Gosh, I'm thinking that every time the government provides something, competition is able to survive. Like Public/Government School....for instance. I mean... we all pay something for it...so everyone can be educated... and then those who choose to educate their own children... or private school.... can support those too! Hmmmm.... Government intervention doesn't sound good to me. I vote for tax credits for people who need help. Something besides another program for government to mess up... About the baby, I can totally understand why this happened. When life in the womb under a certain age, is not legally protected... then why should like outside of the womb be protected? This was just Drs making a decision without the parent's consent...versus for/with the parents... Carrie

If you could rent a room, of course I don't know how large your house is, perhaps that could be part of your mortgage. Prayers for the rest. Good that you're staying actively looking for something. Carrie

Did you take a pic?? WOW! parents all make mistakes... but that's beyond a mistake. That's just crazy! I wonder if the Mom realizes what she did. Carrie

Wish that were true here. I'd have my son (6) take in a heartbeat...but alas...more $$$. Carrie:-)

I have no idea what state you're in...but I'd say "No" Carrie:-)

It counts:-) Schools count these as days present, as do the days to see Shakespeare Festivals, ocean days, zoo trips, movie days. Heck.. ours count/counted the days where students went in pajamas & slippers with blankets and pillows... to read for the day:-) Carrie:-)

Appealing to your hive knowledge. I have whiteboards up in the facility that we use, and have been purchasing whiteboard cleaner. They have been using Windex. Is their reason to buy expensive cleaner?? Also, these are cut from Showerboard if that makes a difference... Thanks!

Toddler sized cuisenaire rods:-) More versatile, can build with...can learn to add... colors carry over when they are older... Carrie:-)

Just saw a teacher yesterday, that was wearing something on her tush. I immediately thought, "tacky!!". Of course, she had to be told not to wear Looooowwww cut shirts and inappropriate dresses. Carrie

You are right about COOKED bones:-) You should see my dog eat the chicken. And, if dogs ate chickens and died, farmers wouldn't have problems with wolfs...other animals or those dogs. :D As far as giving chickens to dogs that are already cut up without feathers...I've heard that it's not a problem. Do a google search to answer the questions, so you'll feel more comfortable. I wouldn't want to be responsible for that decision. I think I'd feel fine. As far as feeding cats, if I was going to do it, I'd offer wings. Uncut bones, for both dogs and cats, and best. For example, when I do chicken, I kinda "break" the pieces apart...which usually means I'm just cutting flesh and tendons or whatever:-) I try not to use the knife on the bone. I don't freak about it...I just try. It's funny, the first few times...especially the first time... I felt like I was trying to kill my dog. BUT, then I saw how he handles it and realized that even with domestication, dogs are animals meant to tear/rip their "prey" apart. When you go and see wolfs or big cats eat at the zoos or wildlife parks... it's all too obvious. Carrie:-)

In the "family" room, and it parks in your bedroom at 8:30pm, or whatever... With my kids, I look through their texts. You can actually have it so you are the only ones that delete texts... Also, No pictures sent without asking. (Or, no pictures sent... or no pictures sent of people... etc..) Carrie

That's fine:-) There was a bus over by my house that was just "waiting" so I asked the driver if everything was ok. He was waiting for a teen (15) and her bf and one month old...on the bus. HMMM. We live in a town where they could walk no more than 1-1.5 miles and probably be home. I thought...no wonder schools need so much $$$. Carrie

Absolutely don't EVER give the bone cooked... any kind of bone... you want to give raw. :D Don't want any of them choking:-) or splintering :001_smile: BTW, I'd cut the chicken into pieces. I would make a point to try not to cut into any of the bones because it's best to give the dogs bones that are "whole". Chicken wings work well, or drumsticks... (But, like anything, watch to see how your pup handles it.) My 65 lb dog is not a gulper. It's amazing to see him eat. He starts at the little end and chomps up to the "fat" end... about a half and inch to an inch at a time. It's amazing:-) I like chicken best, for bones, because it cleans their teeth and is consumable:-) I've seen my dog eat amazing things;-) Carrie

Yes, but since I posted those posts with the anti-dad vibes.. Some dads continually tell their child's mom that they've talked with attorneys about all kinds of stuff... like joint custody...and getting the child half of every year... Constantly lie to them about things... Smoke around them.... (when that's very against your beliefs) tell them that they can't be homeschooled because their mom isn't smart enough... she never even finished college. Tell them that the Bible isn't true and why do they believe it. Tell them that their younger 7 year old brother is smarter... etc.. And, won't properly buckle the child while they are in the car... and send them off to stay with family members that aren't to be trusted. And, I have a great husband who is an even better father... who loves her as his own, and for OUR family, the opportunity to have a "united family" would be better... Much like those kids who you know would have been better off being adopted by a loving family... :-)

I love them...I have my older children read them to my little one. Somewhere in/on the book, there's a list of books and what they cover. I think they would be worth buying. Our library had some, and also check out Greg Tang's books. GREAT:-) Cindy Neuschwander has other books besides, Sir..., too. Also, http://www.livingmath.net/ is great. But, you've probably already seen this:-) Carrie

