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Welcome to the Sound Off Discussion Board, where parents from all walks of life and all parts of the world come together in one place to share their opinions and thoughts about the question of the week. Please remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion and the freedom to express it. Obscene posts are unwelcome and shall be removed from the board. Please keep in mind that this is a public board. Never post personal information that you would be uncomfortable sharing with others. Comments about this board should be sent to iParenting's Webmaster. Thank you for contributing! If you have a suggestion for the question of the week, send it to feedback@iparenting.com.

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What is your most embarassing moment?

For archived topics, click here.

most recent of mine was when i took my youngest son to peed,she told him to open his mouth...and i opened my mouth ...instead of him.
sam t
email: samavikhoso@yahoo.com
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 18:04:09 (EDT)
Shocked Mom...

LOL! The things our children do. I have breastfed all of our children. My two boys were very close in age, 19 months apart. The older one always mimicked little brother getting a meal. One time, I saw my older boy with his sister's doll cradling it, with it's mouth nuzzled up against him like he was nursing her...and he's a boy! :)

I think when kids are small, they are particularly cuddly and (enjoy it, because the older they get, the more independant they are!) want to mimick just about everything we as mothers do, also, they want what they see every other baby or toddler getting...including lunch!

I wouldn't worry...your baby is still so much a baby! Now if it was a 7 year old...THAT would be cause for alarm! :0)


Hi to everyone else out there....gotta get ready for work! have a great night!
Cherokee
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 17:59:07 (EDT)
.
.
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 17:54:10 (EDT)
My 10 month old has approached my nursing friend twice now and appeared as though she was going to latch onto her breast! Both times she was nursing her two year old and so her breast was exposed and they were sitting on the ground near us. My baby is very social and outgoing and will initiate hugs and kisses with our friends that we spend time with weekly. She is a second born to an older four year old brother. Part of what blows me away is that her brother was, and at times still is very shy around others and was not one to initiate interaction with other children he didn't know. We are proavtive "attachment parents" to the enth degree. My baby sleeps with us, nurses on demand, although that is much less than her brother did, and she hasn't been with a sitter as I have a year maternity leave. If I'm at the gym etc she is with her dad.

She is a "securely attached" baby by all criteria. If I had seen a baby do this a year ago I would have wondered about the baby's attachment to it's mother, but I know this is not the issue with us. I'm am wondering if any other moms have had this happen and if so how you handled the situation. My thought is to just redirect her if it should happen again.

Still shocked,
mom
shocked mom
email: ajcw@shaw.ca
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 17:12:13 (EDT)
Barb..hhmmm, I know what you mean. We had to clean up my dh's grandmother's house when she passed away and his mother did not want to change a thing! And imagine having over 40 years worth of "stuff" collecting over time in a 3 bedroom house! There was so much to go through that my dh finally talked her into have 3 garage sales AND getting a 20x10 dumpster dropped off and filling it! It was amazing how much junk there was. We replaced the carpets there, since there were wine stains all over the place, AND did a coat of wax over the hard wood...it sold in a week! But we all know for a fact, that it wouldn't have happened without the pressure my dh was putting on her to do everything!
And from our experience househunting, we did not want a "housing allowance" although some people may, but only because we did not want to have to do anything right away. We wanted to just find a house where we could move right in and live. The house we are hoping to close on next month needs NOTHING done except the 4 bedrooms. And one of them does have wall paper, so I am already dreading that one! I wish you luck. You can't force her, but rather if she starts getting depressed about it not selling, kindly make "suggestions"... take care!
Kerri
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 13:56:46 (EDT)
Kerri, your comments really do help, and I thank you. The problem is that my mom doesn't want to put any money into it, even though my sister and I tell her that it could come right back to her in the price of the sell. She's stubborn and I think she just doesn't see what a mess it is. She'll say, "Oh, the floors are spotless" and I'll go there and they're "clean" meaning there's no dog hair, etc., but the dirt is ground in and disgusting. Both my sister and I live far away and can't do much to help. I've flown in for a weekend to help with a yard sale and to do a lot of cleaning (this was a few months ago, before it was on the market), but I can't do that often. There are only two rooms with wallpaper (both bedrooms) and I know people must cringe when they see those two rooms. One is flowers and the other is stripes... NOT cute. She had all the rooms without wallpaper painted and the ceilings painted in all the rooms. But the carpets are atrocious. I mean, I wouldn't even let Isabelle crawl on them! They're 11 years old and stained all over. It's awful. We told her she should write in her ads that she'll allow a carpet allowance so the new people can pick out their own, but she hasn't done it. I'm feeling frustrated with her, but also like it's a lost cause. It's only been on the market for about a month, with only a handful of people coming to look at it. She even had her realtor host an open house and no one showed up! I don't know what to do to help her. By now, everything I say to her just sounds like nagging.

