My daughter, who is now in college, says that she wouldn't change anything for her homeschooling years, but has told me that she doesn't know if she will homeschool her children. I told her that she will be their mother and I believe that one day she will make a great mother and I have no doubt that she would make the right decision for her family. I also told her that what you think at 18, single, childless, etc. isn't what you may want when you are actually making those kinds of decisions. I love our talks and she feels comfortable enough to talk to me about things like this. My bad mama moments happened all too often, but here recently my 16 year old son has been the recipeint of hormonal mama attitude. I just explain, and then ask for forgiveness.

We bought cars for ours, but by buying them cars I mean they are still our cars. We bought the cars, we pay the insurance, we pay the gas. They understand that if the need arises and we need the vehicles that we can use them. Also, seatbelts must be worn, no texting. No friends in the car if they havent had their license for 6 mos. We live in a small town so we mostly have back roads and small two lane roads. They arent allowed to just come and go they have to ask permission. Also I have them text me when they have arrived at their destination. My daughter is now away at college, so the rules of knowing her comings and goings are over, but out of courtesy she will let me know when she is going somewhere and when she gets there.

Our daughter is a freshmen at a local university. We pay her tuition, board, meal plan, books, any school related expenses. She is also in a sorority and we pay that as well. We only live 45 minutes away, but still feel that living on campus is a better option for our family. We pay the car payment, insurance, her cell phone bill, and give her $120 per month for expenses. She has a part-time job and contributes to her sorority costs. This is what our family chooses to do. If our situation were financially different or if at anytime in the future that changes then so will our contributions. She is a great well rounded girl and would never expect anything and is very thankful for what we can do. We have a son who will go to college next, but we still have 2.5 years before that comes. Edited to add that she does recieve some scholarship money to help with costs.

I can totally relate to the sweats and hershey bar. Bit of heaven right there! Jean - What mysteries would you recommend. I read some Agatha Christie last year and enjoyed it.

I think that is awesome that you dance. I think sometimes it's a matter of our change of perspective. I hope you begin to feel fulfilled with it again.

I was just thinking about things I want for myself in this new year and one thing keeps popping up for me and that is "Me" time. I want to invest more into myself. Body, soul, and mind. Body- I took up running this past year. I would love to feel and look better than ever this year. Soul- I pour into others all the time. Teaching my kids, I teach Sunday School, I have a friend that I mentor. I need to pour more into myself, so I am planning to spend time reading my bible and praying on a more consistent basis. Mind- I want to read more this year. I am drawn to nonfiction more than anything, but this year I want too incorporate more fluff, fun and light reading. So what do you do in your "me" time?

I was never part of the old group, but I run. I started running a year ago and have ran three 5ks. My goal this year is to run a half marathon. My highest milage is 6 miles. I consistently get in 5 miles 3-4 days a week. I love when I get into that groove. Somedays I hate it, and somedays I love it. Mostly I love it. My weight has been slow to come off, because I wasn't watching my calorie intake. Looking forward to following along on this thread.

I started the Couch to 5k program last year. I have now run three 5ks. When I started I couldn't run for a minute without stopping. I can now run about 6 miles and am training for a half marathon at the end of 2013. When starting out go slower than you need to. The slower you run the longer you will be able to run. Speed and distance will come with time. Your body will build up endurance and stamina. Also, if you need to you can repeat days and weeks. You can do it. I did not lose weight quickly running. I ate more because I was burning more calories. If you are looking to lose weight you will need to watch your calorie intake as well. I have lost about 20lbs this year from running. I still have a stubborn 10lbs to lose though. Good luck with your running.

I'm 36 and am thinking about aging gracefully as well. I think for me it really is about body, mind, and soul. I started running this year. I went from no running at all. Ever. I am now running 5 miles at a time 3-4 days a week. This has made me also eat healthier. My skin has started radiating from the inside. I sleep much better, so I am well rested. I am taking life a lot easier and as it comes. I look at each day as a gift to unwrap and live it to the fullest. I set goals for myself and plan out how to achieve them. I am feeding my soul, by spending time in prayer and reading my bible. I am feeling overall better than I did in my twenties and want to enter my forties better than ever. I style my hair, wear natural looking make up, keep my nails neat, I try to keep to a classic style that is not trendy.

If you don't think you will use the hopper option you can purchase the tickets without the hopper option. You can add it at anytime during your trip at the same cost per day.

Typically our day is from 7:30-1:30 with a couple of breaks and a lunch break.

I have a 14 year old and a 16 year old. We all go to bed between 10:30 and 11:30 each night. They just go to bed. We don't make them. We get up around 7:30 to start school work. On some nights they are in bed by 10:00 depending on what we did that day. They really don't have a bedtime. They just go to bed when they are naturally tired.

It really depends on how many and the ages of those living in the house. A smaller home with two small kids might be just right, but a smaller home with two teenagers may seem cramped. We live in a 1500 sq. ft. house with two teens, and I would not go any smaller for our situation, but I wouldn't go a whole lot larger either. I like the closeness of everyone in our home.

My husband and I have been "dating" for a couple of years now. Ever since the kids were old enough for us to leave at home alone. I must say I am looking forward to traveling with him when the kids are adults. I run 3-4 days a week right now, so that is a nice outlet. I am starting to invest in friendships again, and that is nice also. I think my main thing is that I have always invested in my children, and need to just accept that this is a natural part of life. I don't want them to see me sad, but I also don't want them to think that I am happy they will soon be gone. ykwim?

Hey everyone, I don't post a lot, but read almost daily. I am entering a time in my life where I am at a crossroads of sorts. My daughter is a senior this year and my son is a freshman. It has all of a sudden hit me that our homeschooling years are coming to an end, and I have been sad about this revelation. I knew it was coming, but wasn't prepared for the emotions that I would have to deal with. Have any of you been through this? How did you handle it? Thanks for just letting me put that out there.

I have seen all that you have mentioned, but also senior trips, senior mission trips, and senior recitals. My daughter will also be a senior this coming year, so I will be following this thread.

I will be 40 when my youngest graduates. I have a lot of life left to live, and I'm trying to figure out what I would like to do "when I grow up".

I have 20lbs to lose. I started last Thursday. My motivation will be buying new clothes. 5-10lbs - Blouse 10-15lbs - Jeans 15-20lbs - Dress Once I reach 20lbs I plan to get a new hair cut, new outfit with shoes. I hope I can do it.

I also wanted to add that I prayed about it. I hope you truly find your place. :grouphug:

It took us a good year before we actually felt like our church was a good fit for us. I had to rethink it. Instead of what I was getting out of it I started asking what could I give. I changed the way I "did" church. I started going only for God and Him alone. I started plugging in and helping where I could. I tried out different areas. I now teach a youth girls S.S. class and help with our senior adult ministry. I have made lots of friends. Hang in there. :grouphug:

This is something that I never get tired of.

Thank you all for contributing to this thread. You all have given me a good bit to think over. I'm looking forward to sharing my new passions with you all in the future.

Thanks! I will enjoy looking through it.

I looked up Joe Satriani and I can see why you like him. He is an amazing guitarist. Thanks for sharing.

My children will be 18 and 20 when I turn 40. I have my whole life ahead of me. I want to make it last. Sad to say that I didn't have a lot of things that brought fun when I was a child. I was just trying to survive.