I would probably do some research on my own first (internet, relevant books from the library, etc.). If my own research pointed to and/or confirmed a potential learning problem, then I would probably make an appointment with the pediatrician to discuss my concerns and get a referral to a specialist as needed... If you've got questions regarding a specific learning problem, the TWTM Special Needs board might be a good place to post and get some more specific support.

Just curious... Was someone able to solve this and win the tickets? I didn't reply this morning, but actually spent at least 20 min. trying to figure this out (so I feel a need to know the outcome)... ;)

I have this book too and highly recommend it... Yes Yes Yes, that's one of the best features of this book IMO. The book is divided into three parts. Part One explains the various types of nutrients, food supplements and herbs found in health food shops and drugstores. Part Two alphabetically lists common disorders, discusses how to identify the symptoms, and suggests how to correct the disorder through dietary guidelines and a supplementation program. Part Three offers a listing of traditional therapies and conventional treatments that can be used in conjunction with a nutritional program. In addition, there are insets throughout the book providing in-depth coverage of important topics and self-diagnostic tests in Part Two to help you determine whether you have a particular illness. There's also tons of additional info on resources in the appendix. Overall, a fantastic resource - I refer to mine often!

It's charged now, thanks... LOL!!! :lol:

:iagree: My sentiments exactly...!! Based on your post, you sound like a thoughtful, articulate and intelligent person. The fact that you're aware of - and working on - areas where you'd like to expand your knowledge and understanding makes you THAT MUCH MORE QUALIFIED to homeschool, IMHO. :)

I've used 1-800-Flowers many times over the years and have always had a great experience with them. http://ww32.1800flowers.com/

For hairstylists, the standard tip is between 15-20% (I tip 15% if I'm satisfied - 20% if they did a really fantastic job, didn't rush, and gave what I would consider to be "extra attentive" service). I guess this could vary by region, but this has been the standard everywhere I've lived. I would tip the same % on your 3yo's haircut...

If it were me, I might go check the area out in the morning just to see whether there are any clues (or worse)... I think this would bother me until I looked into it some more (although I would admittedly be somewhat afraid of what I might find)... :001_unsure:

LOL!! :lol: How about: - Consider it done! - Your projects - done right! - One call takes care of it all! Yours are more fun though... ;)

How freaky... Is it possible that it was an animal making the sounds you heard (since you saw animal eyes)? Just curious... I agree - they should have done more. I wonder why they didn't? Personally, I would not put myself in danger. You did the right thing by calling the police. There's no sense in something happening to you (or your DS) on top of whatever was going on. Now if you head out with a group of several people (and armed), that might be different... Hope you're able to get some sleep tonight!!

That is such great advice! I had never even thought of doing that (in fact we were usually running late for church when DS was younger which probably made it worse :001_huh:). I can totally see that this would help and may start trying this with DS (not for church, but just in general) since he does still struggle with transitions at times. Thanks!

I think there's a lot of truth in "do what you love and the money will follow" (even if it takes a bit longer sometimes)... ;) Since you have Finance experience already, is there something else in the Finance field (aside from accounting) that you would enjoy? You could become certified as a Financial Planner for example (not sure what the degree requirements, if any, are for that). Archaeology...hmmm...Do you live near a university with an Archaeology department? Do you enjoy teaching (i.e. an adjunct professor role to start and work up from there)? Are there other ways to make a photography business more stable during economic downtimes? Maybe take pictures "on contract" for books, magazines, etc.? Teach a photography course at a Community College? Expand into more specialized areas like pet photography (we actually have a photographer in our town who specializes in this)? Don't have any links to grant information, but I'm sure a Google search on that would turn up a ton of information. On a personal note, I majored in Business (have both a B.S. and an M.B.A) because I wanted to be "practical". My real love was (and still is) Psychology. A business degree is nice and versatile (and it did keep me gainfully employed for 18 years), but part of me still wishes I would have pursued a Psychology degree. After all this time, I'm now pursuing a certification that's Psychology-related... Best of luck as you figure out what you want to do! :)

I would call it in as well. Based on her reaction at the scene, she sounds like the type of person who might try to make a big deal out of this and claim injuries (especially since she was quasi rear-ended, although it was so minor). Your insurance company will appreciate having the heads-up and will likely start a claim file - although it will probably not go anywhere until (if and when) she or her insurance company contacts them. I worked for two years as an auto insurance claims adjuster - we always appreciated it when our customers were proactive and reported accidents, even if they were minor and didn't result in a claim. Reporting this to your insurance company should not result in a "ding" on your insurance if there's no payout. The damage is so minor, and even if the other driver tries to claim injuries, she'll have a tough time proving that based on the low impact. So...you have nothing to lose (and will position yourself well should there be a claim) by being the first to report it.

:iagree: I don't see homeschooling as selfish at all - quite the opposite. If I were being selfish, I would have continued my career instead of deciding to stay home with the kids and homeschool. I'm homeschooling because it's what I believe to be best for my kids (i.e. out of regard for them) - not because it's what's best or most enjoyable for me. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy it and am so thankful that we decided to do this - but that wasn't the motivating factor or even a primary consideration in our decision to homeschool.

