A gap year is definitely something for her to consider, it is something that I am considering as well, but I am blessed with parents who want the best for me and are willing to help provide their love and support. Financially, it is up to me, so I may need to take a year off and work while taking classes at the local CC, or if I could score high on the ACT then maybe get a good scholarship to the local University. She could also enter in the Spring term, it doesn't have to be the fall term, I know many people who do this and have gone on to succeed. :grouphug: and prayers to you for guidance, and for your student, her sanity.;)

Thank you all! I just feel so much more comfortable and confident now. :001_smile::D

It might seem silly, but I actually got over my weight-loss plateau!!!!!!! I know, it sounds super strange for me to be excited over something so tiny, but I am just overjoyed. I lost the last 3 stubborn lbs and now weight 122lbs!!!!:lol: What did I do, I follwed the advice my Nanna past on to my mom, who wanted it past on to me when I struggled with weight. But before, let me say what I did before I lost the weight. Before I tried a mixture of fad diets that failed within the first two weeks, then I tried South Beach Diet which only worked if I really restricted my food. But I dipised it and started to feel sick about two weeks ago, my doctor said I wasn't recieving proper nutrition.:glare: So I scrapped that diet, and my mom told me what my Nanna told her, and it all made perfect sense. My Nanna was very petite, about 5'4", and weighed 100 or so lbs (she was petite!), and was active, she walked everywhere, and never really sat still. What really got me was the size portions I vaguely remember her eating before she fell and broke her hips. When we went over her house, she would always eat normal food, but never too much. Her plate was filled accordingly, and she NEVER went for seconds, always had a large glass of water with her meals, and desserts were saved for the weekend or special occasions. And when she did eat dessert, it was a small portion, no seconds, with either tea, coffee, or water. And she said to never eat unless you were hungry, if you feel a craving drink a glass of water and eat a few crackers, nuts, raisins, granola or whatever and wait for the main meal or dessert. I have followed that advice, and lost 3lbs in two weeks, I am enjoying eating regular food again, but still eating healthy and happily. I have no more stress, my face has color again, I feel better, and I am eating so much better. Some tips I found helpful were when food was served, take a moderate portion along with a glass of water (I do not drink soda, or any sugary drinks, just milk, water, coffee, or tea) and the moment you finish tell yourself I am done and immediately dispose of the plate. This prevents any temptations to return for second helpings. If you are having your favorite dessert, enjoy it! Don't shove it down your throat and try to return for more, savor each bite and wash down with your favorite drink (no sugary drinks!) Stay active, walking up and down stairs, standing longer than sitting, walking to the store, or pacing the hallway while thinking is better than sitting down! Stay away from the foods that are known to be bad, no fried foods (certain occasions but limit) no sugary drinks, and no candy unless you have a small craving.;) This is how I lost weight, my jeans fit and are getting too big actually (shopping!), my health has improved, and I feel like a giant load has lifted off me. I sure miss my Nanna, but am glad to have a mom to pass on the wisdom of the older generation.:) ADD: Just thought I'd share, I was a little excited lol!:D

:iagree:

:iagree:, a dog bone will work great too, she shouldn't be in there all day, take her out and just sit with her.

This is good to know when I am able to afford it. I'd rather have a tiny scar (or none at all hopefully) than have the mole itself.:001_smile:

While I have not used MUS or MAth Relief, I have heard things through the grapevine. First, MUS is a good prep course, although it is not a very strong algebra 1 course, it gets the job done. Math relief I feel is a better one as it adds in more, yet is still gentle in introducing concepts for those who don't understand math well. I recommend doing both, but if not I would choose Math Relief. Just my 2 cents:)

Thank you for the extra confidence boost Nan, now I am really going to push myself to take the test, no matter the circumstances. Thanks, and thank you for the well wishes of the new baby. I can't wait to hold him!:001_smile: Thank you Shelly! This is excellent, and I will be implementing some of what you have said into my test prep schedule. Good Luck to your dd!!;)

I never knew you had to test each year in NC, RI does not require any testing just as long as you keep everything up to date and do not fail to send in progress reports from time to time. So I am thankful for that, but there are usually pre-algebra, algebra 1 and 2, geometry, and a few triognometry questions. I am studying extra hard to try and take the test by late spring, but your dd should do just fine with pre-cal under her belt. Maybe a few practice tests will help cement in some concepts?