Barb
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 13:16:34 (EDT)
Barb,
We sold our house in less than 4 weeks by taking down ALL wallpaper, painting all rooms neutral AND putting in new (cheap) carpet. That way, the buyers dont have to do "anything" right away when they move in...just the decorating that they see necessary. It worked for us and it also played a huge part when we were looking at houses this past month. We pretty much nixed any home that needed not only work, but also wallpaper removal...since most tastes are very different than ours. I also recommend taking out all furniture items that are not needed to make the house look like it has a lot of "open space". If there was a lot of "clutter" in a house, it didn't look appealing. Also present cookies or candy on the kitchen table and do not be there when buyers come to look at the house. It makes them feel "rushed". I hope that helps! ;)
Kerri
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 12:58:36 (EDT)
Samantha, I never signed up for Fly Lady, but I use the free stuff on the site, such as the idea to set a timer for 15 minutes and clean until it goes off. I don't actually set a timer, but I learned that if I take just 10 to 15 minutes a night to tidy up, it helps so much. You can really get a lot done in a short time if you're focused. If you sign up, tell me how you like it!

Barb
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 11:45:37 (EDT)
Melissa-- I am so sorry to hear about your awful day.:( I really hope today is a better day.

Lyne-- Congrats on selling your home. Make sure you go out to celebrate! ;)

Cherokee-- We have looked into Charter schools- but the closet one is about an hour away with all the traffic. *sigh* Thank you for the suggestion though. :)

**Today is cleaning day at my house. Does anyone here do Fly Lady? I am thinking of giving it a go.**

have a wonderful Blessed day!


Samantha
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 11:40:58 (EDT)
Marie ~ Thanks for the encouraging words. You are right it has been a tough week, Friday isn't getting here fast enough. But luckily with the boss gone until Monday things will be a lot less hectic around the office, so I am extremely grateful for that!

Barb ~ Thank you so much! You are a dear friend!
Melissa
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 10:56:49 (EDT)
Marie, good for you for fighting this. You're helping make sure companies can't get away with treating us unfairly in the future! Great job! That's wonderful that you're able to stay home with Ryan. What is he doing now?

Isabelle is almost 16 months, and she's learning so fast right now. Last night she said "grandpa," and she also learned "Elmo" and "I do" yesterday. At daycare she was watching Peter Pan and someone said, "I do believe in fairies, I do" and Isabelle has been saying "I do" ever since. She says at least 25 words. She's brilliant (of course, no mom has ever said that before! te he).

Barb
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 10:45:19 (EDT)
Barb~ hi! well the union is finding me a lawyer..the school is in violation of the maternity leave law.
right now I am collecting unemployment...I was actually offered another job at another swchool district..but ..honestly I do not want to go back to work, I am really getting used to staying at home with Ryan.
Marie
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 10:30:19 (EDT)
Good morning, everyone.

Melissa, you poor thing. Crying is really a stress reliever, and it sounds like you've been stressed lately. It's perfectly normal to cry, so let it all out! I'm sending hugs!

Marie, how are you? How did the whole mess with your job turn out? Is the union still looking into it?

Lyne, congrats on selling your house. Do you have any tips? My mom's house has been on the market for about a month with no offers.

To all Harry Potter fans: I read today that Ralph Fiennes (J-Lo's love interest in "Maid in Manhattan") is playing Voldemort in the fourth movie, due out in November 2005. And Rowling is pregnant again, due next year, but she plans to get the sixth book out as scheduled (I think by June).

Barb
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 10:19:38 (EDT)
Melissa~ (((HUGS)) you sure are having one tough week! As far as the WW is concerned..do not focus on that gain!!!! It was normal for me to gain a few times while I was in the program too! just think of the lbs. you have lost!

Today is a stay home and clean day..the weather is lousy!
Marie
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 09:40:26 (EDT)
Well it is offical!!! I am absolutely NUTS!!!! I feel like I have been totally scatter brained for weeks now and it is just getting worse. When I went to the doctor yesterday morning and tried to pay I realized that dh had MY bank card (cause he lost his!) so luckily they will let me pay when I go in for my NEXT follow up visit - and to make matters worse I went to Wal-Mart when I left work - shopped for AN HOUR -- then get to the checkout and realize (for the 2nd time today) dh has MY bank card!!!! Then I get to the car and realize that I have LOST my brand NEW (1 day old) sunglasses clip for my glasses!!! Well that just sent me over the top -- so there I was in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in my RENTAL car (I wrecked mine last Friday on my way out of town) in the SWELTERING heat hysterically crying because I don't have my bank card and I have lost my sunglasses clip! So I got home about 5 and finished off a bottle of homemade blueberry wine (yummmmmm, BTW) just wishing I had never gotten out of bed to begin with. I know I must sound twice as ridiculous as I feel! I just don't know what to do with myself!

I sure hope things don't get any WORSE!!!

Lyne ~ Thanks for the hugs, it is definately needed!

Hi to everyone else. My boss has gone to a trial lawyers convention so I am on my own till Monday and seeing as I am all caught up on my work here I am sure I will be visiting the board LOTS and LOTS for the next few days!



Melissa
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 09:14:12 (EDT)
morning girls! hope everyone is having a good week... my aunt is visiting so i've been busy doing the "touristy" things with her. it's been fun playing tourist for a couple of days!

MELISSA, keep your chin up, darlin, i know it's rough...

KERRI, being a step mom is NOT easy and personally i wouldn't recommend it! BUT we signed up for these relationships knowing our partners were part of a package deal, didn't we? i have a problematic 12 yr old stepdaughter, and i know how awkward of a situation it can be. i really hope that a stricter household and school may be exactly what she needs. i'm thinking of you!

