That sounds fun. We had a place like that near us when the kids were little and we lived in NJ. Hay rides, pumpkin picking, etc. Apple cider donuts are one of my all-time favorites!
1 Like
Tomorrow my wife and I are doing a bike ride along a local waterway (the C&D Canal) then having lunch at this awesome waterfront restaurant. Very excited. We finally found a respite worker (that we trust) to watch our 22 year old daughter for a few hours on Saturdays so we can get out together. YAY! We are hoping and praying this is a long term solution as our experience has been that these workers tend to come and go and are not always very reliable. 
11 Likes
I like how you describe that, curled inwards. It makes those feelings sound comforted until they pass.
1 Like
Maybe it s this
2 Likes
Good day all. Stay strong. Stay the course.
See above for pictureā¦
4 Likes
Lovvvvvve it
1 Like
Congratulations to the twins 
and congrats to you! such a wonderful mom you are 
2 Likes
Got everything crossed for you mate, hope your daughter and her new helper geton great so you and your wife can have a little time out, must be really hard trusting other people and being able to relax, enjoy your bike ride x
2 Likes
I love your hair 
Friday night teaā¦hope you are all goodā¦letās see if Geoff wakes up at 4:30 again. I had massive insomnia last night. I was up until 5:00am after having my sleep pretty much in check for the past several weeks. Then had to wake up at 7ā¦so should not have trouble falling asleep tonight! Hope to catch up with a few of you tomorrowā¦
4 Likes
This is for all of you here. Youāve all made me feel as if I have a meaningful friendship with each of you and that is a very important part of my sobriety. Thank You from the bottom of my heartā¦
10 Likes
Morning Tom. I was awake at 4 but did manage to get back to sleep thanks.
@funnydad, ah, Chris ya big soppy get! Come here!
2 Likes
I agree wholeheartedly with what you just wrote Chris. These friendships here could very well be the most important part of mine, and I take them very seriously. So thank you too, my friend. And whoās planning our first ever (what do you call a reunion if the first one hasnāt taken place?) global meet and greet? I nominate Hanna
5 Likes
(everyone)
4 Likes
James!!
2 Likes
Aw poor Stella. Does she prefer to look more āgirlyā for her own reasons, or does she feel expectations, like somethingās wrong if she doesnāt? I think itās an age where kids are learning lots about the world and social dynamics, and becoming more aware of their own identities, and I think doubt naturally comes with the territory. Doesnāt mean youāve been doing something wrong. I donāt know what the best course of action is. I do think though, that by reminding and teaching her whatās true, and always being there to support her, you are doing the important bits, and the rest is just details in comparison.
3 Likes
Iād agree with James. As long as she understands that they are just words. Obviously if it persists then I would say something. But for now , if it is an isolated occurrence, just tell her to ignore it.
I was bullied at school and so was my wife and when our eldest started to complain to us that she was getting unwanted attention at first school we went to see the head. We felt we were not only ignored but treated like we were troublemakers. You know the old " we have a policy of no bullying in this school" as if to say because the policy is there it doesnāt happen.
How well do you know the parents of the child?
Iāve always found it a tricky problem because schools donāt want to admit they have a bully problem. It is bad for their image.
I think as long as she is happy, and understands that she is not in the wrong.
Kids observe things and point out the differences as they see them. Itās part of their learning about themselves and their wider environment, as James says.
Anyway, if she follows you then I canāt believe sheās ever look like a boy, you donāt.
4 Likes
@keiti pumpkin. This is an important and inevitable phase youāre going through. It went similar with me. I was a very diligent mom in everything else but drinking like an alcoholic. I put childrenās needs always first (except passing out at nights), did everything by the book, spent almost 24/7 with themā¦ I really thought this is something you cannot take away from me. Although Iām a looser alcoholic pile of shit (my own thoughts), I know how to parent and Iām better than many sober momās, I have a right to be alive cause I take care of my kids. After stopping drinking it was really tough to let go of that illusion. To go to groups regularly instead of being the captain at home, finding my own interests, hobbies and me time without feeling guilty. A year ago I couldnāt have imagined to live separate from kids on week week basis. I thought it would crush me. It didnāt, although Iām still learning. We all are. I believe it is about guilt, dignity, being a whole separate person, woman, instead of a momperson who lives and breathes through parenting. Donāt know if you can relate and I think itās more easier to proceed/recover with a bit older kids involved (or then notā¦)
I d talk about that hair issue with Stella. How she has this exceptionally silky hair and some might be envious about thatā¦ Talk with her until she feels good?
Edit Silky not silly hair!!!
8 Likes
Ahh yeah that makes sense. Not wanting to have it pointed out how sheās different from everyone else.
2 Likes
No words Chris, cause it s so weird we are all in this together. So far away of each other but yet so close.
Have to add that 9/11 touched me personally and our Scandinavian community as well and profoundly. Injustice and suffering happens every day all around but that was a concentrated, macabre master piece of blind evil and suffering.
1 Like