justasque
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Posts posted by justasque
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Brown 1 lb ground beef, drain. Put aside.
Saute onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in 3 tbsp olive oil or butter.
Add the beef back in.
Add 3 tbsp flour, mix well, cook for a minute.
Gradually add 2 cups (1 can) beef broth, stirring constantly.
Simmer until thickened.
This is your "innards". At this point you can freeze it, if you like. You can also freeze just before the broth, which takes less space in the freezer.
Now make your mashed potatoes.
Grease a casserole dish. Add beef mixture. Cover with potatoes. Put a bit of cheese on top if you like.
You can use the same basic recipe for chicken pot pie, using chicken instead of beef, and chicken broth instead of beef broth.
You can vary the veggies, or use a frozen veg mixture.
We like to add turnips and parsnips for a "winter" feel.
You can top with potatoes, or pie crust, or biscuit dough.
You can eat as a "stew", without adding a topping, or perhaps over rice.
Stir in some sour cream, mix the potatoes, and you have a beef stroganof - nice with mushrooms, serve over egg noodles.
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For me, I lost someone who was an extremely important part of my life. She didn't die. She just moved on.
I don't know about the nature of your relationship, so this may or may not be a good fit - take what you like and leave the rest.
Sue, when someone dies, there is a funeral, the community gets together, people share their memories of the departed, and there is some group support for the loss. People go through it together, and help each other. The kind of loss you are describing sometimes doesn't come with that kind of acknowledgment and support from others, and that may be making it harder.
Do your loved ones IRL know of your loss? Do they know how much it means to you? Do they know you are still suffering? They are the ones who are still there, who care about you. They may not realize what you are going through. Consider letting them know how you are feeling, so they can support you.
Can you write about your relationship and your feelings? Pray about it or whatever would be appropriate in your faith tradition for a loss? Create a ceremony or ritual to acknowledge and release your loss? Create a memorial about the relationship, like a scrapbook of the happy memories? Create a tradition, like visiting a special place once a year? The idea would be to find something you can do not in a way that prolongs your suffering, or permits you to fixate on or obsess over the loss, but more with an eye towards marking the loss, getting the emotions out and moving on. Think about the kinds of things that people do when they lose a loved one, and how you may be able to adapt the essence of it to fit your loss.
I liked a previous poster's suggestion to consider what kinds of things you got from the relationship, and how you can get those things now - probably not from one person, but in bits and pieces from all kinds of people/places/activities. This is a way to reflect on the good that came from your relationship, but keep it forward-focused rather than fixated on the past.
If you are finding it debilitating, and it seems out of proportion with the loss, then you might want to look into counseling, and/or seeing if there are medical/hormonal issues that need to be addressed.
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Testing to see if your ds is gifted is different than testing to see where he is academic achievement-wise. One is about achievement, the other is, for lack of a better word, about aptitude. They are different kinds of tests.
There are quite a few tests available to the homeschool market via mail-order, some of each kind. Honestly, the achievement ones are pretty much multiple-choice worksheets, and probably won't tell you much you don't already know. I have a page listing several at my web site - see the testing page - and some of the same test providers also offer IQ/aptitude tests. My list is specific to the tests required in PA, but it should give you a starting point.
The SAT taken by college-bound kids is not appropriate for a second-grader for many reasons, but there are tests that would work. (There is another test also called SAT - not sure which one you mean.) You might want to check out the JHU-CTY program or its equivalent for your area; they use various tests to screen for giftedness at various ages.
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On the topic of bullying, I found this video to be very thought-provoking. It's part of the "It Gets Better" project, aimed at LGBTQ kids who are being bullied. The theory of the project is "hang in there, it gets better". There are many videos, but this one raised a lot of complex issues.
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I guess you've considered the fictional character of Uriah Heap.
This was what came to my mind as well. Uriah Heap is a character in David Copperfield, and not a particularly nice one. I'm only mentioning it because you might not be aware of this reference; for a lot of people it may be the first thing that comes to mind, better to know up-front and make an informed decision.
I do like Brock. What about Hunter, Evan, Jake, Zack, Brandon? What about family last names as first names?
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Sounds good. Only issue is that a while back the PO started getting odd about boxes that say one thing on the outside and contain something else inside. In my case, I've found that using beer boxes is a no-no unless you cover up the beer info. I know this sounds nuts! I don't know if they'l stress over the camera box or not. Solution is to cover the box with a brown paper bag - cut open the bag and use it to wrap the box up like a present and tape well. This might affect the weight though.