LYNE, congrats on the house! that's great!

cherokee, ellyn, margarita, barb...have a wonderful day!
j-mo mama
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 09:13:39 (EDT)
Margarita-never been there, but heard about it when we were in Washington...near Port Townsend I know...Have a great time! :)
Kerri
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 07:54:39 (EDT)
Lyne-Congrats on selling your house! I bet that is a huge relief! Where will you be moving too? We hopefully close on a house next month so I cannot wait!

Margarita-thanks for the info. I will check out the net and see if I can find the test scores for this particular school. Hopefully they rate at or above the public school since my sd is already enrolled! Yes, I do believe for this particular child, my dh is hoping that there are "rules" for her...she has been known to tell off the teacher only to be sent to the social worker, then tell her off-only to be sent ot the principal...and then tell him off! The girl has problems! I know for a fact that her 5th grade teacher was more of a "friend" to the kids. Went as far as showing the class her belly button ring and talked to them about her upcoming divorce. She was a new graduate. The kids ruled her and she rarely had homework because the kids "didn't want to"...She also had a HUGE jar FULL of candy that they regularly got to dig their hands into each day and see how much they could take! Nothing like a little sugar to make a child with ADHD more "alert"!
Kerri
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 07:49:20 (EDT)
Lyne - yay on selling your house!!!

Kerri - we are going to be on Hood Canal this weekend ;o). Ever been there?
Margarita
Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 00:15:41 (EDT)
Hi ladies. I know its late, I dont usually post this late either. Been busy packing, we sold the house this week. Between doctors appts, packing, cleaning for OpenHouses, and showing the house, working fulltime, Im beat!! In not whining really :)

Melissa :) ~~ hugs ~~

Cherokee :) Hi

Ang :) Hope vacation is going good, Im sure it is!

Hi's to Barb, Margarita, Ellyn, Shawanda, Kerri, and everyone I missed.
Lyne
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 23:31:01 (EDT)
Kerri,
My second hand experience with Catholic schools in this area is not great.
My in laws have sent many of the kids in the family (there are 11 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins) to the local Catholic School. I have seen how the kids adjust to the change from strict private school to public school, and what I have seen hasn't been pretty. I also have heard that the tests that are required to be given to gauge performance are often given at the END of the school year as opposed to the beginning (public schools) so there is more or less a whole year of education between the testing in the same grades. That might skew results a bit, eh? The other complaint I heard was that the teaching of history was inaccurate. And I am not talking about presenting questionable history in a Biblical presentaion, but just plain inaccurate.
I don't know about your state, but here public school teachers are paid very poorly and many of the same things that Barb was saying about the private school teacher she knows apply to public school teachers here. Of course things like summer school or sports coaching would pay extra, but that is about it. That is only my state, however. I believe this state pays pretty poorly as there are a fair amount of teachers who get a certificate, then are wooed by a higher paying state and move there and take whatever (if any) additional credits they need for that state.
I don't have any first hand experience with Catholic Schools, so that is really all I can say about them. The only other thing I would wonder about is that if the focus is on following rules - well, the learner might be overlooked. Learners are so different and their interests, prior and current knowledge, and learning style have to be taken into consideration. If the curriculum is presented in a really strict fashion, teaching to different learners might be compromised.
You should be able to go online to whatever the title is of your state's head of education. For example, in Washington it is the Superintendent of Public Schools. They have a webiste - OSPI - and you can check the student-teacher ratio and state test results. I was surprised at how low the student teacher ratios are in my area - between 15 and 20 to 1.
You can even check demographics and special programs. So, you might look into that and see if your area is open enrollment, before deciding.
:o)
Margarita
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 22:53:31 (EDT)
Samantha~have you ever considered a charter school? We enrolled my daughter in a charter school (not all areas have them). There are a total of 18 students registered in her 1st grade classroom. There are only 87 students in K-3rd grade. After third grade she goes to the senior academy, which is 4-8th grade. We plan on sending her to a Christian high school, which is where her older brothers will be as well.

You get all the benefits of a private school, save the cost. Small classrooms, very individualized attention, and I feel like the kids are noticed more than in a large public school. We researched about 7 in our area and narrowed it down to two. My 7 year old starts there this Monday.
Cherokee
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 22:38:19 (EDT)
We have researched a ton of private Christian schools in our old and new area in last couple years. To be honest with you. Yes, I would indeed put my children into a private school even if the school district was great--. Not because I don't believe the school district is doing its job. I just think there would be more one on one help for the children and of course, my children would be learning more about the word of the Lord each day.
Our eldest child has ad/hd and HAS struggled a bit in the public school district-- However, we have moved into a new district and he is now thriving with the move and from our strict schedule at home in regards to school work.
Sadly, the cost of private school has proven to be an issue. We could easily send our first born without a problem and even out second child, but once our third is in school and you account for all the extra activities that would be a bit hard and we would not be able do family vacations (which I think are important) and it would be a bit tougher to save for college. So--- for now we will keep our children in their wonderful schools, have them do Awana’s with the church and keep working with them at home.
I hope that answers the question. LOL
We could afford to send one of our children to.

Samatha
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 21:45:14 (EDT)
Kerri, there was only one year that we got a new teacher mid-year (my 6th grade). As far as my friends in Bloomington, we've never discussed turnover at her school. She teaches there because she's a devout Catholic and that was her first job offer when they first moved there. But she's been there for five or six years (it was her first job out of college). One thing I do know is that she gets bored with the small staff, but who doesn't! And I also know that children from other religions go there.

