Many of our medical people have not yet accepted that exposure to many of the poisons sprayed on land that is "conventionally" farmed can cause chronic health problems even though they recognize they can cause acute health problems. Exposure to more then one could cause a symbiotic relationship that is not healthy. That some people are more susceptible to adverse reactions to these poisons is also a known and if that person is exposed to more than one of these potential allergins can cause even larger problems. Unfortunately the only way to find put if a person is suscetible to any substance is to expose them to that substance. While an allergist can, and will, test someone for these types of allergies it will only be done if there is good reason to suspect there is a need. So alaria121 if you are still able to please update us on what, if anything has been found.

Paul Prudhomme changed his recipes over a decade ago, and I tried watching his revised show, but he took it to an extreme that I thought was unnecessary. However, he is a good comparison and is what I thought of first. I have fond associations with Southern accents - it reminds me of some of my roommates at Rice. I no longer live in "Y'all" country, and I never used that word much even when I did, but I do not find it nearly as annoying as when people say, "What I'm going to do next is I'm going to..." instead of saying "Next I'm going to..." Or when people say "actually" twice or more in one sentence. There was a woman on the Steven and Chris Show that did that last week, and I had the change the channel because of her. Another word (not a real word) that annoys me no end is "vinegar-ette". It seems that chefs are deliberately taught improper English, and I think they should be made to take speech classes (or get speech therapy) like the class I had to take for my Interior Design degree. I do like Paula Deen, but I revise her recipes when I make them. I think her cheesecake recipe is fine as is, but I would not make it very often. I find it endearing that Paula calls her son "Son". To me, it shows motherly love. It's better than using "DS" on a forum, as "DS" can mean "son" or "sister", and it always gets me confused. Giving children numbers is even worse since pseudonymns are always an option. I had an uncle who had pseudonymns for everyone, but then he was rich, eccentric, and childless and could get away with it. Annie, I love the olive wood Paula Deen spoons you sent me!!! Larry the Cable Guy has made a career using a fake southern accent - he was born in Nebraska and has a midwestern accent in his normal voice. I wish Paula the best and hope she will be able to get this under control. Lars

So you have a real lot going on. Not just in your family, but in your own personal life. As far as making the first move with communication with your step daughters, that's not so uncommon. My father and brother had not spoken in a year. Not becuase of a fight, but because my father did not pick up the phone to call him. Now, my brother didn't either, but he's never been one to do that anyway. So, knowing that, I told my father that if he wanted a relationship, he'd have to make the effort. He's the father. I'm sure that from his point of view, my brother should have picked up the phone, and I understand that, but a year went by, and it didn't happen. My brother did email him, but his wife deleted the emails. Actually, my fathers wife actually fed this problem, but telling my father that he should be mad, that my brother should call him, etc. I spoke with them, and told that the phone works both ways. Sometimes as a parent, you have to be the bigger person. I know it's long winded, but you get what I'm saying. Like any other relationship, you may have to give to them (calling, emailing) more than you get. That would be a good first step. Disengaging on certain things is fine, but overall, it can leave a hole in your relationship with your DH and his children. His children are a huge part of his life. To have that open hole will create issues. To answer your question: So do I just suck it up, get involved where he wants me to and go ahead and make contact with them? The answer is yes. (in my opinion) I think you have nothing to lose here. They are not drug abusers or addicts, they are just self centered children who have some growing up to do. If you play on their team, and with their Dad, you can have that family that you want. It will take some time, but since they are just really immature and sound as though they are rude, that can change over time. You also wrote: I guess my insecurities from my prior marriage and being left raising a seven month old by myself is the basis for all of this. I'm not sure how it ties in. Are you afraid that you will lose your DH to his children? If you think that ties in, then I would suggest you keep that in the front of your mind when you are having a moment of insecurity. His daughters are not a threat to you at all. You are his wife, and they are his children. Keep reminding yourself of that. This is something that you will have to work on yourself. If you don't, his children will pick up on that, and resent you. It will become a tug of war between you and his girls, and that's not a fair fight. They need their Dad in their life, and over time, if you can foster that relationship, you will all be much happier. I can tell you first hand that if you show hostility or insecurity toward his girls, they will feel it, and end up resenting you. I went through that with my own father and his wife. His wife just doesn't want any of his children around. It makes her feel threatened for some reason. In the end, it really hurt the relationship with my father and I, and caused a lot of pain. That is something that I'll never get back. Have you ever heard the phrase "fake it til you make it"? That's a good place to start. If you can put it into words, I'd be curious to know what it is about his relationship with his daughters makes you feel insecure. I think that may be the key to you having more harmony in your life.

dian57 Thanks for showing me your EK AmberÂthat is a very pretty color also! Looks great in your room! I recently just learned of EK on here, she really has beautiful colors and the finish is very rich Thanks again!! Ree Totallyblessed Five children? I see were you got your user name from (smile) your girls are lucky to have three brothers to watch over them! I have two, my other child is a boy, heÂs eleven  he makes up for having ten .. (smile) I am not sure what the difference is between the mustard seed and my dining roomÂs cashew crunch?? To me, they look very close , (not IRL, I have only seen the color on here) I think I am looking at too many goldÂs and they are all starting to look the same. The EK mustard seed looks richer, I have seen it on here with white trim, dark cabinets/furniture. .it has that extra zing. BMÂs new line Aura has " Honeymoon" .. I have seen it on here also (canÂt remember whoÂs thread that was) I do remember is was a beautiful house and colorÂI will have to look it up again. I want to also see EK Classic Cream I may do my entry in that , as that is the same as my DR..I canÂt have every room gold!! I think it will be a nice flow from the kitchen, and will look good when I paint the dining room red (looking into EK rust) I think I better buy a fan deck! That was so sweet to offer to mail the paint strips to meÂ(thank you!) I will hold off until you get yours made are you painting the walls the sand or Indian cream? I like exactly what she had in the bedroom I read all the posts from the thread you started and I saw the formula she posted , after you have it made let me knowÂ(you go first.. LOL) if I canÂt find PP samples, I will take you up on it! SW or BM can copy any color. .isnÂt it amazing! I have to get through this kitchen first. (ugh) I wish we could gut this kitchen and do what I really wantÂ.itÂs just not me. The previous owner must have had a lot of wine as she planned it. lol!!! Not only is it dark, the lay out is not correct ..itÂs a mess. This will be a quick "lift me up" until we decide if we are moving or not in two years. If we stay, I will redo the entire kitchen, possibly build it out to make it a little bigger (that was our plan to begin with) but we wonÂt do it until we know if we are staying here or notÂ.. Time will tell! Ree