You can indeed print the sending label off of eBay, they will indeed take the shipping from PayPal. You actually ought at that point to be able to leave it for your letter carrier, but in some rural situations this is a bit trickier, so the PO is your best bet for your first time out. Be sure to tell them it is a click-and-ship, and that it's your first time doing it. They really don't need to do anything to it - it should be ready to go, and you've already paid.
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I would keep in mind that there will probably come a time when the shoe is on the other foot, and dd for whatever reason cannot make the regularly scheduled babysitting time. So your choices are to keep a running tab of things, or to use cash one way or the other each time it doesn't work out. I would go for the running tab version, because I think that's fair all around, and more easy-going yet still precise.
However, you might want to see how she handles paying customers, and how much she regularly charges. If she normally charges a flat quarterly fee with no discount for holidays, then she is treating dd the way she treats others, and you'll have to decide whether the work is worth the reward now that you have an adjusted sense of the reward.
More to the point - does your dd enjoy the lessons? Is she a good fit for your dd, piano-wise? Does your dd enjoy (or at least not hate) the baby-sitting? Make sure this is something you want before negotiating anything.
Our dance studio schedules make-up days - for example, Thursday classes aren't held on Thanksgiving, so they schedule another day (not always a Thursday), usually at the beginning of Christmas break, to hold the regular Thursday schedule. If you can't make it on that day, then tough, but the schedule is posted at the beginning of the year so everyone knows what to expect.
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So, I made my first sale tonight on eBay. eBay is holding my money for 3 weeks because I am a new seller so how do I get the shipment money?
Also, how do I get a box to ship it in?
I'll be shipping it with the USPS. Can I just go down to the Post Office, give them the items and the address and they'll pack it up and ship it or would they expect me to already have it packed up and sealed in one of their boxes?
I am just really confused, so any help would be appreciated.
Assuming it's not books, and it's not huge, and it's not going abroad: Go to the post office and ask for a Priority Mail box. You can look at the post office's site online to get an idea of what size boxes are available, so you know what to ask for. In future, get the box *first*, before you post your item on eBay; you can even order them (free) online and have them sent to you.
Now, pack your item and take it back to the post office to weigh it and get a shipping price; they will need to know the zip code. Frequent sellers invest in a scale so they can do this at home. (eBay is the best place to buy scales!)
Now, you can communicate with your buyer about the total price. You will have to pay for shipping up-front, it sounds like.
Ship your item as soon as your buyer pays - that day if possible. Made sure you include Delivery Confirmation - ask the post office about this when you inquire about price.
In future, figure this all out ahead of time, so you can quote an accurate price up-front. If you have your own scale, and a supply of boxes, you can click-and-ship from home through eBay, so you won't have to go to the post office at all, let alone three times!
Check out the community boards at ebay - they are full of people who know all the ins and outs of selling - you will learn a ton. The Children's Clothing board is the most active and the ladies there are helpful; many of them homeschool.
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You can put the files on a disc or external hard drive, but you will need a computer to load them onto the mp3 player initially, and then to change/update what's on the mp3 player (called syncing). The fewer GBs you have, and the more you use the player, the more often you'll probably end up syncing it (that is, swapping out what's on it). Without a computer, to sync with, an mp3 player is pretty useless.
You don't need a docking station for audio books at home. You can 1) listen to the files on your computer, or 2) unplug the computer speakers from the computer and plug them into the mp3 player. Some mp3 players have built-in speakers (though not great ones), and you can also get speakers designed specifically for mp3 players. Some speakers need batteries but not all.
Mp3 players run on batteries; some you have to put batteries in (like AA batteries); others have built-in batteries which you have to charge periodically. The iPods have built-in batteries, and they automatically charge when they're connected to your computer or a docking station or some car stereos. You can also get a wall charger for them. One of the nice things about iPods is there are a zillion accessories designed for them.
Get your favorite teen to show you their player and how it works. Ask them how they use it, and what they like and don't like about it. Then ask a few more teens - you'll get a sense of what you want and don't want in a player. YOu might also get your local computer expert to show you how mp3 files work on your computer now. You can download iTunes and play around with it for free, to get a sense of things. (There is a steep learning curve, so ask a teen to show you how.) Also, ask at your library about their audio book options.