Barb
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 16:45:42 (EDT)
Hope that last email made sense...just curious, not at all arguing! :)
kerri
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 16:23:34 (EDT)
I forgot to add...but if there is indeed high turnover that would not be good...unless it doesn't happen until the end of the year so the kids don't have more than the same few teachers...???
Barb...does the turnover happen at the end of the year? Has your friend ever mentioned that? And also the one who is teaching at the catholic school...why is she there compared to where her husband is teaching?
Kerri
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 16:22:24 (EDT)
Sheana-
No, I hadn't even thought of that. But I know that she is going to the private school to see how she does. If she continues to act out, we will try medication to see if it helps any. If it shows no difference I will most likely take her off of it. Being a nurse myself, I will never use medication unless it is totally necessary. IF after this, and medication...and possibly counseling...doesn't help we will probably look into what you had described. I would think that being put in a "special" school like that would only make matters worse since she would be segregated and coined "different". She is 11 going on 16 and hopefully will see her life with us as a positive change. Like a good friend of mine told me, tell her she is worth every penny that the school is costing us! That should make her feel "special" and hopefully motivate her to work hard...and learning morals along the way can't be bad either! I too have a 2 year old, and after the next year or so I will be able to state whether or not she will be also attending a Catholic school.
Based on what Barb stated regarding the teachers "perks" I have to wonder and assume that those who choose religious education to make their career in are really in it for the students...and not the money. That actually might make for a better environment. JMHO.
Kerri
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 15:52:23 (EDT)
Kerri and Sheana, I'm happy to share my experiences if it's helpful to you! Kerri, good luck with your step-daughter. It sounds like you have a good grasp of what she needs already.

Barb
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 15:49:58 (EDT)
Kerri: You most have been posting as I was. Do you guys have any schools that are just for what are labeled "trouble kids"? Usually these kids that both public and private schools label trouble are just hyperactive and do not have the attention span to sit still like non-ADHD kids do and find "creative" ways to keep them from being bored. We have a wonderful school here that is just for those kids. They find creative ways to engage these children while still teaching them the fundamentals. Most of these kids excel because they are no longer expected to just sit in a class room and learn but they are taken outside to explore nature and see science at its best and things like that. Maybe you guys could look into something like that?


Sheana again
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 15:07:09 (EDT)
Barb: I know your message was not intended for me but thanks for sharing it anyway! It gives me some things to think about. I haven't talked to anyone who went to a Catholic elementary and middle school and then went on to public high school so it was nice to get that prospective. I think I'll have to do a little more research into their rules, creative outlets among many things. Anyway, Thanks again!! Thankfully I still have a few years to decide. Anyway, thanks again!

Sheana
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 15:01:46 (EDT)
Barb and Sheana-
Thank you for your posts. What you have stated about Catholic vs Public schools have been many of the same discussions my dh and I have had. I am not Catholic, but my husband is. He too went to C.S from grade 1-8. He too commented on the strengths of the English, writing, and history classes in the system as well as weaknesses in the science dept. when joining the public high school. But what his big concern is for his daughter is that they teach religion AND have strict rules. He thinks that his daughter would benefit from a more rigid ciriculuum (sp?) and teachers who still run the classroom (not the students or parents which appears to be the case nowadays). When you stated they were strict, that was what I wanted to hear. This little girl is in need of military school in all honesty. I do believe she is ADHD and that plays a huge part into the problems she seems to have at her mom's, with her schools, with her friends (or lack thereof) and here with us. I think she just needs love and medication for this disorder...he thinks she needs more strict teachers. I don't know who is right, but because of the school's prices it will be cheaper if we are "members" of the parish. And since I am not Catholic, I would have to convert in order for our family to worship God toghether...and it is something I am having a difficult time adjusting to. I like my faith and since I was not raised Catholic, I feel uncomfortable in mass...not being allowed to do communion only because I am not a baptized Catholic...why not because I am a believer in Christ? A baptized Lutheran? This and many other questions about the faith have me wondering if this is the right choice for our family.
Kerri
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 14:55:39 (EDT)
Kerri, you know how I feel about religion, so take my comments as you will. I went to Catholic school from pre-K through 8th grade. While I don't have anything to compare it to (meaning, it wasn't like I was in Catholic school and my sister was in public... she and I went together), I feel that I got a good education in language and math. But as far as history and science, I was behind public school kids when I went to public high school in 9th grade. The student-to-teacher ration was great at my school -- I don't think I ever had more than 20 kids in my class. But in New York (I don't know if this is country-wide), private school teachers aren't paid as much as public school teachers and they don't get as many benefits, so they tend not to last very long. I had a lot of teachers right out of college, which, really, was fine to me.

However, I felt stifled at that school. Any time I had questions about religion or questioned what they told me, I was reprimanded (usually just a talking-to and extra work, such as essays, but there were a few times I ended up in the principal's office). We had very little creative outlets -- we had an art class half the year, once a week; then we had a music class the other half of the year, once a week. I never felt encouraged to be myself or express myself. It was more about following the school rules, which included real doozies, such as girls weren't allowed to sit with boys during lunch. Keep in mind I'm 27 now, and I hope things have loosened up.

