talk you into writing a manifesto? Or I could set you up a blog where you could put these things as the spirit moves you? :D Please??? :D:D:D Because I sometimes need perpetual reminding from folks I find inspirational and tag, you're it. Please?

I totally get that this is what your hubby heard, not your opinion. To whomever it was who was saying this on the radio: What the heck??? Maybe I'm just not "appropriately" into the whole representative imagery thing. When I saw the ad with the pouchschooling I thought, "Shoot. One more thing to have to interpret with my kids before some ninny gets a hold of it and says, 'See? This is what your mother is trying to do to you.' "

to plan a beach trip. :)

:D