She didn't drag out the remaining 1/2 gallon of rum, did she? LOL (wink). Blessings.

My Asperger-type child has improved immensely on a gluten-free diet. You may want to check out Special Diets For Special Kids. Lots of great recipes. Blessings.

Karen, don't get me started....LOL!

...I have a few more things to add that may or may not help you here. Back to juvenile probation officer dh... As my previous post stated, he has numerous kids who like to go outside the norm when it comes to appearances. Sometimes it is necessary for him to make them think about this subject for practical means. Before his kids appear in court, he gives them an overview of the court's expectations when it comes to behavior and appearance. He tells them that how they look and act will have an impact on their future, and that it is up to them to decide how they will deal with that. He has also told them that there is a time and place for everything, including types of dress/fashion. Bathing suits are for the beach, shorts are for casual summer wear, and pajamas are for sleeping in...etc. Basically, he lets them know in a respectful way that they have choices regarding these issues. (and you've covered this with your son). I don't mean to pry here, Joanne, but I can hear the pain in your original post. Your family has been through so much in the past few years. I'm sure you will encourage your son in a positive way. I hope I didn't sound intrusive or judgemental in any way...it is the furthest from my intentions. Blessings, Camy

Hey, Janie! Nice to see you. Frankly, I think R&S is quite advanced, and I have kept my boys behind in the books by one grade. That likely doesn't help you, though! I'm sure you'll figure this out. Take care! Love, Camy

..who have a tendency to go outside of the *acceptable* "norms": (BTW, I'm not trying to say your boy should be on probation :o). I just think this is good advice. Dh tells his kids that if they choose to look or act a certain way, they may get a reaction, and that they should be prepared to deal w/ that reaction. He doesn't say it is wrong or right to look a certain way or that the reactions are right or wrong, but that they are a reality. Perhaps you have already spoken to your son about this, and I don't want to presume that you have not. Blessings, Camy

I like the computer geeks, too! LOL> At first I wanted the hippies, but I knew they'd be just too slow and peaceful to win. That whiner dude and his girlfriend are wearing on my nerves. We enjoy watching this show as a family. Blessings.

I have used Reading Reflex w/ 5 of my children so far. They are all excellent readers. Blessings...and good luck. Just as a sidenote, I do not begin reading instruction w/ my children until they are 6. Blessings.

Mine seem to do this, too. I usually just pin the strap in place after threading it through the d-ring. I thought about placing some velcro on the strap to hold it in place, too. Sorry, that's not much help is it? Blessings.

LOL!!! Oh, that's just too much! ROTFL!!

LOL...my mom and I both have been told that we resemble Sara Palin.. I guess we just need the frames and we'll be all set. :o). I think the Saturday Night Live version of Sara Palin is great, but the lady (I think it's Tina Fey) is just too darn skinny. So..do you guys think I should send my mugshots to Saturday Night Live to see if they'll let me audition? Grin. "Geez, you guys, I even have that Midwestern accent, by golly."

It sounds like you all are being as honest as you can w/ the PO. Is she a female PO? If your son appears to be willing to take responsibility for his actions, it won't hurt him a bit. My PO dh has put kids in jail at Christmas and on their birthdays, in some cases. It is not pretty. His goal for his kids is that they will never want to be on probation again. He has kids that were on his caseload, come back and hug him and thank him. I pray you are satisfied w/ your son's PO. I pray you will find strength, grace, and peace. I pray your son will get through this as well. ((((Chris)))))))

Yeah, Lainey! I must tell you that I admire and respect President George Bush very much. I do not think we are a minority, we George Bush likers. Blessings.

Not only did the moderator do an outstanding job, but both candidates were impressive. I am a registered Republican who is still an undecided voter, just for the record, btw. My vote will either be for a 3rd party candidate or McCain (I'm still waffling on him). As always, Senator Biden was impressive. Though I disagree w/ him on principle, I truly do like the guy and admire his years of public service. I also like how he gets passionate about topics. If you were to give points based on rebuttles and positions, he would have likely edged Gov. Palin a bit. Governor Palin proved herself very well, too. Though she has that Midwesterner type accent, she was still able to articulate well. However, I agreed w/ much of the substance in her presentation. (I stil have a hard time w/ the fact that she is a momma of little ones....this is my issue and struggle w/ her). Honestly, I was suspicious of the moderator pre-debate, yet I must say that she did an outstanding job! It appeared to me that she was a bit harder on Senator Biden, actually. I enjoyed the facial expressions on Sen. Biden's face when Gov. Palin rebutted his statements. He looked like he was getting a kick out of her, yet at the same time respecting her. Overall, I'd give this debate a thumbs up :o). Blessings, Camy

This is what I was thinking as well. Do the "windowpane" test. Take golfball-sized piece of the dough and make a small square w/ it using both hands. If you are able to make an opaque window w/o the dough breaking, that means the kneading is complete. You could have also overkneaded if you have a machine doin the work. Blessings.

Friday is our test day for spelling and other miscellaneous tests. We tidy bedrooms (vacuum, dust, etc). Friday night is our popcorn and movie night, which the kids really look forward to. If we get everything done during the day, then we are able to indulge ourselves. Blessings, Camy

We used and like Phonetic Zoo as well. It is a good program (but w/ a hefty pricetag). Blessings.

We really like Modern Curriculum Press' "Spelling Workout", recommended by SWB in The Well-Trained Mind. I started my 3rd graders in book C and then progress from there. I have them do a section of a chapter each day and then test them on Friday. Mondays, we go over the list, reading the words out loud along w/ the phonics rule that is being implemented w/ that specific list of words. Any misspelled words are circled and given on the next test. If the words see to be particularly troubling to them, I have them do the study steps recommended in the front of the workbook. It was not necessary for me to buy the Teacher's Guide, btw. Love these books! Consistency in spelling practice and instruction as well as free-reading will improve spelling skills dramatically. Blessings :o)

My kids like to read over "over my shoulder" as I peruse the boards. They enjoy it and offer advice occasionally. My sports-minded boys like to give input on football talk here. Blessings.

Don't forget the his mother is a spry woman in her 90's...good genetics may be on his side.

Chris, is his violation hearing today? Praying. Blessings.

nt

My dh is a juvenile probation officer. I don't mean to pry, but it will greatly help your son if he is respectful to and honest with his probation officer. I'm not assuming that your young man isn't respectful, but I just know how PO's work. Encouraging your son to take his consequences like a man (and I know it breaks your heart...I'm so, so sorry). I cannot imagine the pain and agony you are feeling. Yet consequences like this really speak to a young man. Just love him, support him, and encourage him to do what is right. I pray this isn't inappropriate. As a mother, my heart goes out to you. (((Hugs))))))

I find this recipe to be perfectly delish: Quaker Oats Meatloaf Recipe I substitute catsup for the tomato juice. Blessings.