I graduated my youngest in June, and realized I needed to return to the workforce (after 21 yrs away) to help pay for college for both my girls, but because of some health issues couldn't figure out a job that I could do. Soooooo, I decided to launch an online children's clothing boutique. I have been consumed (and sometimes overwhelmed!) with the details of starting a small business.. There's been lots of time spent developing patterns, and sewing, sewing, sewing. I'm busier than I have been in a long time, but most days I'm excited to see where this is going to go. :001_smile: I'm planning to open my etsy shop the first week of Nov. Good luck in your endeavors! :thumbup:

I've had a placard for a couple of years. It was kind of a blow to realize I actually *needed* it, but it is a blessing when I can't manage all the walking. I have seasons where I use it more than others.

Netflix series for me, too. Currently, 'House'. :001_smile:

I'm in Florida, and my brother lives in Plano, Tx, so I can't get there to help, but he is dealing with a flea infestation that he's unable to fix on his own. I'm looking for someone, or a service, to come do a thorough cleaning before I schedule a pest control company to spray the house and yards. Also, they'll probably need to come back once a week for 2-3 weeks after the exterminator has come. The house has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and is about 1100 sq ft. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

Universal Studios has 2 coasters (Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy), and several motion-based rides (Despicable Me, Transformers, Shrek, Men In Black, Terminator & E.T.), and there are several shows you can watch (Beetlejuice Review, Horror Make-up Show, Animal Actors, Blues Brothers). We love the Mummy coaster, M.I.B. & Transformers. Islands of Adventures has themed areas (islands) - Marvel Super Heroes, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Hogsmeade/Lost Continent, Suess Landing. There are 3 full-sized coasters (Incredible Hulk & Dragon Challenge, which is 2 separate coasters), several water rides that you *will* get soaked on, Spiderman (which is motion-based, similar to Transformers) and Dr. Doom's Fear Fall. There's a jr coaster in Hogsmeade that's mild, but fun. We love all the coasters here, and ride several of the kiddy rides in Suess Landing because we love Suess. :) The Harry Potter ride is a different kind of motion-based ride, and can be difficult if you have issues with vertigo. Even if you can't ride, do take the time to walk the cue to check out the inside of the castle.

:grouphug: praying for your family

Check out Headlice.org The National Pediculosis Association encourages a non-chemical approach with manual removal whenever possible. They also recommend vacuuming as the safest and most effective alternative to spraying. Using lice sprays on bedding, furniture and carpets is unwarranted and poses both personal and environmental risks. When checking the head, there are several specific steps that should be followed: Wear disposable gloves; Find a location with good light, preferably direct sunlight. This may require seating both the patient and examiner outdoors on a patio or the pharmacy's back porch. If this is not available, a strong lamp may be sufficient; If the examiner is far-sighted, has poor vision or any other visual detail abnormality (e.g., amblyopia), a magnifying glass may be necessary; Remove tangles from the hair with a comb or hairbrush; Divide the hair into sections, examining each section individually and fastening it away from non-examined hair when it is inspected; Grasp a one-inch section of hair and use a lice comb to comb each hair section carefully and slowly from the scalp outward to the end of the hair. Lice combs traditionally sold for lice detection/removal are made of a one-piece plastic or metal construction that hinders their efficiency greatly. However, a recently introduced lice comb is rapidly becoming the standard for lice detection and removal. Known as the LiceMeister�, it is made by embedding 32 stainless steel teeth in a rigid plastic handle. The teeth are long and tapered, and are set so close that combing removes virtually all lice, both adults and nymphs, and virtually all nits. Thus, this innovative device can both screen for the presence of lice and remove them to halt an infestation(5). Dip the LiceMeister� into a cup of water after each hair section is combed. If debris (e.g., nits, builds up between the teeth of the comb, use a toothbrush or dental floss to clean between them. Continue combing each section of hair until all is thoroughly combed.

Headlice.org (National Pediculosis Association) says combing is more effective than chemical shampoos, or other treatments. Also, thorough vacuuming of furniture, rugs, stuffed animals and carseats is better than lice sprays. The comb they recommend is the LiceMeister; you can find it at drug stores (CVS, Walgreens, etc). Much more information at their website.