I was 26 when I had my daughter...days away from 27. I was single and the father was a pain for years. If I had it to do over, I might have tried to have my parent's adopt, so I could have the bio dad sign his rights away. THIS would be the biggest help for my life...if his contact with her was purely on MY terms. I'd still have her visit him, but decisions would be better than what I have to do now, and I have sole custody in a different state. Last name, her last name, no giving in... Bed up against the wall for the nursing thing:-) And, even though I never gave formula, I loved having bottles of milk in the freezer. BUT, if it's a teen and you want them to take responsibility... I suppose one of the questions is does she have the stamina and dedication to actually raise the child on her own? Are you helping? Babysitting? Help her "see" her future. How can she do things from now till it's born to make things easier. Cloth diapers for money's sake? Nursing for health and bonding.... Transportation is easier if public...with slings to wear... or Ergos... Boundaries, love, support....and yet... celebration! Life is precious, and so once a child is started, there is celebration for a Human! BUT, even at 27 it is hard to be single with a baby! Is there a mom around who can mentor her?? Someone who has done this and can give her a outsider's view. (One that aligns with your core values) I don't know...like I said...the most important would be if in your state you can have the dad sign away rights as soon as the child is born. SO, :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Love, Carrie

Is your dog an outside dog or inside. I actually feed them in the tub. It took a few days before he got use to chewing raw food; I used this time to train him to stay in the tub while eating. It won't take longer than 5 minutes for him to eat.... I say "Tub" and he's right in. Then I just take a scrubber and scrub it...and it's clean. No harder than washing his bowl. Also, he drinks from the tub. (He's 65 lbs) If you want to give food outside, I would give just as much as they were to eat. (How much does your dog weigh?) Is this for their only food? I know the measurements for that. Just as "extra" a drumstick every day or other day or whatever... My dog won't totally eat bones, so if you're worried about leaving out...I wouldn't give bones outside.. (Turkey, chicken.... he'll eat the whole thing bones and all:-) Also, the actual shredding of the meat helps with teeth:-) It's worked great for my pup! I just have to get some more today. As far as where to get.... Ask the butcher for turkey/chicken necks. I buy chicken and turkey while it's on sale. I fed my pup two turkeys around Christmas... One month's worth... for $10 for the whole month!! Also, if you feed heart, kidney, and tongue, feed some "bone shavings" from the butcher. Mine charges 5 cents a lb:-) cuz it's throw away. It's just charging for the bag. I put some of this with my dog's food. I don't feed my dog pork, but some do... Also, liver acts as a clean out the dog thing...So a bit each day... or whatever... Sometimes I don't...but my dog is good about going outside and never has accidents inside;-) It's about 80% meat, 10%bone, 10% organ. Some add veggies (see the safe list) And, if you want the veggies to be beneficial, at all, then cook and smash. Of course, my dog likes raw carrots, too:-) (No grapes or mushrooms or chocolate...especially dark...cuz of the caffeine.) Oh, I am not as nice for my cat...I give a grain free dry food. She's fat and not in shape like my dog. I gave her some soupy raw beef heart and she went and threw it up... and that was the last try. I hear you can do chicken wings... Also...forgot, your dog may need to be given this a few times before accepting. You can warm up the chicken in warm water.. (NO cooking, though.) If they won't do bones right away, take the chicken off the bone, and cut in 1 inch pieces. Feed out of hand. I did this three times. For my neighbor's dog, I warmed up... cut off bone and fed. Three times or less of offering and they should be scarfing it down. It's hilarious to see my dog jump up and circle around because he's so joyful when I feed him:-) Good Luck... Carrie

Did you not get the sheet correlating SOTW and other books with the CC Cycle? Nogreaterjoy on the CC boards has one as do others:-) At least it might save time for Cycle 2:-) Carrie

I know, I was watching late night tv last night and thought it was a joke!! But, my husband would like me to watch less tv anyway!! SO...I don't think it's gonna be something I watch anymore. BTW, it's not because of who she chooses to date. I didn't like her way before I knew that! Carrie

"Quote: Originally Posted by Scarlett Sigh. Stbxh just advised me he finds both my offers unacceptable. So I've contacted my attorney and he has already told opposing counsel husband will be deposed next week." I read "disposed" :lol: As in "disposed of" :lol::lol::lol: Carrie

Wow, I'm thinking how nice it is that you have so many friends for your son (and you) that you don't want/need this one. My kids would love to have another friend to play with, even if I needed to play "recess mom" with them. We live in a neighborhood where kids play, speaking spanish, and my child is left out. He wants to play...but can't understand them. And, the one ps kid across the street, each time they play... I have to go over the rules. (Even when my son sometimes plays over there.) (My other three children have no friends in the neighborhood...) Carrie

Triple bunkbeds:-) Of course, I'd want air conditioning. No heating bills, cuz you'll have wood...and a wood stove, right? And that'll be easy to heat up!. If I was gonna stay there, I'd think basement being put in...might be a good way to add on.... Just one large room for when the weather isn't good:-) And, to keep all the school stuff in... Carrie:-)

I think that this would be the perfect year to stretch another curriculum for 2 years...and then do CC more. That would keep you on a "3 year" cycle. :-) Then for Cycle 2 and 3.... you would have to choose again..maybe... faster during that time?? Did you see the memory work info which is one week spread to 2 sheets? It's nice for sheet protectors. :-) You can stick extra copies in the car and such... and then the memory flashcards, you can stick in your purse. I thought about using a set of cards for a Trivial Pursuit game:-) Carrie:-)

Wow! You all have best friends?? You're lucky! I have not one friend beyond the ones you talk to because of some activity you're in.... I am trying to grow some:-) Carrie:-) (My mom is my bestest friend:-) She even helped me can pears just because I wanted to.... :-)

Has it been too long to return it and get your money back??