tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post4643758706965901148..comments2024-03-27T19:04:31.290-05:00Comments on The Amazing Trips: what's in you wednesdayThe Amazing Tripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761348688069779544noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-36895777855858200282010-03-05T01:19:52.795-06:002010-03-05T01:19:52.795-06:00Hey Jen~
So sorry you're sick!
I'm with ...Hey Jen~<br />So sorry you're sick! <br />I'm with you on the kids going to Kindergarten! It's hard to decide what will work best for the child & family.<br />My William is going this fall ~he's been attending a Waldorf school this year & will attend the Kindergarten this fall. You should check out the Waldorf philosophy... I think you'd like it. It's very earth based, spiritual, & like home-school. It's hard to describe but it's the school I wish I had gone to as a child. We love it & it sort of sound like you & your family.<br />Take care & hope you're better soon. TTamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10722162064540559201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-60216182854530899612010-03-04T14:38:17.576-06:002010-03-04T14:38:17.576-06:00I've been thinking about your sadness over the...I've been thinking about your sadness over the kids' growing up, and it breaks my heart. I want you to be happy. I want to run over with cookies... but Charlie's already on that. And there's no way I'm going to give you a foot massage; I don't go there. Luckily Charlie's got that covered too. You'll work through these feelings in one way or another on your own. Maybe through working out your new health issues, which can make a huge difference in one's way of attacking the world.<br /><br />For me, I just keep flashing back to my own elementary days, which I remember well. I LOVED being a kid and saw life as a series of adventures even then. But I was also a mature kid who was consciously aware that I wanted Mom to be BEHIND me, not ON me. School was my place to be me, to be on my own, and I consciously savored my days there. Perhaps that has carried over into my philosophy as a parent. I see my role as giving my sons the tools to create their own adventures when I cannot be there to do it for them, either now or when they are grown. I've controlled what I could, steadfastly drilled the lessons home with praise and consequences, and now I feel confident in letting them touch their fingers to the reins of the lives they will eventually have to own. I know: "Shut up, Debbie!"... but honestly, I'm very excited for their new adventures in kindergarten... even if I have to hear those as stories across the dinner table. I happen to dig a good story.Deborah Halversonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01813383597378919945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-57330672148182160192010-03-04T14:32:19.151-06:002010-03-04T14:32:19.151-06:00I didn't have a blood panel done for autoimmun...I didn't have a blood panel done for autoimmune but I had some blood taken for other stuff. <br /><br />I was sick from October through January. <br /><br />It started off as a cold and developed into bronchitis. Then it graduated to a sinus infection and eventually landed me in the ER for i.v. antibiotics and fluids. I was x-rayed, poked and prodded. <br /><br />The ER doc and my doctor both agreed that if adults got Mono, then that is what I had. <br /><br />I had an allergic reaction to penicillin (wasn't previously allergic to it) and then ear infections, swollen lymph nodes and tonsillitis that took two months to clear up. Did you know they don't take your tonsils out any longer? Take 'em. Take everything!<br /><br />Anyway. I'm better now, though a bit gun-shy every time I wake up and my throat is scratchy. <br /><br />My doctor has me on Omega 3, Vitamin D and something called Sambucus (from Whole Foods). <br /><br />The Sambucus seemed to help, and I take it when I'm feeling run-down. Could it help you, perhaps?Daniellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04490578614214219045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-66057889408252325492010-03-04T13:18:59.542-06:002010-03-04T13:18:59.542-06:00The thing that keeps me from getting too overwhelm...The thing that keeps me from getting too overwhelmed with how fast my kids are growing up is how amazing each new stage is. I never really look back, because I am so excited for what is to come. They ARE growing up and everyday they ARE getting closer to leaving, but it's just so darn exciting seeing it all happen I can't get sad about it (at least not too much!). <br /><br />And, we have full day kindergarten here and my boys LOVED it and I could not have asked for a better experience for them. We have taken them on 4 separate skiing trips, to the Grand Canyon, to Legoland, SeaWorld, Disneyland and countless other places and I have never seen them more excited in their life then the night before the first day of school!!! It was soooo much fun I couldn't really be sad that my "babies" were starting school (ask me how I feel when my "real baby"-who is 7 months old--starts kindergarten!).<br /><br />And finally, if you DO send them to full day kindergarten next year, you will probably be AMAZED at how much work you can get done while they are gone. Then when they come home, you will be able to spend totally uninterrupted time with them...probably more time all total then you are able to spend with them each day right now. So, that is a very good PLUS for kindergarten!<br /><br />Kelly(Houston)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-27533088628400826312010-03-04T12:33:45.640-06:002010-03-04T12:33:45.640-06:00Mom: Are you suggesting that I need to start nursi...Mom: Are you suggesting that I need to start nursing again? Or have another baby?<br /><br />I think you need to move out to California. I need my mother.The Amazing Tripshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13761348688069779544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-49063434600201715052010-03-04T12:29:47.550-06:002010-03-04T12:29:47.550-06:00Remember when you were nursing Henry for 2 plus ye...Remember when you were nursing Henry for 2 plus years and you were not sick? Ahem---Doctor Mom thinks there might be something there.