Hi, I am considering this for my 6th grader next year, andI found some posts that referred to bad reviews about it, but never found the actual reviews. The book looks pretty good to me. What are some of the issues with it if you are aware of them? Also, how does this book fit with Thinking Toolbox? Use one or the other first? Thank you!

Gal 6:4,5 But let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparision with the other person. For each one will carry his own load. And a personal favorite, Romans 14:4 & 12 4. Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God can make him stand. 12. So then, each of us will render an account for himself to God. These deal with comparision and judging others, but seem suited to what your question was.

Not to go OT, but had to respond...I also REALLY need an outside job/activity to fill me and keep my sanity. I especially needed this when my DD was younger. Working PT can be the perfect solution for those of us who are committed to being good moms, but also need that little something extra. (Not to mention, extra cash for paying bills is really helpful!)

I use a friend as a sitter for one day a week. As others have observed, daycare is very difficult for PT. Fortunately, my job also allows me to bring her with on some occasions. She's 11 though and can occupy herself. (Even at 11 I wouldn't leave her home alone.)

The greek word most often translated as "fornication" or "sexual immorality" is por-nei-a. Porneia is a general term for all unlawful sexual intercourse, including adultery, prostitution, and any form of sexual relations outside of the "lawful" arrangement of marraige. You might try searching the root word of porneia.

I live in Divide, which is a rural area about 45 min west of Colorado Springs. DH was laid off about 2 years ago and could find NOTHING in the area no matter how hard he tried. (FYI, background is sales, electrical work, customer service, etc.) He finally took a job out of state that he travels for and then comes home. It was hugely discouraging as he is professional, clean-cut, perfect work history. Couldn't even get an entry level job. This was just our personal experience!

My DD11 absolutely LOVES Animal Crossing. She has played it for about 2 years, and it never seems to get old. I was really impressed with the longevity. She also liked Drawn to Life. Fashionwise, she recently got Imagine Babys Fashion and enjoys it. I just don't think those type games have some of the longevity of the others.

Seventeen magazine is WAY different. The one I picked up at the ortho office had an article titled "Hookup ettiquette: Do you call him after?" and a poll about whether "friends with benefits" were good or bad.:blink: My DD11 loves American Girl and National Geographic Kids.

"The Christians stood aloof and distinct from the state, as a priestly and spiritual race, and Christianity seemed able influence civil life only in that manner which, it must be confessed, is the purest, by practically endeavouring to instill more and more of holy feeling into the citizens of the state." The History of the Christian Religion and Church, During the First Three Centuries, August Neander. Early Christians didn't become involved in nationalistic issues or celebrations, because they viewed themselves as having a separate "citizenship" as Christians. The idea of a Christian being involved in any kind of nationalism would have been foreign to them. Christians were drawn into nationalism when political leaders realized they could use Christianity to their advantage, as Constantine did. It is a valid question to ask does becoming involved in nationalism compromise a Christian's loyalty to their heavenly Lord.

All this about middle children and sibling rivalry...my selfish DD is an only child - and I keep wondering if THAT'S the problem! I really think so much of it is just part of their personality. We have worked really hard since she was small to instill a sharing, loving, unselfish heart - and it just seems to bounce right off! Example: There is a bible story about Jesus healing someone, and he took them outside the city away from the crowd to heal them. The point was how Jesus thought about how the person would feel, maybe scared, maybe embarassed, maybe overwhelmed, etc. So we talk about the story and ask her first, why do you think Jesus took the person outside the city to heal him? Her answers: Maybe it was easier for Jesus, maybe Jesus wanted to be away from the crowd, maybe Jesus wanted a quiet space to work.... A light bulb went off in my head that day - she really doesn't get it! Everything in her mind is from the "me" perspective. Even applying it to Jesus! How in the world do you get past that? It is such a struggle!

:bigear: I have a DD11 like this too and would love to hear some advice... Please anyone???? Especially the part about did anyone have one like this who turned out NOT to be a selfish narcisisstic adult!