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Taking it back to the original question:
You cannot expect your dc to get a custom curriculum in public school. It's just not the way they do things; they're not set up for it.
I am a crafter. Sometimes, I like to buy all the different pieces I might need, often in bulk even though I'll have leftovers, because it gives me the ability to come up with my own variations on the craft. Sometimes, I like to just buy the kit, even though it's kind of generic and doesn't really require my creativity to add that personal touch, because it gets the job done with minimal fuss. School is like that. Sometimes you want a la carte custom-made, and sometimes it's nice when you get the package deal where the big yellow bus picks them up and drops them off and you don't have to get involved all that much beyond sending in brownies for the holiday party. It all depends on what else is going on in your life, how good a fit the generic version is for your dc, and so on. Only you can decide where the pros and cons fall out.
I wonder if it would help if you could observe a day at school? I did this once, and it was very helpful. Knowing about the day's routine, the kids in the class, etc. helped me to ask questions at home that helped my dc communicate more about the day. It also helped me see the good areas and those that might be problematic. And it gave me a sense of what the teacher was facing and what she was trying to achieve, which helped me to be able to work with the teacher on my ds' behalf. (Teachers vary widely. Some are more comfortable than others with differentiated instruction.)
Has your son been more specific about his boredom? Do you have a sense of what he expected from school, and how that has meshed with the reality for him? Are there parts of homeschooling that he is missing, and if so are they things you can focus on at weekends and evenings? For example, if he liked read-alouds, you could make sure you make time for them.
What I'm getting from your conversation with the supplemental education teacher is that she feels that, although his is ahead in some areas, he could use more work in others, so his current situation is OK. A couple of thoughts:
--In homeschool, we know what our dc are learning because we watch them work and discuss it with them. In school, if you can't write it down and hand it in, it's as if you don't know it at all. So it may be that your ds is great learning-wise academically, but needs to catch up on the "school skills", which are boring but necessary to function in a school setting.
--Also, there is likely to be some overlap, as well as some gaps, between the school's curriculum and your hs curriculum. For example, some hs math materials are all about calculation, and are based on or at least similar to texts from a time when most kids didn't get past 8th grade, wheras often in ps the math materials are gradually laying groundwork for subjects like algebra and geometry, so the "why" of things is important, not just the ability to calculate.
--Now that said, holes in your ds's learning are neither here nor there when deciding if he qualifies as gifted. Gifted is not so much about what you know as about how you learn. You can have considerable gaps and still be gifted. Simply discussing it with the supplemental education teacher is not enough; if you feel he is gifted then you should ask, in writing, for him to be tested. However, before going down this path, I would get the scoop from local moms with gifted kids to understand the kinds of things that such a label might or might not get him. I would also do some research on "gifted" - Hoagie's page is useful (google it) - to see if the descriptions match your observations of your son.
--As for possibly being "average" - don't assume this is bad! Every "average" kid has talents and interests and strengths and passions. Nothing wrong with being "average". Do not assume the teacher was being critical of your son or of your past homeschooling! Do not take her remark personally. She was just saying whether or not she felt there was evidence for giftedness (and if she was basing it on knowledge, she might have been taking the wrong approach).
It sounds like you have mixed feelings about having the boys in school, and it sounds like there are complex reasons for them being there. Only you and your dh can decide where is best for them, and it may change over time. It sounds like you need more information - about what they are and are not doing in school, about what options you have for differential instruction and afterschooling. Take a deep breath, and keep the big picture in mind. Kids can get a good education in a variety of settings - by asking these questions and considering options you are doing the right thing.
Talk more with your son, listen, get a sense of what they're doing in the classroom, talk to the teacher regularly about the goals for various assignments. (Sometimes, for example, what looks like a lame science assignment is really a non-fiction reading/writing exercise dressed up as science, where the scientific content isn't the main educational focus.)
If your son isn't actually asking to come home, he may be doing just fine.
Some of what I've said may not be right for your situation, You have to make a lot of assumptions when attempting to solve someone's problems based on a brief paragraph about them. Bottom line -take what you like and leave the rest. Only you and your hubby know what's best for your kids.
