Hi everyone, Im Heather, 46 and new to the forum. Just wanted to share a bit of my life with you about my beautiful children Jack and Katie. Jack is 18 (19 in April) and although he got 3 a levels at college last year, was brave/man enough to stand up and say that he didnt want to go to university for lots of reasons, mainly that he just wanted to get "out there and start earning" and also that he wasnt ready to leave home yet.. Suits us we said (scarey when your babies grow up isnt it!) anyway, he's applied for several apprenticeships to become a design engineer, so fingers crossed.

My daughter Katie is 15 (16 in August) and is due to start college in September to study dramatic arts and film studies. She wants to be a singer (musical theatre) and goes to a drama/singing academy once a week. They put on a large production each year and this year its The Wizard of Oz. She's got an audition next week for the part of Dorothy, so here's hoping!

My husband Kev is just fab. We've been married for 22 years. He's had his difficult times and has struggled and defeated depression very recently. Its lovely to have him back to what he was (a stronger version really!) but oh my god, I had forgotten what a wind up merchant he can be!!!!

Last but not least is our bruiser of a cat, weighing in at 14lbs named Bruce after Bruce Willis. He's the neighbourhood thug but the biggest softest mummys boy indoors. Wasnt too chuffed with him this morning jumping on the bed (newly changed) very large wet paws!

Heatherxxxx

Hi Heather and welcome to the forum. Jenni is very knowledgeable, she helps me tremendously, and brings me down to earth when I try to get too clever with doig stuff!! Anyway, I am Barbara, married to Roy, have 2 sons grown, and 2 daughters, one adult and one of 16 years doing AS levels, wants to be a biology teacher, was considering medicine, but the physics is getting really hard now. I was diagnosed in July with RA and am having various other tests at the moment. I work full time as a child minder to 2 babies of 22 months and 19 months. Obviously, I may not be able to do so much, but while I can I will!!! Hope you find lots of support on here.

Hi Heather and welcome to the forum. I like the sound of your family and also your cat! Going to see the Wizard soon in our local theatre.

Chat soon,

Eleanor x

Hi Heather, welcome to the forum.

I'm Nina (41) married to David (almost 40) for a little over thirteen years. We have a son aged 5, Cameron, who started Reception last September and is thoroughly enjoying it!

I was diagnosed with RA in March, 2009, after having been poorly with flu over Christmas 2008/Jan 2009 period. I have been taking Plaquenil (had to stop this didn't agree with me), methotrexate (this isn't working for me), lansoprazole (stomach protectors) prednisolene, and paracetamol based painkillers. Am unable to take nsaids as have huge stomach problems. I have an appt with biologys nurse on 16 March to be assessed for anti tnf drugs, so fingers crossed!

Looking forward to speaking more soon.

Nina xx

PS there are a load of us on facebook - I'm Nina Sinclair.

Hi Christine, many thanks for the lovely invitation, unfortunately I wont be able to make that weekend, but thank you so much for the invite. I hope you all have a great time, Im sure it will be a scream!

Heatherxxx