Here's a coincidence: you live in Illinois, right? I have two friends there, a married couple that I've known since high school, and they're both teachers in Bloomington. One is a teacher at a private Catholic school (she teaches kindergarden), and the other is a teacher at a public school (he teaches 5th grade, or something close to that). He gets extra money for doing things like monitoring lunches. She gets nothing. He gets money to further his education. She gets none. He gets money to add to his classroom. She has PAID FOR SUPPLIES OUT OF HER OWN POCKET! She even had to sign paperwork saying she wouldn't use contraceptives because it's against their religion! (I know, I'll try to stay on topic.)

When I came out of Catholic school, it was like a culture shock. Suddenly I was in a class of 400 (I mean my whole freshman class, not my individual classes), surrounded by kids who've known each other most of their lives. In my opinion, it's better to raise kids in the "real" world. Do you have kids in school now? It seems that if your step-daughter is having trouble at home, separating her from your children or treating her different may alienate her and make her act out.

I know you'll choose what's best for your family. Good luck with the new addition!

Barb
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 13:57:25 (EDT)
I was lurking and seen something that I wanted to comment on...

Kerri: There are 4 public school districts within 20 minutes of here with open enrollment so that you can basically chose which district you want your child in. They are all "good" schools but I have every intention of sending my girls to Catholic schools (although we are not Catholic). IMO they have a much better academic program than most public schools and the teacher to student ratio is much smaller- both of which I think makes a huge difference. Because you are directly paying them to educate your child (instead of the state paying them), I think they tend to focus more on your child's needs rather than just pushing them through with everyone else.
Thats my opinion based on the research I've done on the Catholic school here as well as talking to a few of the students and parents- my girls are 2 yrs and 8 wks so I haven't dealt directly with the school yet. Anyway, I hope you find it at least a little helpful.


Sheana
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 13:28:26 (EDT)
I wanted to ask those of you out there with children in Catholic school your opinion on something. If you live in an area with "good" public schools, would you still send your child to a private school? If so why?
It appears that we will be having a new "permanent" addition to our family. My step-daughter will be here tomorrow for a "trial" year. Things are going poorly for her at her mother's house and in the school system there, so dh has offered to take her on here. I have mixed emotions about this, but will support him. He wants to enroll her in Catholic school in hopes that it will help her.
Kerri
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 11:44:42 (EDT)
Good morning all,
Well its a humid rainy day here! Not much to do, thank goodness for DVD's!!!

JMO-your story reminds me of a honeymoon "oops" my husband did of us!
We spent some time in Barcelona and spent a lot of time at the beach. Well, if you have been to Europe, you know that they are all topless when they sunbathe, so I thought, what the heck...you only live once and why not do "as the Romans do". Well, what I didn't know is dh took a pic of me...and forgot to tell me! So, my sister was with me when I picked up the pictures from the photo store and we were going through them and WHAMMO...there I am on the sand...goods and all! I wanted to die! My sister said something like "well, at least the view was good for him at the beach" while laughing...needless to say, I had a few words to say to him when he got home from work! He thought it was funny...I didn't! But now since it has been 4 years...I can laugh.

Melissa-gaining every once in a while is normal. Most likely it had to do with your period. It happened to me a few times also. Hang in there!
Kerri
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 11:27:58 (EDT)
Barb - I don't think I've really chosen anyone yet. I wanted Alison and Donny gone and they are. I also wanted the brothers gone, but they're still hanging on. I like Chip and Kim and I kind of like Sharla and Mirna -- Sharla more because it seems like she's the one who has to do every difficult or disgusting thing thing that they face (e.g. biting all the chocolates, eating the caviar, going down in the shaft and hauling up the satchel).

Ellyn
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 10:57:24 (EDT)
Ellyn, thanks for clearing that up for me. This is the first season of that show that I'm watching. I can't remember -- who are you rooting for? I think I like the twins the best, though they don't seem to be doing too well. If the twins go next week, I'll root for Chip and Kim, I think.

Hi there, Samantha. Welcome!

Barb
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 10:39:56 (EDT)
Barb - The teams on AR get a limited amount of money at the beginning of each leg of the race. I think most of the teams choose not to spend the money on a hotel room when they might need it for something else later. I'm pretty sure, though, they they get a place to stay when they actually reach the Pit Stops.

Ellyn
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 10:19:39 (EDT)
New here! I hope to join in on your discussions in the future.
As for the question of the week..... there are to many to count. I tend to be a clutz at times. LOL

Samantha
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 10:01:15 (EDT)
Thanks Barb.
Melissa
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 09:50:30 (EDT)
Melissa, we posted at exactly the same time! I'm sorry about Flo. You'll get there -- hang in there and have fun trying! Also, don't let the WW setback get you down. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of it has to do with Flo. Keep your chin up, girlie!

Barb
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 09:32:18 (EDT)
Well WW was a big disappointment last night. I GAINED 1.8 pounds and then when I got home AF had arrived. So no preggy this cycle and I gained 1.8 pounds! Could my day have gotten any worse???? I think not!

R & A's Mom ~ Don't worry about the nonesense that was SPEWED! I understood exactly what you meant! LOL - Thank you though for your kind words of encouragement yesterday, I certainly needed it.
Melissa
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 09:29:45 (EDT)
Good morning, everyone. I am really dragging today. I think having house guests really took my energy. I drove my mom to the airport last night and after that I just vegged on the couch. I'm feeling like a zombie today.