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It sounds like it might be better to find her something she can do out-and-about - perhaps a quilting class/club, or a prenatal exercise class, or a La Leche League group (you can go before baby is born), or a knitting club that meets in a local cafe, or perhaps some kind of church group if she is religious. I'm assuming this is her first baby. If she can begin to meet other moms, it will help her to have a network of friends in place for when the baby comes, when it will be even more important for her to get out and about to avoid getting the blues. I'm a big La Leche League fan, so I'd go with that, or a similar group of some kind for moms & babies in her neighborhood.
ETA: On the craft side of things, there's a lot you can do with jewelry making, and it doesn't take up much space or require many tools. There are many techniques to explore (wire wrapping, beading, tiara-making, bead-making, etc.), and there are some pretty magazines about it too. A library might have some good inspirational books.
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Basically, you keep all your mp3 files on your computer's hard drive. Then every so often you plug in your mp3 player to your computer and copy whatever you want onto it. It's kind of like a jump drive, except that it can actually play the music etc. You do not delete the originals from the hard drive, so they're always there if you want to swap out what is on the mp3 player.
You can get music by "ripping" CD's - putting them in your computer's CD drive and copying the music to your hard drive. Or you can buy it, from iTunes or Amazon or wherever, and download it to your hard drive.
You can get audio books from Audible.com (which I love), or sometimes from the library. Again, you would download the files from Audible or the library's site onto your hard drive, then plug in your mp3 player and copy them over to it.
To play it in the car, it depends on your car's audio set-up. We have used computer speakers (plug them into the mp3 and just set them on the floor - no fancy set-up but it works!), an FM transmitter (more trouble than it's worth), and finally got a car stereo designed to take mp3 input (for about $100 - well worth it - from Crutchfield.com).
There are also podcasts - basically radio shows you can download. I've ended up listening to a ton of these, even though I didn't really know they existed before getting my mp3 player.
As to GBs, the more you have on your player, the more files you can store without having to keep copying new stuff and deleting the old stuff to make room. I started with 2GB, now I have 120 and use every inch of it.
I would see if you can borrow one for a week and use it to get a sense of things, before buying one. Or talk to a teen about theirs. There are a lot of ipods on the second hand market now, since they've been out for a while, so that might be a good route to go if you aren't really mp3-savvy.
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Basil, especially if there are flowers dropping their pollen/seeds.
I'd think plants in general. Follow your nose!
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I have a classic, and I love it. I have audio books, podcasts, a wide variety of music, photos of various kinds, and a (very) few games on it. I listen for at least an hour a day, I play it in the car, and I play it through my kitchen stereo. BUT - of course it doesn't run apps or access the internet.
Ask yourself - how much space would you want for music and such? How much music do you actually have? How many podcasts do you listen to regularly? Do you need to take music/audio with you everywhere?
For most folks, I think the touch is the way to go. For people like me who have tons of music and podcasts and audio books, the classic is a must-have because it stores *significantly* more audio content.
As to the car - you can get an FM transmitter, but they're kind of a pain and can be expensive. Keep an eye out for specials from Crutchfield - I got a new radio/CD player for my car last Christmas for around $100, and hubby installed it. Now we can play our ipods in the car, as well as use jump drives to store/play music/audio when we don't want to take the more expensive ipods with us. We do a lot of car schooling, so this was well worth the investment. Crutchfield's consultant guys are very knowledgeable - they can help you to figure out what your cheapest option is based on your vehicle and your current set-up. I have always been very happy when purchasing from them.
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For dry bags, I just get the extra-large zip-locs at the grocery store or Target. We re-use them trip after trip until they fail. We keep them in the scout drawer.
You may over time get serious equipment, but if your troop is like ours, it's a different outing each time, so no sense getting professionally kitted out for canoeing when next week it will be mountain bikes or long hikes or whatever. Just make do, and keep an eye out for second-hand stuff, and when you buy new buy quality (so you can hand it down). Ask your troop leader about whet equipment is key, and then ask a troop mom for her input - she'll know the details that the men tend to gloss over.
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Rules of sending stuff to camp:
1. You would normally pack 7 outfits for a 7 day trip. Your child will only wear 2. And only because the scout master will make them change half-way through.
2. Do not send anything that you will be upset to lose.
2a. The clothes you send might not be the exact clothes you get back.
2b. Even if they are, they will be filthy and possibly torn.
2c. The dirtier the boy upon return, the happier he is and the better the trip was. Dirty boy = Good trip.
3. Discuss with your child in advance what happens to wet clothes left in an enclosed space for several days. See #2.
4. Have him bathe before he leaves. See #1 & #2.
5. Make sure he actually knows what is in his pack. If you do all the packing, he won't know and he won't use it.
5a. Make sure he knows how anything you send works. (e.g. Weird mummy-style sleeping bag, etc.)
No cotton usually means that quick-dry nylon, or the poly sports shirts. Polar fleece for pullover and socks. I like fleece 'cause it's warm when it's wet. If they have some kind of quick-dry nylon pants, that might be good for the daytime. (I scour thrift shops for the zip-off shorts/pants kind.) Our troop has a hand-me-down program which is great. I'd pack sweatpants of some kind for pj's.
Our troop does food collectively, so I don't know about food. You will need a large water bottle or two - we like the Lexan ones - Target carries these.
Find out whether they will be canoeing as a day trip, and whether they need to carry all their stuff for a while to get to camp. I would expect that they will drive the car to the camp, get set up, and just take a few things with them on the canoeing part, returning to camp for dinner/sleeping. However, ask enough questions that you know 1) do they have to be able to carry all their stuff and hike somewhere, 2) are they taking all their stuff in the canoe. (In general, you'll want enough facts about the trip to be able to pack accordingly. This info, while critical, may be hard to get for the first few trips. Stick with it, it's worth it.) A day pack can actually be handy for the day's outing.
We designated a drawer in my son's dresser for all scout-trip-related items - it makes it easier to find all this stuff each time.
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This is my generic list. It may not all apply to the specific trip, but it's the one we work off of for scout trips. Sorry for the copy-paste w/o editing - it's late!
Clothes and Personal Items
- Scout uniform (Girl Scout vest or sash, or Boy Scout shirt, hat, T-shirt, etc.)
- Several changes of layered clothing (t-shirts, shorts, pants)
- Undies and socks
- Pajamas (or sweatpants and a t-shirt to sleep in)
- Jacket (for cold evenings) - polar fleece is best because it is still warm if it gets wet
- Sneakers/hiking boots/sensible walking shoes (Waterproof hiking boots are good for walking through wet grass or mud.)
- Flashlight (for walking at night and reading at bedtime) or lantern
- Rain gear (an inexpensive poncho works well and will fit for several years as children grow)
- Bandana or hat
- Swimsuit, pool towel, swim goggles (if swimming is available)
- Sunscreen, bug repellant
- Bag for dirty laundry, plastic bag for wet clothes
- Grooming supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, washcloth, comb)
- Shower shoes (like cheap flip-flops)
- Towel for showering and face washing, washcloth if desired
- Sleeping bag, pillow. Sheet for covering the mattress, if needed. Foam or air mattress if mattress is not provided.
- Something to do in case it rains (deck of cards, sketchbook & colored pencils, origami paper, etc.)
- A book to read in bed during quiet time before lights out (or an activity book - seek-a-word, etc. - and a pencil), plus a book light or flashlight.
- Non-refrigerated snacks (applesauce cups, nuts, raisins, dried fruit, trail mix, granola bars, etc.) (if they are allowed)
- Refillable water bottle, plus something to carry water bottle in on hikes (lightweight bag or bottle strap)
- Mess kit, silverware, mesh bag. (Target carries inexpensive mess kits - about $5. Nicer stainless steel ones are available at Dicks Sporting Goods. A mesh lingerie bag to hold dishes for drying runs about $2.50 at PathMark. Sturdy plasticware utensils will do, or odd silverwear you don't mind losing.)
- Small pack of tissues, toilet paper
- Swiss Army knife (if it is allowed)
- Medications (anything you take regularly, asthma inhaler, Benadryl, calamine lotion, Tylenol)
- Small first aid kit (band-aids, moleskin for blisters, etc.)
- Spending money , if needed (wallet)
- Disposable camera
- Cell phone and charger.
- Backpack or duffel bag to carry and stow your gear. Lightweight backpack for carrying things as you walk around camp or go on hikes.
- Younger girls may want to bring one small, sturdy, stuffed animal or other comfort toy. (Choose one that can be lost without causing major distress. )
- Girl Scouts usually need a Sit-upon (and possibly lightweight backpack or bag to carry it).
- Girl Scouts also often bring S.W.A.P.S., a bag for the ones you made, and a bag for new ones. (See also here and here.)
