I work in a coffee shop (Caribou) 35 to 40 hours a week from 5 a.m. to 12 or 1 p.m. My children are 16, 13, 13, 10 and 8. I give my tips to the 13 yos for chores and babysitting while I'm at work (they are then responsible for their own clothing). While I am at work they are sleeping, then doing their school, then their chores. When I get home we go over their work and talk abou whatever they need help with. I'd love to find something else for more money and less hours, but... wouldn't everyone?

Just jumping in, not having read the entire thread. I can understand a team's desire to keep the team likeminded. My dd plays on a team made up entirely of ps girls. She likes them all. But she has not clicked with any of them. (She has also played with other ps girls with whom she has clicked.) She also plays on a boys home school high school team and there is so much harmony on that team. It's awesome. But I know the coach will be happy next year when the three girls have their own team - it just changes the dynamics. At any rate, I understand the desire. Not sure whether or not I agree, disagree or am neutral. :) Now, regarding a child's heartbreak...big hugs to you and your dd. THAT I can completely relate to and understand. My dd has had some major disappointments relating to teams, etc... and in each instance has seen it work for the better. That's more to encourage you than her. It sometimes takes months, but always we have seen the wisdom in what has happened and often it has worked out for a better situation to take place. Hugs,

I completely agree. And while I am for all practical purposes a Republican, I could not stand the way most people with whom I associate spoke about President Clinton, and the way they speak about Obama.

I completely agree that it's an issue of their going behind your back straight to a 6 yo. ??? That speaks volumes to me. We were previously dresses only. I never, ever, ever thought to dictate what ANYONE else would wear, least of all in their own house. I did, and do, establish boundaries for my children and that includes distancing our family from some others. However, that has never been because of their standards, but rather their blatant lack of respect and sometimes ridicule for ours (whether dresses, shorts, music, etc...) I would discuss it with them, not as an issue of modesty, but authority. Anyone who sent behind my back with my children in such a way would not be left alone with them, even in another room, again, especially when my children were so young. I definitely want my children to learn deference, but this does not seem to apply to this situation at least as a primary issue.

I know they have a home school soccer team, because our home school soccer team just played them. :)

I hear ya! I'm interested in politics, but really not able to handle the rudeness, snark, nastiness and snottiness that invariably comes along. I can't do it from either side, even the side I will vote for. People call it public debate. I see so few intelligent comments and so many one line zingers, I just pretty much stay out. Until...I just check...to see...if....it's changed.... AHHHHH!

If you have a nagging feeling and can swing it, by all means GO!

Praying.

Yes. We had a friend go into the Air Force last year. I'm not sure how old, but close to 50. He's a physician, though.

I can't find the emoticons, but ROTFLOL!!!! You ARE insane, Kelli. Please accept the fact and move on. However we would all plead with the admins to give you grace for just that reason and let you stay and keep us real and amused!!

I could be wrong, but I think the OP just didn't go into tall the details beyond the generic "I don't trust him," stuff. I mean, I doubt I'll vote for Obama, but I despise the e-mail I have received over five times from various people. It's filled with lies, innuendo and gossip. One friend that I challenged on it sent me back a very well thought out, constructive, issues-based reply. I told her to send THAT out instead!! I think politics as well as most topics have become polarized. For some reason, anyone with whom we disagree is an "enemy." Perhaps because we have been treated as such by those that disagree with us? I really don't know, but I find it distressing and frustrating as well. I love listening to my boss discuss the candidate he likes, because he is so positive and really believes in the candidate; he doesn't discuss what he dislikes about anyone else. It's informative, interesting and encouraging.

Ok...I missed this when I posted. But I now stand and cheer. :iagree: Amen and amen. And Amen.

Not bothering to read the rest of the thread. It's "inflammatory" because Phred typically just waits for a post that he can argue with point by point. He already has his opinions set. I have yet to see an actual dialogue. Rather, he poses his "questions" and then waits to point out the flaws. Personally I don't see a point. Phred is not a Christian and is fairly hostile towards the Christian worldview. Ok. Whatever. Let's talk about home schooling. I'd love to hear more about how Phred home educates his children. But that's not what Phred discusses. He, in large portion, only begins and/or contributes to threads in which he can slam one worldview. Or nit pick symantics. His questions seemed designed to "stimulate discussion" yet I for one am highly doubtful of his desire to participate in dialogue, only monologue.

Most people don't seem to have much trouble expressing to me that my children are social misfits, unprepared for life in the real world, will be completely unprepared for college academics, etc... I'm fairly certain I know what I do that other parents think is crazy, beginning with home schooling. Oh well... come to think of it, there are probably some things I don't know about...

:lol::lol::lol: Umm...yeah...me too....:lol::lol::lol: