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Adrenal fatigue: what do you know?

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

I mentioned on Facebook last week that my midwife was testing me for anemia.  What??  You don’t follow Life in a Shoe on Facebook?  Why not?

Anyway, I was at my midwife’s office last week for a blood draw.  This was my idea, not hers, because I am not currently seeing her for any other conditions including pregnancy.  That’s mainly because I am not, to the best of my knowledge, pregnant.

More accurately, it was Perry’s idea.  He thinks I have been rather more tired than usual over the past few months.  I’m not sure that’s true, but I am sure that I have more confidence in his observation than in my own memory or perception, especially if I’m unusually tired.

This was the first time I have EVER been stuck twice for a single draw.  I have fabulous veins, and have been told by various people in a non-creepy way that I would make a great drug addict.  If I liked needles and had higher blood pressure, I might also make a great blood/plasma donor.  As you’ll see, low blood pressure can be a problem when you’re trying to get something out of a vein.

When she stuck the needle right into my clearly exposed bright blue vein, nothing happened in the little vial.

“Hmm,” she said.  ”That’s odd.  I thought it went right into the vein.”  After a little wriggling and jabbing of the needle, we had nothing more than a few pathetic drops.  ”I’m so sorry.  I’ll have to try again.”  Poke.  Still very little action in the vial.

I began to think that instead of anemia, she should check me for a pulse.  Death causes lethargy, right?  I squeezed a squishy ball with my hand repeatedly in an effort to bleed compliantly, but it was slow going.  My blood pressure always runs low, but apparently I needed to drink more water that morning.  Looking at the thick dark sludge in the vial, I had to wonder if she was going to reconstitute it before sending to the lab.

After a long time, she smiled brightly and told me that the quarter vial she had would be plenty.

A few days later, the results are in: my bloodwork is beautiful.  No anemia here. (Does anyone know if mild temporary dehydration could skew the results?)

With anemia ruled out, I need to look at other possibilities.

What do you know about adrenal fatigue? My midwife suggested that as a second possibility.  I have enough symptoms to make it a strong possibility, but I also get the impression that doctors don’t necessarily think it’s a real ailment and everyone could have the symptoms on the lists I’m seeing.  (Do you crave sweet and/or salty and/or high protein and/or high fat foods?  Do you sometimes stay up too late, and have a hard time getting started in the morning?  Really?  You too?  No way!!!)

Of course it could also be the fact that I have been pregnant, nursing, or both for over 19 years without a break.

It could be because I am quickly creeping up on my 5th decade.  Er, that would be the 40′s.  Just like the 1900′s were actually the 20th century.  I’m not 50, though I like to think I would look great for my age if I were.

It could be the fact that my still-nursing 20mo baby only recently started sleeping through the night, and only in the loosest sense.  He still wakes often, and winds up in my bed more than what I would call “occasionally,” but less than “frequently.”  Is there a word for that?

It could be because although the baby is finally beginning to sleep a little better at night, the other young children are not.  I get at least one or two visitors each night, and on a busy night my bedroom looks more like a fast food drive through:

“I need a drink of water.”

“I need you to turn on the bathroom light.”

“Bethany has my blanket.”

“I’m scared of that little green guy on that cartoon I watched when I was 4.”

“Pant, pant, pant.”  Stare… (that’s the dog)

“Parker won’t sleep.”

“I need you to turn on the bathroom light.”

“I can’t sleep.”

“Are you asleep?”

“The dogs pooped all over the living floor and I stepped in it.”

Gee, I don’t know why I’m so tired all the time.  Adrenal fatigue, or is it just life?  Or are they both the same?

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For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

posted by 11yo Natalie

I have a few things to sell.  The reason that I would like to sell these things is because I need money for Christmas.

This year we are doing something new where each person gets one present.  Everybody chips in except the person it’s for.

I really need some money to chip in, so I am selling these things.  They are brand new and very cool!

Please add $5.00 shipping per order.

I have 2 Roman Short Swords for $19.00 each or both for $32.00.

Product image

And the other is a Remote-Controlled Gyroscope Deluxe Helicopter I will sell for $36.00.

Product image

 

And Becca has an English Adventure Sword that she bought from clearance.  It’s new, but has a few scratches and is missing the sheath.  She would like $16.00 for it so she can chip in on gifts too.

Product image

 

And Megan wants to sell some things in my post.

Fun Ride Super-Z Zip Line

Fun Ride Super-Z Zip Line for $90

Fun-Ride Deluxe Zip Line

Fun-Ride Deluxe Zip Line for $60

Fun-Ride Original

Fun-Ride Original for $30

The Jubilee Doll

The Jubilee Doll for $45

The Fidelia Doll

The Fidelia Doll for $45

The Abigail Doll

The Abigail Doll for $45

And that’s all!  If you want to buy something on this list, please use the form below and my mom will email you.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message

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Elves on the move

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

image

Digging through a bag of ancient hand-me-downs today, we found some items that brought smiles and laughter to our crew.
On a whim, I agreed to take them to town IF Kaitlyn would wear the outfit.
It was an easy sell.
I think we added to the net joy in San Antonio today. What have you done for your town?

