I SO understand!! I am 30yo, but my parents still treat me like I am 12...being alone is GOOOD!! :) :)

Oh, me too. :lol:

I have (ignorantly) thought for a LONG time that Fiestaware=lead. :001_huh: I am SUPER glad to hear that that is not the case!! I really love the look of fiestaware and I say...tally up another vote for that category. I have spatterware serving pieces that I am not comfortable using, either. They are in the 'ol Granny Chest b/c they look so pretty. :)

I just say congratulations!! ;) I don't have the luxury at the moment, but wish you the best of luck in finding the right person for your particular situation. If you are concerned about the potential "employee's" credentials, I would definitely advocate calling references...more than 1...to make sure you are getting your $$'s worth. :) :) :)

I don't have much advice...I just wanted to offer :grouphug:. My older 2 started at PS and they just didn't thrive. My 9yo had the same experiences you described (always in "trouble", principal visits, etc due to being chatty). My 6yo was in a different situation as he was being bullied by the kindergarten TEACHER for being slow to write, trace, color, copy. He was made out to be an "example" in front of the other kids, a couple of which live on our road. They would call him "retarded" in my yard (!!) and I just slap had enough. I am a certified, degree-holding Elementary teacher by trade and my child is 100% NOT slow...he is a leftie and stubborn. :) :) Anyhoo, all 4 of my kiddos are homeschooling and they are thriving. I agree that homeschooling is NOT for everyone and should not be a forced topic. I just wanted to give you hope that with prayer/meditation/deep thought (whichever you feel in tune with) will guide you towards the right choice. I also wanted to offer this up while I am on the subject: have you heard of the message board @ RaisingGodlyTomatoes? I don't know if this is something you may be interested in or not...just wanted to offer that as another resource for gentle, loving discipline advice. :) :) Blessings, Emily PS: IMHO, the social restrictions MAY lead to more resentment. Is there anything going on at home that may be a stress source for them? It is absolutely none of MY business, I was just wondering if that could be causing some acting out. I am also not saying that they should be allowed to continue to do wrestling, etc. :001_huh: I hope someone else will chime in with better advice for you. :)

I haven't read all the responses, but I just wanted to give my personal experience... I was a thumb sucker from birth and got my braces at age 7. I had a SEVERE overbite and could hardly chew...so it was necessary. I kept those dadburned things until I was 10. THEN I was too stubborn to wear my retainer, so I got them AGAIN at the ripe old age of 13. My parents were NOT happy. :glare: 3 of my kiddos have lost front teeth. My 9yo has nice, straight teeth, my 6yo has a LARGE gap between the front two, and my 5yo hasn't grown her perma-teeth in yet (she knocked them out on a table edge when she was 4). I can predict braces for the younger 2. :) :( I would agree with the 2nd response I read...if it is based on need, I agree with bracing them younger than "normal".

:iagree: We are praying for peace in your time of loss. I agree with you, OP, I pray that she finds the comfort, security, and love she was desperately searching for in the arms of the Lord.

We live in GA and my uncle splits his year between Auburn/Gulf Shores, AL. I do agree with a PP that the sales tax is HIGH, but the weather is nice and the accents are nicer. :) :) :) Praying for your DH and his job possibilities "down here".

Hands down...the recipe from The Pioneer Woman!! I keep this salsa in my fridge all year and make it an average of 3 times per month. It doesn't last long. :) :) If you don't like it hot, either double the recipe minus the jalapeno or halve the amount of jalapeno that you use. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/restaurant-style-salsa/

I have thyroid disease as well as ovarian cysts. I also get migraines from time to time and around "that time" of the month. I don't take any prescription medication, but do supplement iodine (drops) and stay far far FAR away from soy and overly processed foods. It really does interfere with daily life because I am constantly reading labels and I have constant pelvic pain. It's not sharp pain, but a dull ache that never really goes away no matter what I do. I have taken prescription pain pills, but just feel high as a kite...not fun w/ 4 kiddos and a DH to keep up with. :grouphug: to all that post about their problems.

It sounds like SO much fun! I know my kiddos would have a great time, but I would have an even better one. :) :)

That. Is. NOT. Cool.

To the previous poster: I am SO glad that you at least had a speaking relationship w/ your dad. MY dad lives 10 minutes from me and still we are not on speaking terms. I would MUCH rather hold a loving father in effigy than have a living, breathing, parental unit that I cannot stand to bring my children around that lives a few miles from my front door. It is a sad and lonely situation, indeed.

I have had an offer or 10 on CL and I have watched (regrettably) "Teen Mom" on MTV and this is the scenario: The buyer offers XXXX more than the sales price via Cashier's Check. You, the seller, arrange to ship the car/merchandise and send the rest of the $ to the seller by Western Union. Problem is, the Cashier's Check is bogus and the seller finds that out too late... When I sell on CL or eBay, I arrange local pickup and I like cold, hard cash in my hand. No, I do NOT see the good in everyone. I like to be paid for my items, TYVM. :) :)

I agree w/ the previous 2 posters. :) My sister that is 7 years younger than me (23) is getting married 10/10/10. She hasn't invited me OR my 4 kiddos to the ceremony NOR has she invited me to be a part of the celebration. I think you are SUPER DUPER lucky to be revered enough to be a part of someone's special day. Ignorance about homeschooling and/or homeschoolers has ruined a relationship. I am SO thankful that it is not an epidemic. :)