<br />Have you thought of Probiotics? <br />Are you living in the NOW?<br />MOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-5657947372043865282010-03-04T12:21:14.755-06:002010-03-04T12:21:14.755-06:00HW: The other day when we took the train ride, I m...HW: The other day when we took the train ride, I met a woman who was a retired kindergarten teacher and she told me that when children start school, it is ALWAYS harder on the parents. She said it would consistently happen that the children would come in to the class, excited to start school, and it was the parents that were standing outside crying. <br /><br />I'm not sure what my problem is?? I've already been through this once before with Montessori. And we did fine. Until three months in to it, when I pulled them all out and kept them in the nest for another year longer. <br /><br />It just seems that KINDERGARTEN is such a big deal. It's the start of elementary school. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. My children are starting ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. <br /><br />Geez. Look at me! I'm freaking out!!!The Amazing Tripshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13761348688069779544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-3170640159803171802010-03-04T12:16:13.969-06:002010-03-04T12:16:13.969-06:00PS be glad you aren't in Europe. All day kinde...PS be glad you aren't in Europe. All day kindergarten at 4. Sigh.Darcie Peelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03127506190803312391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-45667035414848983312010-03-04T12:16:13.968-06:002010-03-04T12:16:13.968-06:00Since you don't want to hear about the good po...Since you don't want to hear about the good points of your children growing up - I will encourage you in one other thing.<br /><br />Try not to let your kids know you are upset about them starting school. Instead of saying "I'm so sad you're growing up," say "You are growing into such a smart big kid." Instead of saying "I missed you" when they come home - say "I'm happy to see you." I read an article about this when my first was getting ready for kindergarten. It was very helpful in pointing out that kids pick up on OUR separation anxiety during these milestones. The tips helped me make the transition a happy one for my kids; and they deserved that.HWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260566913424446132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-21828267350398527432010-03-04T12:14:22.987-06:002010-03-04T12:14:22.987-06:00I just watched this. Get kleenex and note all the ...I just watched this. Get kleenex and note all the great stages we get to go through coming up.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0Darcie Peelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03127506190803312391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-44557322494903303082010-03-04T11:33:50.062-06:002010-03-04T11:33:50.062-06:00Jen,
You might want to read about IVIG Therapy. ...Jen,<br /><br />You might want to read about IVIG Therapy. http://www.immunedisease.com/patients-and-families/ivig-therapy/is-ivig-right-for-me.html<br /><br />My Mom recently started it and is doing wonderfully! She has a lifelong history of asthma, allergies, recurrent respiratory infections, and even a diagnosis of celiac at one point! She spent this fall and winter with one infection after another. She has felt great after starting the IVIG therapy. <br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Oh, and our kindergarten is full day too! We're hoping our daughter doesn't need her afternoon nap by that time or it's going to be painful on all of us.<br /><br />Cheers!<br />ErinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-5949719125388421182010-03-04T10:57:22.810-06:002010-03-04T10:57:22.810-06:00Anon - you're right and my mom's right and...Anon - you're right and my mom's right and Charlie's right. I just didn't expect that these kids would GROW UP. Nobody told me that they'd grow up and fly the nest one day. Nobody told me that!!!! <br /><br />Or maybe they did and I wasn't listening. <br /><br />I have a problem with that, you know.The Amazing Tripshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13761348688069779544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-24316464725616390662010-03-04T10:53:19.316-06:002010-03-04T10:53:19.316-06:00Jen-sorry, I'm with Charlie. What happened to ...Jen-sorry, I'm with Charlie. What happened to "resolve to be happy". Hon, you can't change it, so why fight it? Unless you CAN change it (this is sounding a lot like the Serenity Prayer, not coincidentally). Your readers, whom you've told to "zip it", who are trying to encourage you by telling you the plus side of your kids getting older, are not saying that it isn't a little sad to see them off to kindergarten, but they're choosing to look at the positive side. Otherwise we should all just bury our heads in the sand, because let's face it, our babies grow up. Whoever said that most people are about as happy as they want to be (who was that, anyway?) was right. A friend and I were once chatting on the ups and downs of life and I was surprised to learn that we had both used the same thought process, and I recall you once alluding to the same...if you think of your worst fears with your family, and then realize how lucky you are now, you realize that if something changed, you'd give anything to have your "old problems" back. Know what I mean? I kind of feel like you don't want to hear from your readers, though. You've made up your mind that this is terrible and that's all there is to it. Well I also agree with your mom, who said live in the NOW. Be grateful for those 12 years you have with them at home. Some people would give anything for that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-54266057562213457622010-03-04T09:40:44.383-06:002010-03-04T09:40:44.383-06:00*Hug* I'm sorry things are rough.
