[Holidays are always the toughest. I haven't seen my boy for more than 9 months.]

Thank you everyone. It is tough and I know people think we should just move on but it's hard...my boy is only 16. And I don't know much about how he's doing ...actually nothing for the past month. I'm hoping he might appear at my niece's or sister's house over the weekend. They have an open door policy for him. He last visited them about a month ago.

[Holidays are always the toughest. I haven't seen my boy for more than 9 months.]

It's hard because on one hand I'm sad. On the other we have two other kids who deserve a happy celebration. Christmas was a similar struggle. My heart breaks with love for my boy who can't feel that love.

[Can anything be taken in addition to Zyrtec for seasonal allergies?]

My dd takes singular with her antihistamine which she changes between Claritin and Allegra. Also nasonex (or similar).

[Urgent Prayer Request for DS]

Praying very hard for you.

[easy pastry recipes needed]

Puff pastry dough is super easy to make on your own. Seriously. Less effort than going to a store to buy it. pm me if you'd like a recipe.

Also, I make something called butterhorns and they're super easy as well. Three ingredients and absolutely fantastic! ditto on the recipe.

I completely agree. Cream puffs, profiteroles, etc. are very easy.

[anyone else have a fear of public speaking?]

I do a lot of public speaking in my job. Often at large conferences. When I first landed this job three years ago I was much more nervous than now. In the beginning I'd write out word for word my speech but now I use index card. First I write out my whole speech, then I write the key words on index cards. And then I wing it from there. Sometimes I use PowerPoint, but not always.

[I really hate the term USians]

I'm almost afraid to comment but I'll start by saying I haven't thought about this for many, many years but as a teen I did wonder why the term "American" was exclusive to US citizens given we shared the same continent. But it's true we don't call ourselves Canada of America.

[Our new dog escaped... UPDATE post#66 - He's home!!!!]

Yay!! Awesome news! I bet that doggy is getting loved on.....so happy to hear this great news.

[Who's up for another 'are my inlaws crazy or am I' question?]

I come from a large child loving family. We have done adults only dinners. Not often but occasionally.

[long term effects of drug exposure - foster/adoption question]

Both my boys were born at a normal birthweight, appeared "normal"...challenges mostly became evident as they got older. We have had significant challenges with both. I'd say be prepared for full blown FASD issues....that may not happen but it helps you understand if/when issues arise. We lived in ignorance for a long time. That didn't help our boys and it didn't help us.

Having said that we love our boys. The experience, although not for the faint hearted, has made us much more empathetic, less judgmental. But we've cried many tears.

[Is freezing rain an improvement over snow?]

I will take any amount of snow (and I live in an area where it can snow 110 cm in 24 hours) over freezing rain. Any time.

[Please Pray for my child-Updated]

Praying.

[Tell me we'll get used to it...our new furniture that is.]

They charge a 35% restocking fee. I'd be better off selling it privately.

[Tell me we'll get used to it...our new furniture that is.]

Thanks. I'm not sure if we can return it. But I'm sure we'll get used to it.

[Tell me we'll get used to it...our new furniture that is.]

We just threw out our couch of 19 years. It had lived its life. We bought new furniture last week and it was delivered today. Ugh, I'm not thrilled....it's bigger than I remember (of course it looked smaller in giant furniture store). I think it'll grow on me but I'm disappointed that I'm not immediately in love.

Today is our 26th anniversary. Furniture is our big splurge.

Anyone have this experience?

[Our new dog escaped... UPDATE post#66 - He's home!!!!]

We had a new dog, years ago, she bolted from our yard when she was scared by a passing cyclist. She was gone for two days. We'd kind of given up ( we live in a very small town). Saturday night, just before going to bed, I decided to look out the door one more time. There she was! Leaning against our door. I opened up the door, scooped her up in my arm (85 lb Bernese mountain dog). Screamed and all the kids came out of their beds. It was such a miracle moment I will never forget.

Don't give up.

[Tell me about Black Labs]

We have a three year old lab. We still call her a puppy. Someone else noted, they have a long puppyhood. But they are so sweet, cute, funny, lovey....it makes up for her quirks...chewing, stealing our slippers, always grazing for food. We love our lab. But we love our other dogs too.

[I am wearing capri's and t-shirt today is 63 degrees]

It's snowing here today :(.

[More Prayers Please - Sigh]

Sorry you're in so much pain. I will pray.

[Birthday disappointment]

Happy birthday! I absolutely understand. I don't need big celebrations or lots of gifts but a milestone birthdays deserve acknowledgment and dinner at the Olive Garden (and a gift :)).

[Jean, what did your allergy test reveal?]

Jean big hugs. I'm so sorry so you're suffering so much. Praying for you..

[Anyone in touch with eaglei?]

I too think of her often.

[Princess Cruises? Anyone done one? Feedback?]

We did a princess cruise in our former life (without kids). We thought it was great. We've also cruised with Holland America. Both companies were great. But that was many moons ago.

[Cooking help]

I'd thaw it slightly in microwave.

[I don't think I can say this in the title or I'll get banned!]

I burst out laughing and said an alternative swear word when I read your post. I'm afraid to read reviews. I'm working on our taxes so maybe I'll need a laugh later.