So who watched BB and the race show last night? My disgust for Jase continues to grow. Diane should have put up Drew (because he has a lot of power, and nobody would vote him out, so Scott would have been sure to go) but her feelings for him obviously got in the way of her seeing things clearly. We can still hope that Scott's the one to go... Marvin seems to be popular in the house, so cross your fingers! I loved seeing Cairo on "The Amazing Race"... what a beautiful place! I definitely need to see it before I die! I have a question about this show... are the players not allowed breaks? Like, can they EVER sleep in a hotel? I saw the creepy guy, Colin, and his girlfriend sleeping on the ground near the Tower of Cairo; I can only imagine they'd choose the ground over a bed if those were the rules. And all season I haven't seen anyone sleep other than in airports or on airplanes or buses. Is this a rule that I don't know about?

Barb
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 09:29:45 (EDT)
Excuse me! **SEA**. I have baby brain. I made a slight error. The idea was to let Melissa know that there is a chance and to not lose hope.
R & A's Mom
CanadaTuesday, August 03, 2004 at 17:45:14 (EDT)
I was just wondering of any of you care if iParenting gets rid of this board? I really think they need to. But then all the bickering and insulting would just move to the other talk boards.
lurker
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 16:39:16 (EDT)
i am in my 2nd trimester with twin girls and i dont really know whats coming so if someone can ancer me that would be great.
karan cunningham
email: amberbear1984@yahoo.com
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 15:54:50 (EDT)
Saraj:


Hmm, how did you get around the banning? Unplug your computer modem for a while perhaps.

Nice going on the GOD post. You will NEVER be accepted here again. The WOMYN wont tolerate your lack of irrevance, or your lack of compassion towards children you dont deem " as beautiful " as your own.

And about your Karma..umm.. good luck with that.
Cherokee
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 15:54:34 (EDT)
PS...I lost the email addresses of my e-pals form this forum...you know who you are, can you please email me again? Thank you!
Sea
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 15:38:01 (EDT)
I'll have to think of the topic of the week before I reply about it right away.

I have been taking a break from this forum, and it's been quite nice. :-)

---------------

I want to respond to this post...

Melissa- Just to let you know. You also can spot when the placenta starts to attach itself to the uterus. I wouldn't count anything out yet !!

I also spotted with both of kids !!
Riley & Abigail's Mom
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 10:04:17 (EDT)
--------------
It's not the placenta that attaches itself to the uterine lining...it's the fertilized egg. THIS can cause some spotting. (and period like cramps as well.)
Keep in mind, too, that some womyn bleed regularly through an entire pregnancy. It is not common, but it does happen.
I also want to comment on CHerokee;s post.
I see she is still name calling. That, to me, seems like it fits in this catagory (iParenting Media will not tolerate name-calling, impersonating others or threatening posts. ) and is grounds for blocking. We'll see if this chunker gets what she deserves. (Doubtful) Iparenting has shown total favortism. Why do I even bother here? It's the principle of it all I suppose.








Sea
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 15:35:56 (EDT)
Lisa J (aka MORON)...well sweetie, some of us work for aliving. I work overnight shifts in a NICU, which is why I don't post everyday. Would you like to see my timecard report? I also don't let this forum and its management rule my life (like some people). I have been right here, in sweltering Phx, AZ...and Angela is camping in the cool woods of Minnesota (hopefully not being eaten alive by mosquitos) with her strapping DH and children. LMAO.

A word of advice "Lisa J" (or wendy? I think sooooo...Hmmmmm) don't let the green-eyed monster rule your life...not only is it unbecoming...very unhealthy as well. Don't you get that I have friends here, and that you trying to stir the pot will only make YOU look even more stupid? Try to be thankful with what you are blessed with, and maybe it will grow from there. Besides, the real LiisaJ would never post such nonsense. She's cool. A word of advice, before you start impersonating people, please kindly check the spelling of their names first won't you? Thanks? Ta-Ta!

Anyhoo, onto *better* things...

Melissa~Maybe when you visit the doctor you could have him run a quantitative HCG..they are the "final answer" with pg tests. When I was pg with Madison, I always got BFN's even when I was two days late. And my cycles are very regular. I finally went to the doc when I was four days late, and he did a quant. That was when I learned I was pg with her. I hope BFP's for you...++++++++ {{hugs}}.

Margarita~I meant to respond to your email from earlier. I was at work, though! Thank you, I enjoyed the message! :0)

Hello everyone else! Well, LMAO, I will try to visit the fourm more often to avoid further speculation (j/k). We went for a drive this weekend and looked at some property outside of town..it would be a pretty long commute but it is a ranching type area and I could finally have my horses. And it is so quiet out there. It will be another year of overtime though..I am thinking of selling my two rentals. It will help us get there faster. We are trying to keep the same housepayment we have now. That would mean a hefty downpayment. Anyway, I need to run.,..Lots to do in preparation for school starting this Monday. School starts MONDAY...wooohoooo!
..I'm not sure if the kids are as excited as me...Heh heh...Be back later.
Cherokee
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 14:18:38 (EDT)
WENDY-

WE know that is you now posting as Lisa J...by the way she spells her name LIISA....and she NEVER posts here.

AND she has no problem with anyone here. And if she did, believe me she would be the first one to post her true feelings and I do think she would spell her name right....just a thought.

