I had 3 miscarriages in 2 years - all three either at the very end or a few weeks into the second trimester. Please have your thyroid tested. I can not say for sure that was the reason for the miscarriages, but several years after, I was tested and found to be hypothyroid. All it takes is some bloodwork, and your health insurance should cover it. On a brighter note, if I hadn't had gone through them, we would never looked into adoption and found our wonderful son who is now 15. I am by no means implying you need to adopt, I'm just reinforcing that "sorrow can turn to joy" in many different ways. Also, 7 years after the last miscarriage, I was blessed with a healthy pregnancy and child #4. He is now 11 and I thank God everyday for the miracle! I am so sorry for your loss. I know that a thousand happy stories cannot take the pain away. Take care of yourself. NYSue

She tried to talk me into getting a matching tattoo with her - a bonding moment she called it. I'm sure my dh would have a fit if I did it! She and her dh recently had the hospital footprints of their dc placed on their lower leg. I actually find them meaningful and kinda lovely. Otherwise I am not sure what I would like to have stamped on my body for the rest of my life!

I work with European businessmen and women who need to improve their English. My official title is "Corporate Business Trainer" and I deal with ESP - English for Special Purposes. There are a lot of wonderful websites that offer grammar and vocabulary resources and exercises, specifically for ESL learners. One of the best ways my learners improve is to read and listen to English. Conversation is a must! I will send an article to read and then we will discuss it - talk about the vocabulary, pronunciation of words, have them express their opinion, etc.. Of course this is my job, so I am required to take notes and make corrections as we speak and in a report. I don't know if you feel comfortable doing this! If you are interested in some websites, send me an e-mail and I'd be glad to help!

My dd was the oldest with three brothers. She changed diapers, helped with baths, was around during potty training... It was always treated as natural and a part of everyday life. Now she has a son of her own and is a wonderful mother :001_smile:

:grouphug: Hoping you find strength to sustain you through this trying time.

It is the dried jasmine flower that unfolds in the hot water. It's quite beautiful to watch and the tea was fine - tasted just like jasmine tea!

Sleepless in Seattle Jerry Maquire (maybe not appro. for 17 yo) Far and Away - all time favorite

This is just what I need!! How nice of you to share - Thank you!

:hurray:Thank you!!

I'm always feeling behind. I'm beginning to think I was never ever ahead! Take a deep breath. Tomorrow is another day.

And, in the past, THE KIDS sold flower bulbs to help raise money for their camp fees. Two years ago they asked me, and I gladly bought from them. From what the mom told me, they did that every year in order to pay for camp.

I know it's been almost a month and I haven't posted a wedding picture yet! We are still waiting for the CD from the photographer (it's a relative - you know how that goes). Anyway, here is one that was taken by a guest at the wedding. The bride is my daughter (of course) standing next to my new sil. The baby is little Logan, my grandson, who is now 9 months old. The little cutie is my new grandson, my daughter's step-son. http://www.flickr.com/photos/13864314@N04/

For some odd reason I needed some affirmation. Maybe because I have been feeling a little sorry for myself about our own financial situation. I didn't want that to color my perception. I am pressing the delete button right now.....

She had never travelled by herself before. I was petrified. But, she did just fine. It's amazing how responsible they can be when they have to!! Breathe.

I just received an e-mail from a friend. She states: "Usually we would never send this type of mailing out and for over 10 years of summer camp we have never had to. But with rising costs of gas and many other things, and having four children who go, we are for the first time asking for financial donations to help our kids go to summer camp. We believe that this is one of the most important things that our children do each year. I actually spent a week there at camp with them a couple of years ago and it was an experience I will never forget. The meetings and activities are amazing and you could not find better staff any where. Please consider giving the kids some help this year and we will greatly appreciate any and all you can do. God bless." Now, this person is not a close friend, but someone who we know and her kids occassionally play with my kids. The kids used to be in scouts and tennis together a year ago, so we saw them quite often then. But, in the past year we saw them maybe twice. They have four children - three are teenagers; one has a job - and I know that the father has a fairly stable job and she babysits. This just floors me. Gas prices are affecting everyone! And, my dh has been unemployed since last summer and my part time job is a help, but it's just not cutting it. And, we just got done paying for a wedding (a very modestly priced one at that), and .... the list goes on. I guess, even in the state our finances are right now, I would never dream of asking this. If we didn't have the money, and the kids couldn't earn enough, they just would not go this year. I guess I just wanted to hear other people's opinions. Maybe I am way off base, but I found this extremely gauche.

best of both worlds:001_smile:

:iagree:Wait until they get married and have kids of their own. Talk about feeling time flies As for having regrets - don't. We do the best we can with what we have at the place we are in. If they are still around, and talking to you, you must have done something right!

Despite a horrible weather forecast, the sun came out and we had a beautiful wedding ceremony in my mil's back yard. Everything went like clockwork - no major glitches, and everyone had a wonderful time. I hope to post some photos soon. I can breathe now :)

I am just flabbergasted at the amount of money people spend on their weddings!! One bride spent $6,000 on the dress alone. Another spent $7,000 on just the flowers. Yikes! My dd's entire wedding won't even come close to these prices.

I promise :001_smile:

and I'm (gasp) 50 :001_huh:

I haven't been on the boards at all lately. Life has been much too busy for "fun". My dd's wedding is two weeks away. We are starting to panic a little, but I think we have most things under control. Just hoping for nice weather - the one thing we CAN'T control. Seems like finding a dress for me was the most complicated issue! After returning 6 dresses and one pair of shoes, I have finally decided on one that I think will be great. I don't know how often I will be able to post in the next two weeks. I'm hoping June will be slower and I can re-join all the fun I've been missing.

I'm sorry you and dh are sick. Make a pot of herb tea, stay in your jammies, and let your bodies heal. And, think spring :001_smile:

Not a snake lover here, but I do feel for you and your dc having lost a pet. I hope tomorrow is a better day.

We spent $200. I sew - I made mine for $80 - that was 26 years ago! This dress we bought is beautiful and there is no way I could make it. If I could, I'm sure it would cost at least $200. It is beaded with a train, crinolin (sp?), and buttons all down the back to the end of the train. It needs some alterations, but dd's fiance has an aunt who can do this. She will also make the veil. The one at the store that dd liked was $70 - just for a piece of fluff!!