I probably would not have done what you did, especially if I had my kids with me. I'm kind of a wimp about confrontation, although I will do it when necessary. What I likely would have done in the same situation is to speak kindly to the cashier, ideally loudly enough for the other customers and the "offender" to hear. I would have told her how sorry I was that the other person was so rude to her and tried to say something silly to make her smile.

Because you're not in the majority, apparently. Sorry, that probably sounds kind of snarky. I just didn't want Matroyshka to be left hanging out there all alone.

I just wanted to thank you for these suggestions. My son whipped through the Fire Thief trilogy last week and liked it very much. And the Sea of Trolls duet looks perfect. Our library carries those, so we'll pick them up next time we're in the area. In case anyone else is following the saga of "What Jenny's Son Is Reading Now," here's the update: As I said, he read through the Fire Thief series last week. He got the latest Tokaido Inn sequel for Christmas and read that yesterday. Earlier this month, he go the latest Charlie Bone and read that. He got a nice set of The Lord of the Rings for Christmas and is looking forward to starting those. And today, we bought him The Phoenix Endangered, a sequel to The Phoenix Unchained, which he read over the summer. He also got a collector's set of Harry Potter for Christmas, and I'm hoping he'll be ready to re-read those. So, thanks again, everyone, for the suggestions. And please keep them coming!

We have a whole house-ful of the bargain-price line, which have a retail price of about $50 for the big ones. We usually wait until they go on sale, though. They're not the most attractive things in the world and will never pass for fine furniture. But they do the trick.

Well, I'd guess (based on my own experience) that many of us who aren't Christian don't choose to use these boards to air our religious views. And, honestly, how many times have you seen those posts tagged with "CC" attacked by secular folks who post just to tell the Christians they're going at it all wrong? I think, given the amount of attention and discussion that Christianity gets on these boards, it's only natural that you would see more negative comments, too. In other words, I suspect that the number of negative comments about Christianity may be higher (if it is) only because the total amount of chatter about Christianity is heavier.

Very nicely said. Thank you. I very much hoped that someone who identified as a Christian would chime in. After all, I have met many Christians in my lifetime who do not believe in that one-and-only-path concept, either. Again, thank you.

It's an annual tradition, very informal. We've been going pretty much every year for the last eight or nine. Those who show up bring food to share, instruments and games to play, etc. My husband always brings (legal) fireworks to set off at midnight. This year, we're also bringing party hats and horns. Gwen is bringing the karaoke machine she got for Christmas. I'm spending the day cooking. So far, I've got channa masala going in the slow cooker, and I'm planning to bring the rice cooker and a bag of basmati. Currently, there's a batch of pumpkin muffins in the oven, after which I'll do a batch of cookies. And I've got (store-bought) hummus with pita chips and crackers to go, too. How we're going to fit all of this, plus sleeping bags and such, into my teeny Mini Cooper Clubman is an open question . . .

I'm starting with Bel Canto (Patchett), because my daughter has been bugging me to read it.

Hmm, I have to say I don't think it was particularly rude. The title of this thread included the word "secular." So, it could be said that someone who came into the conversation to question the original poster's clear intent to educate her children about many religions for reasons that seem quite good to her was pretty darned rude, too. And I honestly don't see how calling that person on her rudeness could be rude? And, truly, do you believe that the rest of us should hold our peace just because Christians are the majority? Really? That is not what our country was founded on, as I understand it. And I kind of doubt, given what I've read and learned about Jesus, that he'd be too happy with that idea, either.

In my defense, we don't have video games, so that wouldn't have been an option for him. And, being suburban-dwelling vegans, we have no livestock to feed or care for either. This is the one who normally has four dance classes a week, but all except tap--as well as his choir and the organ teacher--are on vacation. So, his list for the day included: Playing the recorder Reading one book (latest Tokaido Inn sequel) cover to cover Reading/browsing another book Sewing and stuffing a pillow with the new sewing machine Going to the craft store for a costume pattern and more fabric Accompaning me to the grocery store Helping a man in the parking lot to jump start his truck Creating a wrist guard out of felt to go with his ranger costume Doing some stretching exercises Watching some TV Updating his GoodReads account E-mailing his geography teacher about when he's starting the second semester of the class Making himself lunch and eating it Going to his tap class I guess he just needs a lot to do. At the end of the day, he admitted that he wasn't too bored today, because he had fun working with the sewing machine. Fortunately, tomorrow is mostly booked. We have to drive his sister to a mall about 45 minutes from here to meet a friend. And I found out that the Barnes & Noble in that mall has the next book in one of the series he's been reading. So, we'll stop by there before we head home. Then, we'll probably spend most of the afternoon packing and preparing for the sleepover at our church tomorrow night.

