Honestly, if you can't resolve this very soon I would drain the pond and re-home the fish. It would cost less than a fence and you could refill it as soon as you are confident the children won't be playing near it unattended. If the oldest is 6, is the youngest a toddler? That is what I am imagining and a toddler can't be expected to act in a safe manner around a fish pond. I hope you can resolve this soon for the sake of those children and your peace of mind.

I wouldn't mess with fish. This is one vote for toss. Sorry!

The phrase, "I feel ya." Is big around here. I can't stand it! Makes me think someone is getting too touchy.

Some hens are dead as well😄.

In short, yes. The science section is the hardest to nail even with a student who is solid. It can't hurt to take it again and the possible payoff is huge. Let's say he studies 20 hours for the next try and ends up getting a full ride. He just earned how much per hour? Thousands! Perhaps if you present it that way he will see the benefit. Definitely emphasize that a 27 is an awesome score. It is simply worth a try to raise the science portion, which is tricky. I am trying to approach it more as an effort to conquer the ACT than a statement on intelligence or level of education achieved. Hopefully my son will see it that way.

Feel free to ignore this since I am not answering your actual question. I would consider baby/ toddler wearing for at least the first few monthsif you are looking to bond with a traumatized child. Maybe you could find a used stroller for an older preschooler and then buy whatever you need after a cocooning period if you get a smaller child.

It makes sense that whoever is on the invitation is who will be expected. The no children issue is tricky. I tried to invite children I knew and not children of distant relatives who had a reputation for being uncontrolled. My mom went behind my back and invited all the children of all families. I understand why she did it, but I was really worried about putting all that planning into the ceremony and having it ruined by loud, undisciplined children. Now I see that it was selfish, but it seemed reasonable at the time. Flash forward several years later and my husband's cousin's wedding was very clearly no children at all. We were expected to be there, but without our newly adopted infant. We got a babysitter and dealt with it. But what really got me was the bride's mom telling the matron of honor that her nursing baby was not allowed to be at the wedding, even behind the scenes. She was insistent that it was to be no children and that meant this young lady's baby-no accomodations! So her need (not the bride's) to have a child-free wedding trumped her daughter's good friend's need to feed her child. Unbelievable. In the end I do believe the baby visited the reception, or maybe it was between ceremony and reception, and was fed.

I think it depends on where you live. I'm from Michigan and the realtor makes the offer. As far as the house, if there a just a few small sacrifices and your inspector said it was solid, I would jump on it in a heartbeat. It is stressful, but you will be so relieved when you walk in the front door as the owner.

Years ago while watching Extreme Home Makeover (one of the relatively few episodes I watched) I thoroughly agreed when a designer passionately declared, " You don't paint MAHOGANY!" Please don't do it. Please. I am with you on symmetry and balance and flow. Really, I am. Go with a tablecloth and bench.

I suggest " The Cosby Show" unless you specifically want a white role model. I know it is an older show, but even with the jokes and silliness, Cliff Huxtable is portrayed as a loving, hard working, smart Dad that is respected.

Well, one thing about putting it in the shade is that the clothes will be more likely to be soiled by birds.

I read a quote from RW saying they had done everything, including seeing the best doctors in the country in an effort to help their son. Also, I come from a theologically conservative church that is non -judgmental and very supportive of anyone with a mental health issue. Understanding that the brain can experience trauma or illness like the rest of the body is growing, I believe. And I say that as a mom of a brain injured child with a hidden disability.

Magnet boards or reusable sticker boards that have backgrounds for imaginative story creations. Wiki sticks. Felt dolls with clothing changes. Mp3 with audio books

I agree that the pancake pan with some accessories would be very nice. Then you could ask your son if you could set the mixer up in their new kitchen for her to discover when they get home from the honeymoon.

I think you would agree with this opinion piece from USA Today; I certainly did. http://news.yahoo.com/why-everyone-always-giving-kids-junk-food-143636906.html

Our church doesn't do the bulletin update, but the our deacons prepare and publish a very detailed budget every year. It includes the items you listed and discussion about the budget is welcome.

Adorable! You did a great job!

I agree. Last year I went through a very hard time and was pushed further than I thought I could handle. I was desperate for support beyond prayers, but got very little, even from longtime friends. I stared to become resentful. My church family seemed to be stepping up to help others, but not us. When I finally relayed this to the elders they mentioned two women I could call anytime and assured me the call would be welcome. I have been told that people see me as independent and that I convey a message that I don't need help. Because I have hesitated to ask people assume I don't want it. Sometimes when we are in deep pain we can't see straight and asking for help is the last thing we want to do, especially when we aren't even sure what we need! Please don't continue to suffer in isolation. Maybe you can just ask a friend or two to join you doing fun stuff. Tell them that a couple hours every week or two would work. I would happily skip a meeting or watching a dumb tv show at night to hang out with someone who needed a friend. And if that someone was you, I would be doubly blessed because we could talk about cooking, baking, and starting your own business-all interests of mine! Maybe your elders would know an older woman who has walked a similar path, or they could ask the pastors of sister churches. From what you have written, I know you are a Christian and you know that The Lord often ministers to us through others who have been there. Allow them to do that. It could provide healing for you both! Still praying and believing in the power of His name. I also agree with the suggestions about a support group and your therapist. Get out of the house as often as possible!

Julie, I prayed for you. I prayed for strength and for The Lord to bring a friend near to you for support and hugs. Is there someone you trust that can just give you support without knowing the details?

Prayed! How old is he?

That sounds like something I would do, except my son was born on St. Patrick's Day so I'm safe!

Praying here.

Double post.

What really strikes me is the desire to have students proficient in sharing their opinion. Seems to me at those young ages children should be taught the mechanics of grammar in order to later express themselves when their brains are developed enough to support opinions logically. WTM, anyone?

Ouch! 😄