I've researched this quite a bit in various places but suddenly got the grand idea to ask you all about it. Here's my story: I have lived in TX my entire life. So, much of it is spent in the sun/heat. I have dealt w/ it about as well as anyone else. Until the last few years-maybe 4-5 yrs ago. Basically, I've noticed that if I am outside during ANY temperature, hot or cold, but during peak sun exposure (1pm-5pm), within a few hours I have the following sypmtoms: -extreme lethargy -I slur my words -what words I do get out make no sense, not in normal sentence pattern -headache -dizziness -difficulty walking (my husband has to help me) Sort of like the symptoms of a hangover. So, I've adjusted my life. Unfortunately, it's becoming harder for the kids to handle. They understand not playing outside now b/c it's so hot, but when it's in the 80's, 70', even 60's, I cannot be outside in the afternoon. We can only dor things in the morning. Also, this means that doing normal family things like going to a zoo, waterpark, amusement park, are completely out of the picture. I've spoken w/ my IM, Endo, Gyn,Derm and they keep telling me it's heat exhaustion and to hydrate. But, they're just not listening to the fact that this happens to me even when it's in the 60's. That cannot be heat exhaustion, however I have increased my fluid intake when outside just to prove them wrong. :) I've been tested for Lupus (more than once), RA, and other autoimmune syndromes. All negative. I do have Reynauds but shouldn't be attributed to this. Anyone else ever get this? I didn't find much on the internet that is similar to my reaction. I would just so much love to find an answer. Thanks for tolerating my long story, Jessica

Lived here all my life and am still not used to it. So, I don't go out much. My van stays in the garage until it's time to go and then it only sits in a parking lot for 2 hrs (at the most!). Not enough time for it to get crazy 122 degrees hot inside. If we go outside we swim only and that's in the am. We're inside by noon. My big tip is to never leave the house w/ dry hair. Keeps me cool for most of the time I need to be out! LOL J

We school year round (it's too hot to do anything in the summer anyway). My son is 6 (PDD-NOS) and this is our second year homeschooling. His curriculum is a bit all over the place in that he's better at some things than others and we'll graduate to the next level and strange times of the year. Math: MUS Beta Saxon Math 2 I anticipated finishing sometime in the spring and moving forward w/ the next level of each. Langauge Arts: FLL- surprisingly, the 3 yr old loves listening in on this one! WWE-this one is very slow going for us. I like it and he does, too but comprehension is not a strong skill for him. HWOT Saxon Phonics 1 and 2 (we'll finish 1 in October) Science: Real Science Odyssey-Life Scott Foresman Science First Grade (we like the pictures)-again, fun w/ the 3 yr old History/Geography: We're lapbooking these two- Galloping the Gobe (I've also found a website that links FIAR w/ this and am trying to compile in a reasonable, not too fussy way) SOTW 1 The ones I do everyday are Math and Language Arts. Science and History/Geography are only 2 days/wk. He's in several different therapies and recreational gymnastics. The therapy itself and travel time take up several hours of each day. So, I don't want him to be too tied down w/ school aslo. I want him to still have lots of fun/play time. He's still only 6 and I prefer to keep class under 2hrs. That is the upper most limit of his attention anyway. ETA: I do w/ the 3 yr old whatever he will tolerate. We've been doing some Starfall, simple math (counting, sorting, etc), he sits in on anything he wishes.

Is it bad that here in Austin our high is 105 and I think "oh, it's ONLY 105!"? At least it's not 111 like DFW is forecasted later this week.

What about Amelia Island? It's in Florida: sun, sand, beach, golf and not as populated as other destinations.

We had quite an usual day or so I thought. When the kids were too tired to finish dinner and asked to go to bed at 6:30.....well, I had to reflect b/c I want to sooooooo do that again!!!!

If someone is breaking your house rules, doing something you do not want your own children doing in your own house, then yes. I would inform BOTH parents of the event. It needs to be a clear message that certain behavior is not acceptable in your home.

We've been using REAL Science 1-Life. It's very simple in teaching and so far has not been too demanding of my effort to acquire materials. Very happy so far.

I have to admit that I am a fan of the Duggars. What stands out most is how polite and respectful everyone in the family is to one another. I've noticed some back-talk recently in my house and I honestly only have to take a look into the mirror to see where this sassiness is coming from. As far as not playing sports, I have to wonder b/c there are so many of them, perhaps they play against one another at their home? I mean, there ARE enough parents/kids combined to have two really nice sized teams. Music seems to be a cost-effective activity for them. Pianos are mostly one size fits all. Violin/violas for example come in different sizes but can be used by the same person for many years before passing down to a younger sibling.

No, you are not nuts. You are caring, considerate and polite.

Me! I can watermelon rinds every summer. I've got 2 left-both 50pounders!-calling my name. They are delicious and such a rare treat to share with others.

I'm sure I'll be disliked for saying so, but I don't think the 'wrong' person found out. It seems like the employee (whomever it was) was doing their job and thoroughly. I would think immunization records would be standard info to give to a school (whether you're homeschooled or not) as they are considered 'required' for children. Whether you require them or not. That being said, I think it was very unfortunate to have discharged in such a way. That is something that should be handled by the Dr. personally. Although pts where I worked weren't dc'd regularly (or for this reason), it was done by the physician. In addition, the problem w/ an administrator dc'ing you and possibly w/o Peds. knowledge is only the Pedi. would be away if your child/children had chronic medical problems. Discharging a pt w/ any chronic illness could lead to a lapse in proper care. I'm assuming your children are healthy, but an admin. would not/should not assess that for himself. I definitely think this should be reflected in your letter. If not to help you, but potentially someone else. If you are involved in any local mom's groups, church, etc, I'd put the word out that you need a new Ped. and what treatment style you're seeking.