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I can drive!

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

Posted by: Kittykait

Last week I got my Learners Permit!  I was a little nervous about the test but it was all multiple choice questions, easy!

As it turns out the part I should have been nervous about was the picture. I think they need to change the order of things and do the vision test *after* they take your picture to make sure your not permanently blind.  If you watch everyone in the room jumps and blinks when the flash goes off.  I thought I was struck by lighting for Pete’s sake!

Anyhoo since then my eyesight has recovered and I’ve driven Dad (most of the way) to work 3 times and on Sunday we had an extra car in town so I drove Mom all the way home from church all in our Kia, which is a manual. Manual is generally thought of as really hard but I had a good teacher (my dad) so I think it’s fun.  I’m not perfect at it but I was feeling really proud of myself Sunday because I had to start and stop on a few hills (for the first time) and I didn’t even come close to killing anyone! :)

Right now we have 3 working vehicles, the great white whale, the Mustang and our little Kia. I haven’t driven the van yet which, for now, is fine with me.  I drove the Mustang half way home one time and even though it’s automatic (and super cool) for now I prefer the Kia because the nose is shorter and the windows are bigger so I don’t have to be too nervous about what I can’t see.

I think the dumbest thing I’ve done while driving was right after a light turned green, I shifted into first, to start, then I gave the car some gas. But the car didn’t move so I gave it more gas… still nothing, I was getting kind of frantic then I realized I must be in third. Nope. I was pumping on the the brake not the gas. That made me feel really intelligent. I didn’t even mind when Natalie and Becca waived and pointed to the “Student Driver” sign from the back seat.

Mom and I were wondering together how many people know how to drive manual.  Mom thought probably less know than don’t.  So shouldn’t automatics be called standards?

Let’s see:

Can you drive manual?

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Remember months ago when I said I would do a weekly poll? I did warn you that I would forget!

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Help me choose a skirt

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

We’re trying to choose a new skirt (or two) from New Creation, and there are tons of new ones available, plus a few beautiful styles on clearance.  I need help.  :)

French Country Blues is elegant, and unlike anything I own.

I’m wearing my Diagonal Stretch Denim Blue right now.  It’s the most comfortable demin skirt I’ve ever owned, thanks to a touch of spandex.

City Chic Wave Steel Gray sounds even softer and more comfy, and I love the shape!  I could use another denim skirt, especially if it has a little bit of a special look and feel.

The Neah khaki looks like a refreshing change from standard-issue.  Love the pockets, of course, and the ruffle at the bottom is a pretty touch.  By the way, searching “pockets” on the New Creation Apparel site turns up a lot of results. That makes me happy.

And I’m quite taken with the silhouette of this Liberty Bell Salt & Pepper Crystals.  Hey, now.  It’s on clearance at 60% off, so don’t buy it before I have a chance to make up my mind!

Which one should I choose?  Or should I pick something entirely different?  Pssst…watch for another New Creation giveaway in a few weeks!  Why not start browsing now so you’ll be ready to enter?

 

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Baby carrier/diaper bag does dual duty: Go-Go Babyz Sidekick

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

It’s on Zulily (search Sidekick)for almost 50% off the price anywhere else, and I’m wondering if anyone has tried it out yet?  I love the idea but can hardly find any reviews!  I’m deeply devoted to my Ergo, but this is way cuter, way cheaper, and looks a lot like the Ergo’s hip carry.

What do you think?

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Jubilee Dolls for sale

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

By Natalie 11 yo

Well, I have some Jubilee dolls for sale.  These are new in the box.

Note from Mom: speaking of clearance, Vision Forum just launched their Fall Clearance sale to make room for new items in the warehouse.  Save up to 70% on over 300 bestsellers! [ends 10/8]

The reason why I would like to sell  the dolls is because I have been trying to save up for a camera. I would like a Canon Powershot and the reason I would like a Canon is because my oldest sister has one, and when I saw how much she liked it I really wanted one.

I love to take pictures of little kids and other stuff.  Here are some pictures I’ve taken with our family camera.

Also, there is a church retreat that I would like to chip-in on because some of  us older kids would like to help with the expenses.  We really want to go because it’s really fun.  There is canoeing, dancing til midnight, and you can make fast friends there.  There is also an airsoft war.   We went last year and had a lot of fun!

So I am selling these for $45 each, including shipping.  They usually cost $75 plus shipping.  Here is a picture.  You can use the contact form below to tell me if you want to buy a doll.

Thank you if you buy one!

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message

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Don’t you hate it when…

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

Don’t you hate it when you have to go to the bathroom and it seems like the whole world is conspiring against you?