My understanding is that it's not like making a 13% on the test, but out of all the kids tested, is your kid in the lowest 13th percentile of the kids who tested. That may be wrong, but that was just what I understood!

Never mind, just saw it~

Definitely mellow after 24 years... Proof? DH, about to start a load of wash: Does the detergent go where it says detergent, or where it says bleach? Me (with perfectly straight face and not a HINT of sarcasm): Where it says detergent. DH: Thanks. Of course, after he left the room, I stabbed myself in the forehead with a fork...:001_rolleyes:

Absolutely agree! My sister's kids watched Nightmare on Elm Street as preteens, but when people would kiss on tv, my sister would say, "don't watch, nasty!" ????? Also with the first quote from Harrison, that is so spot on. I watch with my DD11 some of the tv shows about drug addiction and we discuss them. Yes, the folks on there use bad language! Language that I normally would not allow her to watch in a movie that was for entertainment purposes only. At the high school I went to, there was a huge fuss because the 11th grade history class was going to watch Schindlers List. People were upset because it had the F-word in it! As if that was what the whole movie was about. This is a great thread. I am in on the side that it is the parent's responsibility and not some librarians or labeling group whose opinions I may or may not agree with.

There is an internet site called consumerlab.com that tests natural supplements. They cost money to join! I just checked and right now it is $30 for a year. But what I did several years ago was join them, check all the supplements I was interested in, and then make sure to cancel. I felt the investment was worth it considering the amount of money I was spending on supplements. Personally, we take a good quality multivitamin, fish oil, D3, and have our preferred "immune stuff" on hand for winter/sickness times. I also have my DD on some tummy stuff since she has digestion issues. (I was able to find one supplement that had probiotics plus herbal colon support, so only one pill there.) I think you can totally go crazy with supplements. My personal opinion is to research quality as best you can, and pick the few things you think help you or are needed the most. I don't have the money to take five gazillion things, plus, I don't know that it's that much more effective than targeting what your specific needs are. JMHO!

Ok...so the gelatinous goo is seriously gelatinous! I put in in the bags with the meat and it just sat there being gelatinous! Are you supposed to mix it with the meat then freeze? Or just stick it in the bag and it mixes when you reheat? (I am hoping this turns out good because it's kind of grossin' me out! :001_smile:)

This has not happened at my dd11's doctor yet (although he did ask ME about the gardisil shot, which I refused for her). However, I do understand it and don't think it is a horrible thing. Our daughters are in a wonderful position of having loving parents who protect them from many situations. I would think the MAJORITY are not in this situation. With children as young as 11-12 coming up pregnant or with STD's, the doctor NEEDS to know if the child is sexually active as a part of her medical history. It is easy to say, ask the parents...but we know for a fact there are parents out there that are clueless. Yes, it is embarassing and awkward for our sheltered girls to be faced with those questions. But I would rather have that so that some poor little kid who gets no direction at home (or may even be being abused at home) could at least get factual info from her doctor. I do NOT think the doctor is trying to take over parenting. Obviously once you explained that this was not something you wanted for your child, he respected your choice.

Oh my gosh, this is so ME! When DD was 6, they had red ribbon week at her school. There was a presentation about drugs, and after school I asked what the presentation was about. She said, "mom, I'll tell you, but do we have to have a whole discussion about it?" She has also told me that she "hates to have serious discussions about things." ???? Of course, I am trying SO HARD to be a good parent, and talk about how to process things etc., and yet I often have the opposite effect of making her zone out. She is 11 now, and I finally learned I have to treat her like I do my husband - when her eyes glaze over I have to stop talking! Recently she said she was depressed about something that happened with her friend, and of course I suggest some possible reasons why her friend might have acted that way, and she just yelled at me "Can't you ever just listen!" So I stopped dead in my tracks and apologized to her, and said I didn't realize that was what she needed from me right then, but of course I could just listen to her, anytime she wanted. She gave me big hugs. It is so hard! I am going to get some of the books recommended here.