I use this for my itchy legs as well, funny, how it's almost always the legs?!:001_huh:

Praying for all those who have been affected though!:grouphug: One of the many reasons I am thankful for living in New England, the only thing that has ever affected us is some extra humidity and snow! No poisonous snakes, spiders, extreme heat for 100 consecutive days, no tornadoes, snow storms that left us stranded, and no tsunami's. Hope you all are okay!!:grouphug:

I am curious as well because I have a few that need to be removed as well. They don't look bad, but I just don't like the way they make me look. I want them removed so I won't have to cover them with makeup, will there be any scarring?:bigear:

Nan, you almost always know what to say, and I am especially grateful for the advice. Schoolwork is almost always high on the long list of mine, I have plans on going to college, even if it means giving up a few things I enjoy in life. I may need too, but that's a different topic. I never though of taking the test just to take it and see where I would place, I considered it to be a waste of time, but now I am not thinking that at all. There are still a few more tests I can take before the year is out, and I will try VERY HARD to catch one of the spots. I have a book, and will just brush up on some of my skills, the ACT is the better one for me, so I will take the test. Sink or Swim, I'm Divin' In!! (Steven Curtis Chapman).;)

Thank you so much!!!!:D

Thank you both so very much! :001_smile:

Thank you and I will!!:)

I could try and take both tests towards the end of the year, it may work out, even if I don't recieve a high score I like you all have stated would know where I'm at. The reason I am unable to put forth a lot of effort is because we are going to be moving soon, so the packing up, doing other schoolwork, another baby on the way (my mom lol!), and day-to-day life sure has a way of catching up on you.:glare: But I will try to at least take one this year, maybe if I focus on one this, year, and take both next year would be better. Thank you all for you advice!:)

This year for many reasons, I am unable to take the SAT/ACT, there is too much conflict and I cannot get in enough study time to feel confident in taking the test. That being stated, I am in another dilema over which one I should take. The ACT is good, the only thing I don't like too much is the science section, I would not be able to get a good score for that section due to the fact that I am lacking in it. Other than that, I am doing fine. The SAT I score much higher in everything but math, I struggle slightly with that section because of the trick questions it asks. I am leaning more towards the SAT, but want to do the ACT even though the science section is weak. I feel more comfortable with the ACT's math section and I don't want to get a bad score in either. Is it possible to study for both test's (over the summer) and take them both in one year? OR should I firmly stick with one and then take that test twice in one year? Advice is greatly needed and sorry for the rambling, I am a little confused!:confused:

I just ordered Notgrass World History, we'll have to wait and see how it goes!!!

aww thank you so very much!! I appreciate your help and kind words, I cannot wait for my little brother to arrive!:)

Thank you Rebecca (that's my momma's name!) I will certainly do this, I love journaling and this is a great way to remember.:001_smile:

It can take awhile, but usually 4-5 days. I don't 'give up' carbs but I do limit them and it has helped me to lose weight. I lost 15 lbs by limiting my carb intake, but I could never give up dessert, I just limit everything to small portions. If we are having baked potatoes, I eat half of one, if we are having a carby meal, I take a small plate and fill it up accordingly. Never take seconds, stop when you are satisfied, eat veggies, or fruit with the meal (I prefer a salad and then the meal). So no I don't give up, but I do limit!:lol: This has helped me lose so much weight it's crazy, and I am mantaining it all with moderation and exercise. I hope you are successful though!!!:)

Yes I bought a Mendini and it worked just fine, but I'm so ready to upgrade now. You should have no problem with your 6 year old using it, money well spent.:)

Thank you all for the kind words, I will cherish this moment always, :)

Thank you so very much, I really appreciated that Lucinda. And thank you all for your lovely recipes and Congragulations, it is so very appreciated!!:001_smile: