could you look for part time work as a sitter? It is really hard to find people to sit with elderly/ill people to allow caregivers to even go to the grocery store. Or as a doula type person who could help new mamma's at home?

we just recently conquered this w/my ds, 3.5 When I knew he had to go and could tell he was holding it, I put him in the bathtub. He would dump his drawers all the time, but pooping in the tub totally grossed him out. I think the warm water relaxed him enough to finally go. He would sit in the water for 5 minutes and then be yelling for the potty. Just last week he started being able to poop without having to sit in the bathtub first. But he pooped in his drawers for 5 months before I figured this out.

as far as history and science, you have done pretty much more than my oldest dd ever did up till this year!!!! She is now in the 7/8 grade and finally about to complete her FIRST science book. And she is FINE! I would let my kids watch discovery and Nat'l Geographic channel if it makes you feel better.

this is what I do!

This site gives us ladies a reality check when it comes to pioneer ladies.... http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/biblical-womanhood/dont-revere-the-pioneer/ It is a reminder to me that comparisons inevitably lead to discontent and insecurity.

you could offer to give HER a haircut. :sneaky2:

Old Navy has long shorts (Bermudas) Blouses with plunging necklines get cami's underneath.

Anger, IMHO is not a sin, since Jesus did get angry. However, when we choose to hold onto our anger (nursing grudges, refusing to forgive, pouting, etc.) it become bitterness which we are commanded to lay aside. I think that uncontrolled anger is a sin, as letting your anger get out of control leads to hurtful actions and words that are sin; Ephesians 4:31 NIV "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."

I've never heard of a church charging for VBS. All the churches I've ever been involved with do it for free.

yep. even my dd's (13 and 9) have helped with calf castration.

I do know an adult who watched a video of himself on a softball team. He was NEVER the same. Totally changed the attitude from seeing it himself.

it takes a surgery. to do it. I am a farmer's wife and it is not anything I've ever tried. I have castrated a calf, but that's my limit.

yep you can. they are called capons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capon

if you have leghorns, I seriously doubt any will set. The broodiness has pretty much been bred right out of them. However if that does happen, take the hen, put her in a brightly lit cage w/no nesting material and after 2-3 days she will snap out of it. Roosters vary. In my experience, leghorns are not aggressive, just nervous. You are lucky in that leghorns are pretty small. If he does get a bit agressive, remember, you are bigger than he is. And hit him back. Kick him, swat at him with a stick, let him know that YOU are boss. It won't hurt him, it will teach him that you are boss hen around there.

it is absolutely the truth, especially if I were pregnant. I am not a nice pregnant lady.

Here would be my ideal reaction: Wake up, see mess....calmly walk over to the game system, unplug the thing and wrap the cord around it. "Sorry guys, you know this is off limits, guess a week without it will help you to remember that." Deposit gadget in closet. Return to living room and retrieve toddler. Glance around and say.."well, looks like you guys already h ad breakfast so toddler and I will be having (fill in the blank with their favorite breakfast) while you guys clean up your mess. I guess you'll be glad for lunch." smile sweetly while I go make pancakes and bacon for toddler and me. Later I'd have a talk with 12 yo. Tell him that you are through with the "forgetting" and mess. From now on you will be treating him exactly like he is five. You will be the only one to fix his food, you will follow him into the bathroom to make sure he doesn't drench the floor or trash it while he brushes his teeth. He will lose all privileges to anything messy since he cannot pick up after himself. After about 2 weeks of this, I'd bet he'd be ready to straighten up. The other kids probably take alot of cues from the oldest. If he is scared of screwing up, they might think twice. however in reality, I would turn into a screaming raving maniac.

My baby girl....lost her first tooth.... why do I feel like crying?

Thanks especially to all those who spoke to their teens asking "would you want me to say something?" It really helps to know that some teens would want a gentle reminder.

Negin, How do you manage to strike a balance between reminding gently and being concerned to being the "food police". I definitely don't want my dd thinking that I am monitoring every bite that goes into her mouth. How do you have those awkward conversations? thank you. I will definitely keep that in mind.,

yes. my 5 yr old is turning 6 next monday and the two older girls put their money together and bought her a book. That is what the package was.

I can totally see my dd's doing this....

they are out there. This time the 2 siblings wanted to go so it is a field trip. I normally go, but I am recovering from a cold and cannot breathe. Simply climbing the stairs makes me short of breath.

The drive way is 600 feet long. and the mailbox is on the other side of the road.

no trick question. I was just wondering if I am off my nut. They looked at me like I was crazy when I asked where the mail was. (they are 13 and 9 if it matters.)

they walked all the way down to the mailbox, picked up the package the carrier left next to the mail box, but didn't get the mail out of the box. Would you make them go back out and get the mail? Just wondering....