It sounds l...*Hug* I'm sorry things are rough.<br /><br />It sounds like you, like me, flourish when you have goals. When I'm focused on the in and out of daily life, I feel overwhelmed. When I add to the in and out of daily life some project that needs to be completed, like planning a trip for a zillion parents and kids to the theatre, or planning a birthday party, or something, I feel better. Life is more manageable. It just so happens that your projects are about awareness- and fund-raising, and you're teaching your children wonderful things while you're at it.Sadiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04042551936789254047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-8924049130396676492010-03-04T09:15:03.917-06:002010-03-04T09:15:03.917-06:00Last weeks American Idol I turned off, this weeks ...Last weeks American Idol I turned off, this weeks I like the first few people and that was it. I hate to say it, because I love me som e Ellen - but I don't think that she made the show any better. :(Bird's Eye View Photographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08813489889625737678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-17018534432149668032010-03-04T09:06:40.774-06:002010-03-04T09:06:40.774-06:00Hi Jen...I love reading your blog - though I rarel...Hi Jen...I love reading your blog - though I rarely comment. Except for today :-).<br /><br />I totally get the kindergarden thing. I wouldn't send my kids to a whole day kinder. The school tried to convince us that full day was better but I wasn't buying it. Anyway, we ended up pulling them out just after Thanksgiving and have been homeschooling since then. They are in 1st now. DH is disabled and is with the kids all day and does most of the schooling. I work from home. (situation sound familiar?). <br /><br />For exercise - we were trying to get to the gym as often as possible. We would have a good week and then one of the kids would get sick, or one of us would be sick - or school or my work would take too long, etc. So we finally purchased a program called P90X. We are only in the first week, but it is really good. It totally kicks your butt!. And, the convenience of doing it at home has made it a LOT easier. My husband is a type I diabetic so exercise is critical to keep his autoimmune system functioning well. It comes with a diet plan to follow that is really healthy and gives you plenty of food to eat so you can do the rigorous exercise. <br /><br />So...remember there are other options for everything. You don't feel comfortable with the kids in school - you can always take them out and homeschool. We use a program called K12 and are really happy with it. <br /><br />Having trouble getting your exercise in, think about doing it in your very own living room. Adding resistance training to your exercise will do wonders for you also.larainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04356348824603952729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-44423435390583211522010-03-04T08:24:07.250-06:002010-03-04T08:24:07.250-06:00Jen, Jen, Jen. I totally agree that the run-up to...Jen, Jen, Jen. I totally agree that the run-up to kindergarten was EXTRAORDINARILY stressful. If mine had been gone the whole day, I would have just cried my eyes out. But you guys will get through this. Just try to enjoy your summer. You will be so ready to send them by August. Believe me.<br /><br />Now, about this autoimmune thing. I tested positive for the SAME thing when I was undergoing fertility treatments. Did you know that 1/120 people of Irish descent are Celiacs and don't know it? Not all people present with bowel issues. But guess what Celiacs causes? INFERTILITY. You should totally get tested. Lie and tell them that your Aunt or sister just got tested and found out they were, so then you can get your doctor to order the test. <br /><br />Anyway, I've been gluten free for a year now. I get my bloodwork done again in April. I will be interested to know how my antibody test turns out now!!Michele Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15061520456909635254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-6491280615743373772010-03-04T07:52:19.572-06:002010-03-04T07:52:19.572-06:00When you are sick it is impossible to see the futu...When you are sick it is impossible to see the future in a positive spin. Get yourself better and don't make any life changing decisions until you are better ( and that will happen).<br /><br />Get some rest womanJakarta Rockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01122426618548032862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-45667649469123919962010-03-04T07:29:38.622-06:002010-03-04T07:29:38.622-06:00We have full-day Kindergarten here, too, and I hat...We have full-day Kindergarten here, too, and I hate it. I just think it's way too long of a day for a 5 year old. I'm hoping the backlash will hit by the time my kids start school and they'll return to a half-day format.....<br /><br />You sound really stressed, which is probably not helping with your immune situation. I have experienced an autoimmune disorder (autoimmune hepatitis) and it was hellish. And scary. Be good to yourself and try to find a way to relax. Easier said than done, I know, but scaling back on your commitments is a good beginning. You can always do more of the 3-day walks in a few years. I feel quite certain the need will still be there.<br /><br />Big hugs.Leslie Jeffs Senkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04634007705534811032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-86825928207331274382010-03-04T06:32:44.755-06:002010-03-04T06:32:44.755-06:00Listen to yourself, talking about trying to make a...Listen to yourself, talking about trying to make an event across the country that you just said yourself you can't really fit in. :-) You're such a giver; not to imply that's a bad thing, just make sure you still take care of YOURSELF. Do the one event, not both, and take some time to chill.<br /><br />Sorry to hear about the possible autoimmune diagnosis. My fingers are crossed for you that it's not true, or hopefully not something too bad. It seems that things like this tend to show themselves during times of high stress, and I don't know what's more stressful than raising 4 kids while working and trying to single-handedly fight cancer and everything else bad in the world! :-) I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease during nursing school, which was the most stressful thing I'd ever done until I had a kid.<br /><br />You're practically super-woman -- I don't know how you do everything you do -- but don't spread yourself too thin. Remember the post you made recently about that very subject and how you were going to cut back on all the commitments you make!devotchkanoreply@blogger.com