My DS (now 6.5) had some of the same issues you're describing when he was 4 - so, you're not alone and there is hope (although I know all too well that it can feel like you're the only parent dealing with this type of behavior at times!!). :grouphug: 1. Interrupting. What worked for us with DS at that age was to tell him that when he wanted to say something (while we were talking to someone else) he should put his hand on mommy or daddy's arm and just wait quietly. That was our signal that he wanted to talk when we were done. When he put his hand on my arm, I would put my hand on his hand (so he knew he had been acknowledged - and the physical contact seemed to calm him down) and then I would immediately turn to him when I was done talking, thank him for waiting, and then he would have his turn. Yes, it's nicer if they can just wait without having to do the "hand on the arm" routine - but it sure beats being interrupted. This worked for us, and now he's pretty much learned to wait his turn to speak (without any special "helps"). He's still impulsive (that's just his temperament) so he does still interrupt sometimes, but it's about 90% improved over where it was. Also, be sure to make a BIG DEAL out of it when he does wait his turn and is able to control himself (just lots of verbal recognition). 2. Church. Some kids just have a hard time sitting still in church. I know. My DS had a difficult time with this at that age too (while my 2yo DD is completely different and has absolutely no problem sitting still and keeping herself busy). Can you drop Charlie off early (does he have to be in church for those first 15 min.)? If not, can you and DH take turns waiting with him in the church lobby until he can be dropped off? Or how about getting a special (highly fascinating but QUIET) toy that only comes out on Sundays for those first 15 min. in church? Is there something that you think would hold his attention for 15 min.? 3. Being Bossy. Can you put him "in charge" of something in these situations? I know it seems counter-intuitive to put a bossy child in charge, but this worked with DS sometimes (he's not super-bossy, but I have had to deal with this from time to time). For example, when you go to homeschool group and you're doing crafts, can you put him in charge of something innocuous like making sure everyone has enough supplies (or just something that will keep him busy, but not put him at odds with anyone - they'll just see him as being helpful)? That way, he's got something to focus on, he'll feel more in control, and he may be less likely to get stressed about other things that aren't going his way. When DS was younger, I often put him in charge of "safety" when we were at the park, because this was a great way to ensure that he would be safe and not do anything that would make others unsafe. It helps to give your child some phrases they can use to go with that though - so that they don't end up bossing people around again. 4. On the phone. I would implement the same rule here (put your hand on my arm if you need attention or want to say something) as mentioned above under "Interrupting". Age 4 was probably the toughest age so far for DS. He never went through the "terrible twos" (he was as sweet and easy as could be at that age), but age 4 was extremely difficult. With lots of love, focusing on the positive (LOTS of praise when he gets things right!), time and maturity things will get likely get better. HTH and hang in there! :)

Congrats on your pregnancy! I've heard that ultrasounds are optional, unless there's a specific concern and the ultrasound is used as a diagnostic tool. If there are no concerns and your pregnancy is progressing normally, then you may not need it. Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional - just basing this on what I've heard from a few different sources. :)

I'm so sorry to hear what you all are dealing with in terms of your neighbors... Just awful. Based on everything I've been reading here since yesterday, I'm going to just be thankful for our neighbors. It's not perfect (we had a run-in with one family 2 years ago and haven't talked to them since), but at least they leave us alone and they haven't done anything atrocious on or to their (or our) property. Perspective is everything - so thanks to all of you who have shared yours so I could appropriately adjust mine!! ;)

Good for you for doing the right thing!! I hope they let you keep them too... :)

WOW!!! But I guess I knew a guy that did "his business" at work every day which is somewhat along the same lines. He said he had regulated his system so that he only went #2 while he was at work, so he didn't have the wear and tear of waste and extra TP on his pipes at home - he seemed to be proud of the fact... :001_huh:

Rubbing alcohol works too (used it myself on other "sticky gunk" today)...

:iagree:

We have chickens (7 of them). Pros: - they're fairly easy to take care of - the eggs are fantastic (if you get chicks or younger chickens, it can take awhile for them to start laying though) - they're fun for the kids Cons: - depending on the climate where you live (I didn't check your location before replying), you may go several months during the winter with no eggs. Ours haven't been laying since the start of winter. I've heard that keeping their water warm can keep them laying - we don't want to put a warmer out in our coop, so we haven't tried this. - if you have a garden, and decide to let your chickens go "free range" part of the day, be sure you have a way of keeping them out of your garden or they will tear it up (I speak from experience :glare:) Can't think of anything else right now and don't have any website recommendations. My DH grew up on a farm and is the "chicken expert" here - I just enjoy the eggs. ;)

One of our libraries in town has this too. It's not really a fundraiser, since it's ongoing (it's basically a one-room book store). But it does seem to do quite well. Another thought that came to mind is an art auction. You could have local artists donate a piece (or several) of art and display them throughout your library for a couple weeks before the auction, along with advertising for the upcoming auction. In exchange for donating their piece(s), the artists get free publicity for their artwork while it's displayed at your library and perhaps you could feature them and thank them in your library newsletter and/or website as well. All proceeds from the auction would go to your library.

Another Angel Soft user here... :) I hate toilet paper that "feels cheap" - we've been using this brand for years, and it compares well to the more expensive brands.

For a redo (that you are having to come back in for), I don't think you need to tip... You tipped for the original job, and what she's doing when you go back in is finishing that original job. Others may see it differently, but I wouldn't think that a tip would be expected for that...