:iagree: I did love sharing with my mother all the ways Scarlett is different in the book from the movie. She was appalled and asked me to leave her 'vision' alone.

I agree the noise is a nuisance. Who am I kidding? Before we had kids we were THE house in the neighborhood for fireworks. Sigh...now things are so different. There is a burn ban in effect for 238 out of 254 counties in our state. I'd call the police, too. However, in a funny side note, we rec'd a mailer today encouraging us to get extra flood insurance. Ummmm.........

Something else to consider is many ASD kids have sensory processing issues. What may feel like a gentle nudge to someone else, may actually be a hard push (causing the other person to be injured). And likewise, someone may touch them gently, but they are overwhelmed by the feeling and are screaming as if cut with a knife. However, this SAME child when actually injured will not even report any pain, or show any emotion of pain (crying). The more overstimulated/excited they become the less aware they are of what they're doing to others (and themselves). I suggest asking her again particularly if there is something you and your children can do when playing with him. Perhaps if he really dislikes being touched you can warn yours not to, or if loud noises cause him to retreat or become defensive they can monitor their volume. I don't mean that it is YOUR responsibility to keep this child from injuring yours but it does seem like you want to help and understand. I would think she'd want to limit any stress to her son and would be more verbal about asking for help, especially from family. And, as a last resort, if she is unwilling to talk and you still want answers, you can ask your aunt/uncle and see if they can share any insight. Good Luck

I really dislike the individual interpretation of HIPPA. In regard to the post above, if you truly are prohibited from entering and receiving medical info, I would demand that my child (b/c at 12 they are STILL children) sign a Release Of Information, allowing me to be informed. In my former life, I was a phone triage nurse in an ob/gyn office. We saw many young patients. Parents would call wanting to be told and I couldn't tell them. And, I HATED it!!!! But, I told them, what I stated above and almost all of their daughters came in and filled one out and then I could talk to their mom. Most just were never given the option and had no idea the rules were this strict. I even make my husband fill one out every year at his office. Not because he may withold info but b/c he doesn't understand half of what his dr. tells him!

I would go with the idea of workboxes, basically everything in it's place, but possibly without the box. I agree for some people they can appear to be overwhelming. Also, they're new, different, a change. I use a file box, but my son is still young so I am in charge of the file box. He tells me what he wants to work on next. I keep him up to date on what is left in the box and we keep going until it's empty. We take lots of breaks and do whatever he needs to get through his subjects. I've even seen people use a 3"binder instead. They put the papers in a pocket. Again, when it's empty, you're all done. They also didn't use the label transferring system. It also adds a little extra work that some kids hate - while others feel completely accomplished and successful. It's so hard finding a good fit, but I'm sure you'll figure it out for him. J

Truly watermelons. We drove out to a small town here in TX for their Watermelon Thump. The town smells terrible(natural gas wells) but the Black Diamond Watermelons are worth it. I cannot wait to start cutting into the meat and freezing for juice, smoothies, and of course sweet pickled watermelon rind!!!

I taught myself to can but a friend of mine went to a class (tonight) at a local organic farm and they taught her how to make pickles. They provided her with the ingredients she had to bring her own jars. This would be a great way to start. Teaching myself has had success and failures but I sooooo love it!!!! It's addictive but relaxing. I enjoy every step. They hardest part is keeping little hands out of my stuff during the steps.

Please excuse that odd purple smiley face. I'd fix it, but as I don't know how I did it, I'm just going to let it stay.

My story is quite different from the rest of the posts. I had complications. However, I would absolutely recommend he have this surgery. I had mine done in day surgery, but I ended up having to spend the night. Not for pain, but for low oxygen saturation and vomiting. I've had multiple surgeries and haven't had this reaction ever. It also took me longer to feel like I was able to do simple things like drive my son to therapy, do laundry, go to the grocery store. Also, I had horrible and immediate diarrhea after eating ANYTHING!!!! This lasted for 3mos. I knew I would need an immediate bathroom trip, so I kept my meals light, but it was inevitable. I am now 9mos post op, and after certain meals it happens (completely random, sometimes it's after a burger, sometimes not, sometimes after a healthy grilled chicken salad-or not). I hate it. It's terrible and embarrassing. All of this I take because I no longer have pain.

:iagree: I have Britax and they are very bulky (but safe!) I have two boys and only feel comfortable with using two seats/row. These would be great b/c would fit in most vehicles if needed.

I have typed and erased no less than 6 times. Everything just looks so harsh and terrible when written. But, here's my best effort: 1. He should not be there 2. His wife should absolutely be informed (and by you if you are emotionally capable, but you should not be forced to be this person). I worry that she may not have access or support to do what may need to be done once she finds out. Perhaps this is why she is still with him? Because it's hard to imagine she hasn't heard the family whispering; so I'm wondering why she'd be 'ok' with what she's heard. 3. I would also consider not visiting this year and inviting your mother to your place, but only after... 4. Your Mother apologizes to you. For being insensitive in suggesting he come to you daughter's party, and for making you feel you couldn't talk to her during and after the abuse. It's by no means her fault it happend, nor yours!, but she obviously doens't like to ruffle feathers and conveyed that message to you. Perhaps you rec'd this message at a young age and 'knew' you couldn't talk to her about it. J

My best friend is always making Kale Chips. She slices, drizzles w/ olive oil, a bit of salt and bakes them. They do not last long in her house.