What if they created a special program at the bird rescue center that was named for him...perhaps a recovery center, something tangible that he could visit through the years as he likes and is of ongoing help to the birds.

If it's feasible, I'd suggest seeking out an expert in endometriosis. It's shocking how many poorly informed the typical GYN tends to be on the topic. Nancy's Nook website is an excellent resource with lists of vetted providers. I say this not knowing what you have already done, just in case it could be helpful. If you have very involved endometriosis, hysterectomy may help, but you honestly may need more extensive excision.

We are paid up. Like EKS, the one time we forgot to pay (a few years ago), we got an e mail about it. I did get a response from the HWHelp e mail today. She couldn't find the second test, and said the first test was in a box graded but had not been sent. She asked for the second test to be re-sent. Hopefully receive the graded work tomorrow, though she did not promise that.

I chose two that we haven't used :-)

Thanks, I will do that. She really needs those tests back!

Anyone having issues getting a response from Derek Owens recently? My daughter's last two tests have not been returned, and no response to two e mails (one from her and one from me) inquiring about them. We have used the curric for several years and this is quite unusual, so wondering if something is going on.

We like Subarus. Have a Forester and an Impreza. Our most recent purchase was a Dodge Ram, but that doesn't sound like what you need ;-)

Excellent insight there! Do allow yourself distance from both. I get a strong sense that both mom and sis are trying to play you against the other.

From the things you are saying, I'm not entirely sure that your sister is to be trusted either. I would proceed with caution as far as the things you are sharing with her. It does seem that you are taking on quite a bit of responsibility for the Thanksgiving blowup. I suggest giving yourself some space from both parties for a while as you work through this situation. Focus on your husband and children and yourself. This does not mean you will stay away from them forever. But this gives you an opportunity to go back with personal strength.

That's a theory of mine. Many, many people were self medicating depression and anxiety with smoking. We discouraged tobacco use (with good intentions) without providing adequate treatment for the underlying mental health condition.

With a narcissist, I'd probably choose to ignore. Eventually the lack of feedback should cause them to lose interest (though I could see escalation occurring for a period of time, as they try harder to get a reaction.)

There is a lot of behavior that we accept as normal because we grew up with it as our standard. If you give yourself a little time and space to process, there will probably be a lot of experiences you will begin to see in a new light.

A robe would be a fun addition but only if you know an approximate size

If you feel badly leaving them hanging, you could simply say, "I'm going to be unavailable for a few days. We can talk after the holidays". Or "after Thanksgiving" if the holidays boundary feels like too much right now. Everyone needs to be blocked for a few days while you process. Narcs typically get frantic when they realize there is a boundary set. You need to prepare yourself mentally for some wild behavior.

You are handling this all very well! 100%, do not make plans with your sister for Thanksgiving. Stay home, do something with husband and kids. Don't respond to phone calls and texts from them. Take a few days just for your family.

If you can't separate for yourself, do it for your kids. There is nothing of value in that relationship for them.

Your mom is lying about your kids. This is so wrong. I would not go.

What a delightful anecdote! Such a blessing to have a person like that in the family.

There are competitive scholarships that screen initially on test scores, like the CocaCola Scholarship, though there are other requirements once you get further into the competition. My suggestion would be to look for local scholarships. In our area, various community organizations and businesses have scholarships. Not typically based solely on test scores, but that will likely be part of it.

Very similar to our situation, and it's frustrating. My daughter took it three times, and is generally a decent test taker. First two times, she was dealing with pain (she has endometriosis, finally had surgery recently) and the masking and tense atmosphere in pandemic testing conditions impacted her score. The third time, she prepared very well, and practiced in a mask. But she had a major misnumbering error and didn't take the proper steps to fix it. At this point, it was too late to retake for the early action admission cycle.

I do know that Baylor told us that my daughter would not qualify for certain scholarships that required a minimum SAT score since she had not gone test optional. Her SAT is very good but not great, and she was admitted with it. The situation with test scores and scholarships this year is very interesting.

Alaska resident here...have not read all the responses, but I will vouch for loose roomy boots too. Doubling up on socks can have the opposite of the intended effect and restrict circulation, so avoid that if you can. Avoid cotton socks.

I haven't been back to this thread in a few days, so excuse the late reply. I am not sure that I agree that all college admissions offices are uninterested in whether one takes the exam or not. For homeschoolers applying to a selective school, it's likely useful to have a score to report, if the application provides that option. It may look somewhat suspect for a student to have multiple AP classes without any exams (in the past, anyway. Currently almost all schools are test optional as it is.) It's unlikely the typical admissions officer will be familiar with differences in homeschool curricula options, but some may be. That said, the lack of AP classes will probably not be a make or break for a homeschooler with an otherwise interesting presentation.

I never did find a good online Calc 2 course, so we did dual enrollment, despite despising tying ourselves to dual enrollment! Would your college options be better in summer? My daughter actually did her Calc 2 as a five week intensive at the local college (a few years ago now). It sounds like summer might work timewise if testing occurs in fall.

Totally agree with this observation.