Own room. Definitely. My children all shared rooms at some point. Three years ago it become necessary for the boys to have own room. They wouldn't sleep--too many distractions from the other sib. Girls had same issues. They love each other's company when the lights go out. It become a nightly party. They were utterly exhausted from sleep deprivation. We opted to add 2 bedrooms and a bath to our home. Each child has their own room. It has made a tremendous difference in their sleep patterns, and ours! Putting on that addition was literally a life altering change. In your case I would not have a 12 year old sharing with a preschool age sib. At some stage I think a child should be able to have a private space from younger kids.

Within the next year I'd pull DD out of the bathtub. Let the boys play in the tub together and grant DD the privilege of growing up and bathe alone. Kids will put up boundaries naturally, but when the choose to do so depends on their preferences. (My 11 y/o dd stopped bathing, dressing with others in the room at 5y/o. DD#2 and #3, 9y/o, would still run down our street nekked if it were allowed!:))

Consider the vaccination. A bad case of chicken pox in teens or adults can be catastrophic (pneumonia, TSS, bone/joint problems, death), whereas in children it is horribly uncomfortable and an inconvenience.

$100/day is reasonable. I've paid $150-200 for a weekend for my children when they were younger.

I would never consider homeschooling another child. I'm at my limit and could not handle anyone, let alone someone from a less than desirable circumstance. However, I don't believe God has that in mind for me. He's found other ways for service, though. ;) Prayerful consideration, and then trust your heart. The Lord will lead you in the direction you're meant to follow. You're an amazing woman for considering this. Whatever He wants from you, I hope you find peace in the decision.

blech! Woman lacks a certain amount of common sense, social decorum, and 21st century cleanliness skills. Other that that, maybe it's a signal to take out stock in kitchen supplies? eww, icky! btw, I gasped as I read the original post. Then laughed when you said you screamed (just a little). :lol: We feel for you. We don't invite my FIL to our home. He's an awful man with atrocious habits. And believes it's acceptable to insult me, my home, and our children--oh, and how horribly his own, grown son (my DH) has turned out--among his other more offensive idiosyncrasies. My castle, my retreat. Those who create havoc don't need to enter beyond the imaginary moat to our domain.

I can honestly say I've never illegally downloaded a book or any other written material (to the best of my knowledge). I don't think we've even illegally downloaded music.

Hard to find the favorite rationale! :) "jingle bells...batman smells...robin laid an egg" Ah, maaaannn, that's going through my under-educated, former public school brain now. nanananana....take THAT!:D

:lol::lol:love the simplicity!:lol::lol:

Isn't it wonderful? I was doubtful of the plot, but within minutes we were completely enthralled, and enjoyed immensely.:lurk5: Grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy the flick!

Thank you to all who replied. It's healthy to see various perspectives before I jump off the deep end. The ironic thing is I don't even want my child to be in band (DH does), but think we are entitled to the option of certain services for which we pay taxes. I was lied to, but not by whom. I'll take a day or two to ponder what you have each said. Some of the more dissenting opinions have opened my eyes and make me want to think through this before contacting the TEA (Texas Education Assoc) to unleash frustrations. LOL Thanks again! Tracey

ROFL This is an all-time Barbie low.:lol: Ken has always looked a little suspect. Maybe that's why Barbie has the freedom to pursue her personal career interests. He was busy pursuing other interests!

Why? If a person pays taxes, shouldn't they be entitled to use the services?

We just began IBST on Monday. It's the first standardized test my 4th graders have taken. One had a meltdown from the pressure. The other two could've cared less. I would encourage a practice test only if you think DC will freak out. Otherwise, don't do the pre-test as it might actually make DC worried.

My children are homeschooled, by my choice. However we still pay exorbitant taxes to the district. I was just informed DD may not join band because she is not enrolled despite being told when we dis-enrolled that services could be utilized. So angry I'm practically hyperventilating. Is this the norm? If so, tell me to hush up and get over it. If not, please commiserate at this silly, ludicrous LAW (or so I was told). :cursing:

I think they divorced 10 years ago. I heard that on the news once. (HOnestly!) :lol:

We've gone for much less than that. Our family of 7 spent $3000--parks, spending money, driving, etc--for a full week, but opted to stay in a rental home (2500 sq ft w/ pool) nearby, several years ago. We looked at this a few months ago, but kept coming back to it not being that good a deal, so opted to go to WDW another time.

Is this seasonal, does he have spring fever? Sometimes a change in barometric pressure alters a child's attention. (Ask any ps teacher :)) Write down the schedule. If it's posted, it's law. Remind him that it's time to do XYZ. Make the schedule the bad guy...not you! When I taught private school I'd threaten to hang the kids by braids, belts, etc from the ceiling fan and press "high" ("low" if they were being really good :)) The humor made them laugh (every single day!), but gave them a few minutes to get out the giggles--and get back to work.

Good grief! In a state whose #37 educational rank is abysmal, one would think that Barbie's multitude of professional ideals might encourage little girls to be something more than the proverbial coal miner. Yes, the physical beauty is impossible to attain, but the careers she encourages are worthy of consideration. Not to mention in this economy should anyone, even a wealthy state, be recommending a ban of a profitable item? (Or is it a political ploy to encourage quick sales and a run on toy stores? LOL) SHEEESH, isn't there a more worthy political topic for their government to address? Poverty, education, unemployment, etc? Maybe the WV politicians are the bubble-headed bleach blondes? :tongue_smilie:

You must be a pretty awesome sister!

This was on NPR word show last week. Fish for one type of fish, even in a large school. Fishes is correct for more than one kind of fish.

Have DS return the money. It will endear his honesty to the relative, and just may send it back to him for the drum pads :) Sounds like a mature young man!

DO NOT push AP on a parent who is opposed. It's as rude as pushing bloody, red meat on a vegetarian. Seriously. Friends tried to convince me to wear a wrap contraption for baby #1, nurse on demand, co-sleep, etc. It goes against *every* fiber of my being. I'm very maternal, but even the suggestion of the aforementioned makes me claustrophobic. AP is not healthy for parent or child if mom isn't totally on board. Dr. Ezzo, play pens, and strollers really are the best route for some families. Applaud your sister for being the best mom SHE can be, but please don't force her to become you, and your perception of the best mom she can be. ETA: I didn't care for Dr. Sears (sorry y'all!), but appreciated Dr. Terry Brazelton's Touchpoints for certain milestone or simple medical issues that weren't obvious due to sleep deprivation. :)

Joe Blow joins FB, and lists he graduated from XYZ High School in 1990. Anyone else who lists XYZ HS can see who else is there. I love hearing from old friends. Those who don't want old acquaintances, don't list their schools, or make up a pseudonym and keep in touch with those THEY choose. (It is a bit more complicated. They must notify friends IRL to verify "I'm Joe Blow from FB with a made up name.") Totally LOVE FB. Considering allowing my children to have accounts to keep in touch with out of state friends--otherwise I pass FB messages from their 9 year old peers to them/

OJ deserves the three-fer prize: Sports Star TV personality Criminal Gee, that could be Chris Noth, Tiger Woods, and Charlie Manson altogther.