I see it as a reflection of who they are. They may be deeply faithful or totally insincere -- either way, it's them. I enjoy knowing my friends for who they are and it doesn't annoy me -- if it did then we wouldn't really be friends.

The Dog Whisperer has a book on puppies. He does a really great job of going through the things that a reputable breeder does. My mother is a breeder. She sells wonderful, beautiful dogs. BUT I've witnessed her tell potential customers what they want to hear. Make sure you look with your own eyes and not just your heart.

:iagree: That's what I was thinking -- sometimes it's just easier/habit to write certain letters that way. Pretty hard to do with cursive.

Maybe something like homemade savory crackers and some nice cheese? Are they only watching sweets or carbs, too?

Garlic bread and salad -- yum!

:sad: My heart breaks for you. I really hope you are able to spend lots of time with her. :grouphug::grouphug:

Yes. It's the type of gift that can grow. They'll use it for one thing now and something else in a few years -- maybe at some point they'll actually use it as designed:tongue_smilie:

I've been on the receiving end of help and it's always super-appreciated. Some people understand the sacrifices that we're making to homeschool our children (and try to help) and others are hostile. I've never asked for money or even hinted although it's obvious that we don't live the "country-club" lifestyle. If you feel like gifting someone with money (or gift cards) then do it -- if not, then don't. I think the hurt feelings (for both parties) are worse if you give and are resentful. Another thought -- I've seen people give lots of money to charities that help people in difficult situations (although if you get down to it they probably have the same issues.) I don't understand why some people can give to people that they don't know and not to their own family.

:iagree::iagree: Yep, laugh it off -- that's what we'd do.

:iagree: If the teacher is one of those "all students are 'c' students until proven otherwise" then it should have been sent home in some sort of syllabus before the grading period began. Also, grading should be consistent throughout the school -- one teacher can't be tough on grading and another lax. Grades are too important -- so much rides on them.

We love hand-me-downs around here and I'm always especially grateful. I have three girls so, chances are, that they will be worn quite a few times. My sister gives me clothing from her son -- they are such good quality that I can re-give them to a family in my parent's church that has several adopted children (and are quite poor.) So, I suggest that you give them away! Maybe if it's a super-special outfit you can ask the new owner to send you a picture of their child when they wear it -- it might help to know that it's getting love.

:iagree:

We had a huge play room with every toy possible. Then we down sized to a small apartment and got rid of everything but a small tub. My kids don't even play with the toys in the tub! They have much more fun playing with blankets and taking the cushions off the couch. I'd say, "Go for it!"

We're there with you. I find that most people are surprised when I tell them that we don't celebrate. (Honestly, I try not to get into these discussions with people on the street but sometimes they insist.) I met one lady at a homeschool book fair that just couldn't fathom that I could believe and not celebrate at the same time. She's probably still scratching her head :)

We're moving across the state in about a month. I've been trying to get quotes from moving companies. I'm looking into places that will do it all for me and places that will pack and load (and unload.) It's SO daunting. I didn't expect it to be this hard. Any tips? This is the first time we haven't had to do it completely on our own.

Oswald Garagorry is a Rabbi (messianic) in Monument, Colorado (Aliyah Congregation.) The number listed on-line is: 719-330-2382. You could try contacting him. Maybe he'll know something/someone -- I would expect him to understand the urgency of the situation.

I've had the same issue -- what gives?

Mine makes the best roasts ever! Something to consider: if you get one with legs on it then you can use it for camping. Mine doesn't have legs so I have to make sure that it hangs over the heat.

I would ask the teacher for the rubric that was used to determine the 'N' rating. Then I would ask how it lines up with the state and local standards. I bet she can't do it.

We love the Netti Pot around here.

When that happens around here, I can usually trace it back to diet (sugar) and sleep (lack of.)

We are doing "Town" this year -- this is our second year. It introduces a lot of the phrases and such that you mentioned as well as reviewing the things we did last year in "Island." Maybe it seems like so much to you because it's really review from what was introduced in the year before.

Back yard and that's it. I don't even let my 10 year old out of my sight.

Wow, imagine what those girls would try to talk her into if she did stay in school!

Standard responses: "Thank you for telling me that." "Why did you feel it was important to tell me _____?" " Are you trying to get your ______ in trouble?" "If ______ is doing something that they're not supposed to do it is your job as their friend/sister/brother to help them not get in trouble. Go help them do the right thing."