My son has already been in here (the office) three times saying he's bored. So far today, he has watched a bit of TV while eating breakfast (a treat that happens only when we're on break), perused the samurai book he got for Christmas, played the recorder and sewn and stuffed a pillow using his new sewing machine. In a little while, we're going out to the grocery store and craft store, and he has a tap lesson this afternoon. Bored?

. . . because I've been told when donating blood.

. . . because those are the ones we have outsourced most consistently. However, we don't always outsource all of them, and we sometimes do more. For example, last year, my son had outside instruction for PE (dance) and music (piano, drums, choir) and took math online through FLVS. This year, he's still dancing, still taking music (choir and organ), but is doing math with me using an online curriculum. He's also taking geography through FLVS and chose to take their art course in the first semester. Next year, the current plan is for him to take math and science through FLVS and to continue both dance and music with local instructors. Similarly, my daughter started taking FLVS math classes when she was 9. So did music instruction (two choirs, piano and classical guitar, although not all at once) and an occasional dance class. She also took quite a few drama/theatre classes over the years, but I don't remember that being an option in the poll. In addition to math, she took an FLVS science course, Spanish, American Government and AP Microeconomics.

I didn't get as far as buying the uniform, but I was seriously researching private school options and figuring out what job I could get to pay the tuition. My husband talked me down. Basically, we eventually decided that, while homeschooling isn't perfect for this child, it's better than any of the other options. In parent-of-gifted-kid circles, we often talk about finding "the least worst option," since many of these kids are not going to have all of their needs served in any one place. For us, homeschooling continues to be that choice. What I did that made things better for us was to re-think the way we were homeschooling, to make adjustments for my son's personality and learning style. So, I dropped a lot of written work and emphasized reading. I made educational DVDs a larger part of his curriculum. I planned a curriculum that had him doing small pieces of lots of different things. And I outsourced math, because we just didn't get along when I had to teach it to him. Things got much, much better. It required me to let go of that "pefect" curriculum plan, but once I calmed down it was so obvious that he was still more productive than he would have been in school. And so much happier, too. It became clear that it was the right decision. Now, as I said, for us, homeschooling is clearly the best choice, or at least the least worst one. For your family, it may not be. I do think, though, that it's probably not a great idea to make a life-changing decision through a mist of tears. (Though I've certainly been tempted to do so, myself, after more than one really bad day . . .)

Well, you see, that would be close to my definition of truth, too. However, the way I see it, this means that most of what is considered "truth" in most religions doesn't meet these criteria (except possibly the third one, in which case pretty much anything does). This is why I don't worry about finding "truth" when it comes to matters of faith. Just to clarify: I did not post the original question. I posted sharing resources my family has found useful. then couldn't resist replying to your comments. I don't really think this is particularly useful to the poster, however, so we should probably let it drop now.

You know how, if you stand near a piano and play a note, the corresponding string will vibrate in sympathy? Well, that's kind of how I think about faith. One string isn't "better" or "truer" than another. But some resonate with certain sounds and not with others. So, what I believe is that we were given minds in order to use them, that each of us is capable of finding the approach that resonates with our own hearts, and that as long as your approach doesn't hurt anyone else, it's valid. Nope, not true, because what I'm saying is that each of us has to find what works for us. So, if your way works for you, that's great. I'm happy for you. That is truth for you. I guess the only way we could come into conflict is if you weren't as respectful of my beliefs as I am of yours. And, yes, I really do believe exactly that. Well, my denomination has a statement of seven principles that bind us together. They are: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. As you can see, these aren't a creed. For UUs, one's creed is a personal thing. My own beliefs are evolving, but they fit rather neatly inside this framework. So, I cannot speak for all UUs regarding whether they feel they have found "truth." For me, no, I'm not there yet. I know some things that are true for me, but I do not presume to know Truth with a capital T. What I hope is that every day I move a bit closer to understanding, though. And that is enough for me. I'm comfortable with the uncertainty and the continuing search. I think this is too simplistic. What I believe is that there is value in all faith traditions and that there is no need to "choose." As Unitarian Universalists, my children have the freedom to explore all paths and find the ideas and beliefs that resonate with their own hearts. I don't disagree that everyone believes something, even if it is that they don't believe in what others do believe. And I do agree with you that, for you, your faith is truth. And I also completely recognize your right to think I'm wrong and not be theatened by that. Because I'm listening to my own heart resonating.

But here are some photos of our room. The first picture shows my son sitting at his desk. The next one shows the rest of that wall, including my desk. The last one shows the other side of the room. Our books and resources for this year are on the bookshelf next to the window. The other bookshelf holds general homeschooling resources, reference materials and assorted craft supplies.

. . . is to sit down at the dining table or outside on the patio if the weather is nice with a new book and a snack of my choosing. Of course, this works only if the rest of the family is out of the house or occupied a few rooms away.