On Labor Day, I was in Home Depot with Perry and Deanna.  Deanna and I took off on the traditional visit to the ladies room.  We were in a hurry.  OK, I was in a hurry.  I had to go.

We went all the way to the back of the store and turned left.  We were almost there when we hit a road block!  They had closed the aisle for restocking.  Ack!

You know how the sight or sound of water makes you have to go even worse?  We had already come through the plumbing supplies.  Now we had to go back through the plumbing supplies again.  Ack!

I looked down the next aisle past all the toilets but our way was still blocked.  Ack!

We continued past the bath tubs, shower heads, bathroom sinks, and more plumbing supplies.  We were almost there.  Deanna asked me if I was blogging this in my head.  Yes, it’s my coping mechanism.

It was just past the kitchens, with all their sinks and faucets and sprayers.  Oh, and the washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators with water dispensers.  And more kitchen sinks, a la carte this time.

And the water fountain.  Right outside the bathroom door.  Is that a cruel joke?  No, scratch that question.  Of course it is.  The question is, what kind of a joke?  Do they put it there to taunt the desperate people who are coming ? Or is it to refill the kids as they leave, another cruel joke?

Waiting for the punch line?  There is none, unless you count my desire to punch the guy who blocked my way to the bathroom, or the one who thought a water fountain outside the bathroom was a good idea.  I’ve wanted to punch him for years.

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Winner of 2 DVDs by the Gunn Brothers

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

Thanks to everyone who entered last week’s giveaway for a free copy of Monstrous Regiment of Women and Shakytown.  The winning comment, chosen randomly from 105 entries:

Katrina says:

August 19, 2011 at 4:02 pm

I like In A Shoe on FB

Congratulations, Katrina!

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Linky love

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

Some of my favorite articles lately…

Who thinks the fact that several of those links were food-related has anything to do with the last 6 weeks of dieting?

What have you been reading?

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Ack! Why didn’t anybody tell me?

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

I feel like I just spent 3 days with my skirt tucked into my underwear.  I’ve been working behind the scenes on a new look, a makeover for our blog, using this really cool plugin that lets you test-drive a theme.

This nifty little piece of software lets me see and use my blog with its new look, ironing out all the wrinkles and making it look just the way I want, while the unsuspecting world sees nothing but the old look.  Cool, huh?

You weren’t supposed to see anything new.  You weren’t supposed to see stuff in the sidebars appear and disappear.  You weren’t supposed to see the entire blog accidentally turn into italics and stay that way for a whole day and a night.  You weren’t supposed to see the posts switch to excerpts instead of full content.  Don’t worry – I hate that.  Unless a bunch of people loudly disagree, that feature is *not* staying.  I don’t even know how it happened. It didn’t do that in the new theme.

What else did you see?  Maybe I shouldn’t ask.

Next time, y’all please tell me my skirt is tucked into my underwear.  Okay?

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Calling all D/FW readers!

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

I’m in the mid-cities with most of my children until Tuesday and would love to get together with some bloggy friends!
Can anyone suggest a McD with a nice big indoor Playland or another cool place to meet for lunch on Monday?
And would anyone come hang out with us?

edited to add:
Here’s the place!
Mc Donald’s 1 (817) 656-4100 5609 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, TX 76034-6022 http://m.google.com/u/m/xi5wXH

We’re planning to be there Monday from 12:30 – 2:00. Who will we see?!

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No birthday post for Deanna because…

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

We’re on our way to a party for her 18th birthday!
I can’t believe there are now 3 adults living in our household!

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Dolls for sale

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

This is Becca, and Megan is paying me to sell some dolls for her. I don’t get very many chances to earn money, so she’s going to pay me half the price to get somebody to buy her dolls.

If I do get them sold, then first I’m going to do tithes, then savings, then I’ll use the money to buy birthday presents and stuff for Bethany and Perry. Bethany will be 3 on the 27th and Perry will be 5 on the 28th. I got one thing already for Bethany, but I want to get more.  I might get Perry some Leather Cowboy Chaps and Vest if I can get enough money.

Now about the dolls.  Megan has two brand new dolls for sale.

They are Abigail:

And Liberty:

They usually cost $75 each, but Megan and I are selling them for $45 each, and we will pay the shipping.  I think that’s much too cheap, but my mom says nobody will buy them if we charge $50.

If you want one, tell me in the comments and I will tell you how to pay.

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Beach!

Current giveaway: The Last Pilgrims book: ends 2/23

I know my blog looks lonely, but y’all!  We’re at the beach for ONE MORE DAY!

Come back tomorrow for my 4 Moms post (yes, I did my chores while I was at the beach) and for now, pop over to Frugal Hacks and read #9 in my series about How to Monetize Your Blog.  Or just meet me down at the water in half an hour.

Pictures?  Later.

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