Leave other people out of your cowardly games child!!!
.....
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 13:37:54 (EDT)
Thanks Riley & Abigail's Mom, I am really puzzled by all of it. I guess I am back to the "WAIT & SEE" game! LOL
Melissa
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 10:06:07 (EDT)
Melissa- Just to let you know. You also can spot when the placenta starts to attach itself to the uterus. I wouldn't count anything out yet !!

I also spotted with both of kids !!
Riley & Abigail's Mom
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 10:04:17 (EDT)
Good morning, everyone.

Here's a cute story: my mom is home with Isabelle today, and Izzy was still asleep when I left for work, then slept until 8:30 (an all-time record, and she went to bed by 7 p.m., so that's a lot of sleep). My mom turned on Playhouse Disney to get it ready for her, and upstairs she heard Izz yell, "JoJo!" Then my mom went in her room and she was laying on her back with her feet up against the crib chatting with her bear, which she was holding up in front of her. She didn't see my mom, so my mom stood outside the door and listened to her chatting for a long time, then went in the first time Izz yelled, "Mom!" She is quite a character, that little girl of mine.

Melissa, best of luck! I got a little lost there with all your abbreviations, but I got the jist of things, and I'm still sending good vibes your way!

Have a great day!

Barb
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 09:52:09 (EDT)
Thanks Lyne! I am pretty sure that it is for real negative though. I am not sure that our timing was right this cycle. I have an appointment with the doctor I have been seeing about the dizzy, headache stuff tomorrow so if af still has not shown then I will talk to him about it tomorrow.
Melissa
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 09:44:28 (EDT)
Melissa :) Cheer up sweets. Dont count it out just yet, I had some light spotting in the beginning with DS and then it went away, along with the cramping. All hope is not lost yet.... keep positive, I am for you!!! ~~hugs~~
Lyne
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 09:41:42 (EDT)
Well I tested this morning - BFN! This may be TMI but after bd last night I had a tiny bit of spotting so I though af was on the way then this morning - nothing. I guess all I can do is assume that I am not pg and just wait for af to arrive. Thanks for the positive thoughts though.
Melissa
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 09:24:57 (EDT)
Ladies - Just ignore Lisa J. She is looking to stir the board up. Next thing you know and it will be out of control again.
Lurker
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 09:22:33 (EDT)
Lisa J ~ What???? why don't you read the posts first before you go and make an a$$ out of yourself.
Marie
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 09:17:28 (EDT)
Lisa J.... Not that you are worth posting too, BUT.... Angela is gone on vacation, NOT worried about posting here while she is enjoying some down time with her family. Cherokee works all kinds of wierd hours, and its not at all out of the norm for her not to post for a few days. Mind your own business for Gods sake.
Lyne
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 08:27:27 (EDT)
LISA J, are you jealous that angela's husband has taken her away on a vacation for a week?? that's why she hasn't been posting. i'm sure she is having too much fun on her vacation to find a computer and post here. and as for Cherokee, she has a
J-O-B.

so it's not strange at all that neither of them have been there. what is strange is your obsession with them.
j-mo mama
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 07:59:06 (EDT)
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......... WEIRD that when CHEROKEE (such CLASS) disappears , ANGELA does too.Guess we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth LMAO.
Lisa J
Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 01:47:18 (EDT)
Melissa - I will think positive for you, lol literally and figuratively.

I too had cramps, I was sure my period was about ready to start. I think it is fairly common to have some cramping when implantation occurs. The cramping happened for me first, then I was a bit late, then I started to have achy "ta tas" as Cherokee calls them.

Margarita
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 17:09:49 (EDT)
Melissa and Lyne, I had cramps, too. I was positive I was getting my period because they were exactly like period cramps. Then my father-in-law had a heart attack so I was distracted for a few days. When I realized I was still cramping and didn't get my period, I thought it might be a good idea to take a pregnancy test. And the rest is little Izzy history. Just an FYI -- my docs were worried that my cramping could be an ectopic pregnancy, so I had all sorts of ultrasounds those first few weeks, but she came out just right.

Barb
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 16:26:52 (EDT)
Melissa~ My fingers are crossed for you as well!!!!! sending baby dust your way!!!!!
Marie
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 15:19:24 (EDT)
Melissa :) I know you want this so badly, and I want it for you too! Just to let you know, with DD2, I had not missed AF yet, but was having cramping, and I thought, oh boy, its gonna be a doosey or Im pregnant. Well, it wasnt AF! So, some of that cramping might just be your bodu adjusting to being pregnant. ++++++++ Hang in there :)
Lyne
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 14:44:35 (EDT)
Thanks Barb & Lyne, but I am starting to have some cramping. I guess I just have to WAIT & SEE! I hate this part! LOL
Melissa
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 14:06:22 (EDT)
Melissa :) Fingers AND toes crossed!!! Keep us posted ++++++++++++++++
Lyne
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 13:18:34 (EDT)
Melissa, ooooooooooh, my fingers are crossed for you!