Well, there are many people, including myself, who do not believe that there is one, all-powerful, all-true, this-way-or-you're-wrong belief system. The scholar Huston Smith has this wonderful saying that all of the world's faith traditions are like arrows shooting at the same star: We may all begin from different places and take different paths, but we're all pretty much aiming at the same truth. I know that is a very upsetting concept for many, more conservative or traditionally religious people, but it is what I believe. In fact, one of the principles of my own denomination (Unitarian Universalist) is that there is wisdom to be found in all of the faith traditions of the world. UUs also put a premium on the "free and responsible search for truth and meaning." So, for many of us, learning about religious belief in a broader way is part of practicing and refining our own faith. In fact, there's a wonderful quote that our minister used recently to preface a service that I can't quite remember. But it had something to do with the idea that you can't find the truth if your mind is already full of other ideas. And, for folks who lean toward a more secular way of life, it is still important to understand something about the people with whom we share the world.

When my son was younger, he used a series from Milliken called Inside World Religions. Here's a link to the one on Christianity: http://www.millikenpub.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=1585&cat=&page=1 When we used them, there were books on Islam and Buddhism, too. But it looks like they may no longer be available. He also read through a book called Religions Explained, by Anita Ganeri. Here's the link to the description at Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Religions-Explained/Anita-Ganeri/e/9780805048742/?itm=1 Unfortunately, it looks like that one may be out of print, too. You might also take a look for this series at your library: http://www.libraryvideo.com/sm/uwrdvd.asp?mscssid=SJ5VLS2D6MNP8L3QBED4PPPL58055TB0 For older kids, I highly recommend Huston Smith's books on world religions, especially the illustrated one. And Schlessinger has a DVD series intended for high schoolers called Religions of the World that is good.

I might send a small floral arrangement, with a card attached mentioning the donation. Since I'm not a big cut flower person myself (always seems like kind of a waste to me), I'd lean more heavily toward the donation, though.

Well, you see one of my concerns about this is that I keep hearing about kids who turn out to have LDs that were undiagnosed because the parents just assumed the kids "weren't ready to read yet." Obviously, learning disabilities are present in only a small percentage of the population, but I would worry that I might be setting my child up for failure by not getting interventions at an appropriate time. It's not a risk I would want to take with my child. And I agree wholeheartedly with this. I know one or two unschooling families who have children I enjoy being around. So it obviously works for some folks. However, I have met lots of families in which unschooling does mean unparenting. So I tend to be wary of those children. I also have concerns about the non-academic aspects of this educational approach. I know of families who've been unschoolers and then tried to kick things up a notch and found their children were unprepared and unwilling to do so. I worry a bit about how those kids will function down the line. As I said, though, I do know of some familes who identify themselves as unschoolers who have turned out really great kids. It's not an approach that would work for our family, but I can see that it's just fine for some children.

We're doing the annual sleepover at our church and are supposed to bring food to share. So far, I'm thinking of picking up some hummus and pita chips/crackers (not cooking, I know). I'll probably also bake some pumpking muffins (which can do double-duty for breakfast the next morning) and some cookies. My husband suggested I also make some curried chickpeas and a pot of basmati rice so that we (and any other vegetarians who show up) will have something substantive to eat.

Well, I am going to try for the book-a-week thing, but I don't have 52 titles lined up yet. Here's what's currently on my list: Doctor Zhivago, Pasternak Magician’s Assistant, Patchett Bel Canto, Patchett Poison Study, Snyder The Book Thief, Zusak Joy in the Morning, Smith Alex and Me, Pepperberg

. . . we really don't do much preparation. Usually, we go over the story, although my 10-year-old son has recently asked that we not read to the very end, because he likes to be surprised. If possible, we look at some stills or video of a performance and maybe listen to a little of the music. That's pretty much it. My son, especially, really enjoys opera. He's seen The Magic Flute, The First Emperor, La Traviata, Aida, Il Trovatore and multiple versions of various Gilbert and Sullivan shows. He also sang in the children's chorus of Turandot and helped to workshop a new piece last year. We have tickets for Orfeo ed Euridice, too, and we're really looking forward to that. We had tickets for Salome back in October but had to skip it because my son had choir and ballet stuff that could not be missed. We're also going to see La Cenerentola in May. And our DVR is already set for Doctor Atomic. (By the way, our PBS station is airing a documentary about the making of Doctor Atomic on Independent Lens. You might want to see if you can catch that, too.) My daughter is excited about Doctor Atomic, because the woman who sings the lead came to her college and my daughter got to hear her sing and meet her. Oh, and for what it's worth, the plot line of Turandot is just plain odd. I finally decided it might be best not to worry too much about following the story. I just couldn't work up any interest in either of the lead characters and their love story. But the music is gorgeous.