WOAH!!!!

:lurk5:

We utilized VP's Online Academy last year for our older son (9th gr). He learned a lot and actually enjoyed the class, though it was rigorous. I am planning on having dd (6th) take some classes next year. I am thinking Latin and maybe History. But the Memory class is a possibility. We are expecting our 6th during the Christmas Holiday and I think it might be wise to 'outsource' some classes. I am curious about others experiences with different online tutorials... :lurk5: Michelle

Our children do not attend youth group anywhere. Without getting into a lot of detail I will share that there is lots of literature out there that will do a much better job of explaining than I would. A good one is Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. Michelle

Both. She exercised her rights in bad taste. Michelle

Weird and creepy. There must be a logical explanation. Maybe someone else will have and idea...

Haha, without reading the other responses I will say, yes, all the time! My oldest dd will plead with me for different things and I often oblige. I kind of like it that she wants something special from me. But then again, if she was always begging I might become irritated :smilielol5: I bet you make a mean carrot cake, and now I am thinking about begging you for a recipe....

I lost a friend a couple years ago over the way a situation was handled. It was a painful loss indeed. I have seen it over and over. Women become friends, then later the friendship goes sour. Usually both sides are hurt and feel betrayed. I am not saying every friendship ends like that, but that it happens way too often. I have friends that I have known and loved most of my life. But, I have lost some friends I cared deeply about, sometimes for an unknown reason and sometimes because of a disagreement. I just don't see this in males friendships. In fact, rarely if ever can I recall this happening. Is it because men don't put their heart and soul into friendships like women??? I don't even think it is that. But they just don't take things to heart the way women do? I don't know. It perplexes me though.:confused: What are others thoughts on this? Michelle

Yowza!!! That is not a friend. With 'friends' like that you don't need enemies. Really. Sounds like you are right, she is controlling. A couple of years ago I had a 'situation' with a 'friend'. Our friendship is over and done with. I won't share many details publicly because she has done things in the past that were disconcerting in regards to joining a group I was a part of and hiding or not 'divulging' it to me. It was very odd at the time but it is clear now what her intentions were. All that to say, I was very hurt and I did consider her my closest female friend. I tried to resolve it with her, but we got nowhere. I finally had to let it go. But man was that ever painful. I still see her and I am no longer bitter but I am very careful about what I tell her. I wish the best for her. But I know she will never really know how hurtful that was to me. You need to draw a line, a nice big BOLD line. I wouldn't respond. But being who I am, I would keep the email for future reference, just in case. And keep up with the circle. Just keep all that happened private. If anyone asks, be the bigger woman and tell them "We have some differences of opinion." Leave it at that. But don't be shocked if there is some gossip. It sounds like she isn't afraid to spout her opinions and belittle you to others. I am sorry. You will get through and be better for it. Michelle

That is encouraging! I am so ready to go to Costco a slap down $300 for a top loader that works but I would like to be talked out of it and get something nice....of coarse it needs to work though;)

Oh man do I understand that stress. Dh is a Mechanical Engineer but the company he worked for lost funding so he took a job in sales. It was feast or famine for a looooong time. It is finally steady and we are so blessed. Hang in there, it is tough at first, but it can happen... Michelle

I was contemplating buying one since my Calypso is dying a slow and painful death. But, the repair man says to save my money and buy a top loader/agitater type. He is not impressed with any of the front loaders. I am curious what the consumers opinion is on this? We have a larger family and do so much laundry :blink: I really need a washer I can count on... Any insight is greatly appreciated!!! :bigear: Michelle

That's hard, I really enjoyed the Ancients but the Middle Ages may be my #1 fav. Michelle

Thanks for all the great advice. I have wanted to get him help but ds is refusing to 'talk' to anyone. He says he doesn't need it. Despite the fact that it seems as though we have only given out harsh punishments, we haven't. There was much more involved than just getting the book. We simply connected certain behaviors to the book. Forgive as I didn't go into the details of all of that. This isn't 'new' behavior. As I said, he has struggled his whole life with moodiness, irritability, etc. However it has stepped up considerably since 12/13. He isn't using drugs because he can't get them. He has no money as what he earns goes into a savings acct and he can't get to it because of this very problem. But I believe his goal is to use drugs because he said so in his journal. The alcohol isn't available what so ever, so he can't partake of that. He is close to his father. They go to the gym early every morning he is in town. One the weekends we all hang out and go do things together as well as work around the house. He is close to his older sister and they often go do things together. I spend time with him alone too. We have a couple of TV shows we watch that nobody else appreciates, and he looks forward to us hanging out alone and talking. But I don't get out alone with him as my husband does. I think I will give up my knitting night and grab a bite to eat with him or maybe catch a movie, or whatever he wants. Despite all this I still do not think he feels loved and valued. Not sure why. We have had so many heart to heart talks that it amazes me he is acting this way. I guess I am coming to the conclusion that this is a deeper psychological issue. My husband not traveling isn't an option. It's a job requirement. In this economy, I am grateful he is able to provide for us at all . We have insurance and our son will get help because of my husbands work. Christian counseling isn't going to help this boy. Someone suggested he get guitar lessons from a trusted, respectable man.....well he was. He was taking lessons from our pastor. In return for lessons, he would mow his lawn. But, that was cut off due to the obsession with the guitar and Nikki Sixx and not EVER finishing his schoolwork. Add to that he is mean to his siblings and threatening to me. He has been given ample time to correct his shortcomings and regain some independence. No, I do not think he is suicidal. If I did, I wouldn't be asking for help here. He would have gotten help. But this causes me to wonder if he will be. So, this lights a huge fire under me to get in asap with a psychologist. I don't know if we can change his direction, but I will die trying. This was the first child I pulled out of ps after two months in Kinder because he was sinking, emotionally. I am not willing to just sit by and watch him go down in flames. I have to say, sadly, that he is not the only hs young man I know who is having major issues. I am seeing problem behavior all over. I think certain boys get to a point where being home with mommy is not a good thing. They get bored and they are questioning life and beliefs and mommy isn't going to cut it anymore. He is one of those. I could name quite a few, all moms I have spoken to at length to. Most have already 'lost' their young men to the world. They are devastated and I don't want to be there in a few years. So, I will find him some medical help. I don't expect it to be easy. Thanks much, Michelle

I lose control everytime. Then I get depressed because I didn't exercise self control. But I do some ideas for my next convention... 1. Make a list of what you need. 2. Make a list of curriculum you want to see in real life. 3. Add up what you need then add a little extra for 'fun' stuff and bring that amount in cash. Don't forget cash for food, drinks, and snacks because you will need that too. Do not bring bank card, credit card, or checkbook into convention. :p I get so weak at them. It is as though I will never again get another chance to purchase homeschool supplies! Good luck, may the force be with you! Michelle