I don't know enough about them to give detailed directions, but have you ever tried essential oils? I'm just beginning to experiment with them, and am finding a good bit of relief (I have MS). Because I already had a sample on hand yesterday, I rubbed a few drops of doterrra's ylang ylang into my neck/shoulder in an attempt to find relief, and it worked. I did a second application about 30 min. later, and haven't had any pain there since. I don't sell them, and I'm just beginning to learn how to use the oils, but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to cut back on some of the medications I take, especially for pain relief.

Still praying for your family. Let me know if your daughter needs a ride to the airport. :grouphug:

green beans & dinner rolls

saw this idea on a local MOPs group: ER fun kit for children who are patients or family of patients that end up unexpectedly at the hospital. In a gallon ziploc bag: coloring page(s) 4 crayons page of stickers

These 1-hour rolls are fabulous and easy!

We loved Cricket in Times Square when my girls were younger. It also has sequels: Tucker's Countryside, Harry Cat's Pet Puppy, Chester Cricket's Pigeon Ride, Chester Cricket's New Home, The Old Meadow. The Borrowers Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Mr. Popper's Penguins Geronimo Stilton series

While I don't know very much about this, I thought I would share what worked for my mother when she was going through menopause. She was never able to take hormone replacement therapy or even birth control pills, but when she started to drink about 4 oz. of chocolate silk soy milk at night, her night sweats improved dramatically. I don't remember how long it took for the full effect, though.

Welcome! =) I don't really have any helpful advice, except to recommend you also post this over on the high school board. There are some great ladies over there that might be able to give some good direction.

Welcome! =) I don't really have any helpful advice, except to recommend you also post this over on the high school board. There are some great ladies over there that might be able to give some good direction.

7 more days for us, and it's our second year. It's only the *tiniest* bit easier thinking about it this time than it was last year. I go from being focused on the busy-ness of getting everything ready to go, to all the breath just leaving my lungs and a fist squeezing my heart. She's had some health concerns this summer and I know that's part of my reluctance to see her go. She'll be 10 hours from home. She loves her classes, and it's where we believe God wants her. That's really all that makes it bearable. Praying for you all. :grouphug:

Recently when we met a new rheumy, he told us that rheumatologists as a whole are distancing themselves from treating fibromyalgia. They are leaning toward it being a psychosomatic illness. He told us he doesn't treat patients diagnosed with fibro, but also couldn't direct us to a rheumy who would, or another specialty that might have additional insight. Of course, he doesn't speak for *every* rheumy.

Have you ever tried a white noise machine to help mask the sounds of him getting ready & leaving? I sleep with a folded towel & light pillow over my head to block light & sound. I've used eye masks & ear plugs, too. When my dh's schedule changes, it always takes a week or so for me to adjust to the new time/routine.

They sell a limited number of express passes for each day, so you shouldn't be faced with long lines at the express entrance.

I hear what you're saying, and completely understand! :grouphug: I remember feeling like there was never enough time to get everything done when my children were younger, but I was also aware that was a season in my life that would soon pass. During that season, there were times I could push and get a lot accomplished when necessary. But now. . . Now, chronic illness impacts my life in so many different ways. This season will last the rest of my life. The tasks that need to be accomplished will always take more time & energy than I will be able to manage, even with help. Deciding what to prioritize is difficult. It's always a gamble on whether I'll be able to fulfill a commitment on any given day. Daily basics like showering, dressing, fixing my hair take up way more energy than most people will ever realize. Nevermind homeschooling, household tasks, dr's appointments and other outside obligations. I know everyone doesn't understand what my life entails, and most days I'm thankful that others don't have to know the same limitations I do. Rare days, some empathy is appreciated. So, the only solution I really have to offer is extending grace to yourself. You know you do all you can do to the best of your ability. That has to be enough; if others think it isn't, that's their problem, not yours. On the days you are feeling 'less than', remember you are *amazing*. You 'tackle' an awful lot everyday. You really do accomplish SO much, you're an inspiration!

:grouphug: I'm very sorry. Sometimes life is soooo incredibly hard. Praying for peace & comfort for you, Luke, your children and the rest of your family. :grouphug:

I have multiple sclerosis. My youngest dd is dealing with something autoimmune related; we're still trying to figure it out. Pain and fatigue, with some brain fog, are our biggest obstacles most days.

Mary Corbet's Needle 'n Thread has great video tutorials for all kinds of different stitches.