Barb
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 12:32:29 (EDT)
Hi Everybody,
Hope you all had a great weekend.
My most embarrassing moment? there are so many but one that always sticks out in my mind was when I was about 13yrs. old Jen and I had gone out to eat at a german resteraunt with her whole family..now Jen and I were getting a little bored during dinner so we escaped to the ladies room..Jen got a hold of a maxi-pad ( a clean one ) and wrote on it with lipstick.."HELLO" and stuck it behind the toilet on the wall...as we were giggeling over it a woman came in and looked up at it in awe...Well back at the dinner table the whole thing kept running through my mind and as I gulped down my soda I had to laugh outloud at it and I had spit soda all over her family sitting across from me.
( sorry Jen..had to share that one..lol )
Marie
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 12:17:51 (EDT)
My most embarrassing moment....well I am always embarrassed by the dumb stuff I have done while drunk! Although I never actually remember the event the stories afterwards are always embarrassing!

Can y'all possible say a little pray for me - I'm LATE (with no signs of af showing)!!!!

I will check back with y'all later.
Melissa
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 11:57:02 (EDT)
J-mo mama, I think your story takes the cake! I know this sounds lame, but I tend to forget (or push out of my head) embarrassing situations. One I can remember happening a few years ago: I had put some music on my computer at work, and put my headphones on. After a few minutes, a friend in the next cube came over and pointed at my speakers... my headphones weren't plugged in! I know, boring story, but it's the best I've got right now!

I had a great weekend. Friday night I went to Target with my sister and she showed me all the stuff on her baby registry. Saturday we took my mom around to look at apartments (she decided on an apartment for when she first moves instead of a townhome, a decision that is a huge relief to me) and we went out to lunch. Then we went to the farmer's market, made chili and my sis, hubby and I went to see "Napolean Dynamite" while my mom babysat. The movie was slow. Yesterday we went to the flea market, Target (Isabelle was spoiled!) some other shopping, then out to dinner. It was a good weekend, and I'm sad that my sister leaves today and my mom goes tomorrow.

Barb
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 09:03:15 (EDT)
morning ladies! hope everyone had a good weekend. as for me, i'm ready to get back into the swing of things after our 4 day holiday weekend!

my most embarrassing moment. well, like many of you, i've got a million. many revolve around my darling 3 yr old and the things that she says in public. like pointing out a lady's moustache. pretty embarrassing.

but i would have to say my all time most embarrassing moment ever was...hmm, how should i word this? ok, we had my husband's cousin over and we were showing her videos we had taken of her daughter the previous Christmas, when all of a sudden, a somewhat naughty "scene" flashed on the tape for about 15 seconds, then resumed back to her daughter. let's just say my husband SWORE he had erased that, and i was absolutely MORTIFIED. i never blush but it's safe to say my face was on fire that day. my husband's cousin and i couldn't look at each other for weeks after that.

and on that fine note, have a good day ladies!
j-mo mama
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 08:19:23 (EDT)
Kerri,
I never knew you skated! Cool.

My most embarrassing moment: like Jen, I lost count a long time ago. I also am always sticking my foot, and sometimes my whole leg, into my mouth. A few years ago, my work partner (not like business owner partner, just someone I paired up with in teams alot) and I were going on a "housecall" to a business owner who worked from home. The business was owned by someone my sisters had went to school with, and my sister and her dh who own their own plumbing business do business with this company. Anyhow, I had heard how beautiful the home was, so I was excited to see it, as well as try to woo some business. LOL when the wife answered the door, I introduced my partner and myself, then asked, "can we come in" and practically stepped into the home! It wasn't too bad, we all chuckled at me - I quickly explained how excited I was to see her beautiful house - and we went in and had a nice coffee and business discussion. I never did get any business from them, though ;o). My partner, who is a good friend, still likes to tease me about it (I get very red when embarrassed) to see my reaction.
When I was in 2nd grade, I peed my pants at school and a little boy found out and told everyone. That was embarrassing, too.
Margarita
Monday, August 02, 2004 at 00:56:07 (EDT)
I think my embarrassing moment was when I was in an iceshow doing a "teacher" number with my fellow instructors and in the middle of a "pinwheel" or "crack the whip" where I was on the end due to being she shortest, I flew off somehow and when flying into the boards on my butt. I didn't hurt myself, but it was totally embarrassing because, being an instructor, I SHOULD know how to skate...and here I go flying into a wall. My students and parents had a good laugh with that one. The worst part of that is, that was the night it was filmed for TV!
Kerri
Sunday, August 01, 2004 at 20:12:04 (EDT)
To be honest...I have sooooo many I dont know where to begin. Any of you can ask Marie...I am known for sticking my foot in my mouth at any given moment. I have done some pretty stupid things in my life. And even though I am a nicey nice girl...I always am the one to offend someone and I dont mean to...I just try to be funny, and tend to offend...not on purpose mind you...just do it.

So I am always making an ass out of myself....I am always embarrassed.


Jen
Sunday, August 01, 2004 at 19:56:57 (EDT)
A more recent embarrasing moment would have to be when me and DH were steeling a romantic moment with the bathroom door locked thinking the kids were watching TV and out son comes knocing on the door saying "I know you're naked!" Very embarrasing!!
Nancy
Sunday, August 01, 2004 at 17:19:20 (EDT)
Let's see my most embarrasing moment that I can think of right off would have to be when I was in kindergarten. I was going to the dentist after school to get my two front teeth pulled and I guess I was really scared. We went to the restroom and while I was waiting in line, I peed my pants. That was really embarrasing!!! That was a l-o-n-g time ago and I am still embarrased just thinking about it!
Nancy
Sunday, August 01, 2004 at 17:16:18 (EDT)