- Directions to the campground, if you are driving.
- NOTE: Shower before you leave home, as shower facilities and time may be limited.
Leave At Home
- Expensive items that could be lost or broken.
- Electronics (Game Boys, IPods, DVD players, and so on). Without these distractions it's easier to enjoy the great outdoors!
- Information on where you can be reached (e.g. campground's phone number, etc.).
Packing Hints
- If rain is likely, pack everything in plastic bags. You can put a day's outfit into a jumbo zip-loc bag. Sleeping gear can go in large trash bags.
- Scout uniform (Girl Scout vest or sash, or Boy Scout shirt, hat, T-shirt, etc.)
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Just needed to say that 1 cent is not the same as .01 cent. It was kinda bugging me. :D
See here for an interesting example of this kind of problem. (A video about someone arguing with the phone company over their bill.)
</interruption>
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I've also learned to say in advance that we will start on time whether everyone is there or not, and we DO.
If there is a fee, I try to remind myself to get folks to pay up-front, and if they aren't there I don't worry about it.
Free field trips are the worst, attendance-wise. I find them to be the most frustrating to organize.
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I think it is unhealthy to be that emotionally attached to what a person wears. I mean I love my jeans and tshirts, but I don't get upset about wearing something more suitable for a different situation, especially if in theory at least, it is a situation where I want people to feel comfortable with me. There is no "truth" to my clothes or my hair or my (lack of) makeup. That's like saying my truth is the navy blue paint in my school room. No it isn't. Sure I like it, but it is not some deep truth.
I think it's that way for some people, but for others, it really deeply matters to them what they look like and how they present themselves to others. I can think of one kid I know who has always been a very feminine girl - always wearing skirts and dresses, etc., even when climbing trees or playing in a creek. She is miserable when she has to wear "sensible" unfeminine clothes. I can think of another who has only very rarely worn a dress - it's just not her, she doesn't feel "herself" in one. I know women who don't feel right if their hair is too long, and others who don't feel right if their hair is too short. I can think of a few men I know who are very careful about their appearance and try to be very fashion-forward, and others who wear the first thing they pull out of the drawer, whether it matches or not.
I saw a picture once of women in a prison, from the 1950's or 60's. They made their own uniforms from striped fabric. Most of them look exactly the same, but there are a handful of women who took the fabric and made something unique. Somehow, even in that drab environment, they needed to bring a little of their own style to their appearance.
Things can be very hard for someone who is drawn to dressing in a way that doesn't mesh with their cultural surroundings. Somehow this "taste" thing is a part of us, in a way that I don't fully understand. For some people, it seems like it's not that easy to do what everyone else does just to get along.
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--Dice them, skin on (but seeds removed). Freeze them. Later, add to oatmeal as it cooks, along with brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts.
--Peel and core them, slice them, and put them in a crock pot. Sprinkle with cinnamon, cook on low until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Mash them up a bit -> applesauce! Feed children & neighbors, freeze the excess. Some folks add sugar and/or water; I haven't found either to be necessary. Do spray/grease your crock-pot first for easy cleaning.
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Oven working ok?
I also do cut side down.
But you can actually do it in the microwave much quicker. Just be sure to pierce the skin a whole bunch - probably less of an issue if it's cut in half.
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really freakin cold in winter? :eek:
:lol::lol::lol:
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[ETA: In the time it took me to compose this, the thread has *way* moved on. So ignore me if you like and carry on!]
The way we dress, how we decorate our bodies and the music we listen to are all advertisements for who we are. When mixed messages are sent, usually mixed results are received.From what you have said, your son is a believer and is not just coming to Christ. You are upset with other Christians because they will not look past his outside advertising.
This will not only impact him among Christians, but will also impact him in all other areas of life including jobs. In general people believe you are who you say you are by your advertising, by your actions, and least by your words.
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Only God can look inside. The rest of us just call a tree by its fruit.
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Do you know what the function of the tongue ring is? I am sure the teenager does. Do you think he ended up with secular friends instead of Christian friends solely by chance?
In your post and in the OP many Christians were judged for protecting their children or themselves.
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I have tried to help someone similar...but what the hey, I will bow out of this thread.
I am a little uncomfortable with some of this thread.
I think Mama Geek was just being honest in her comments. As I hear it, she was saying that some folks would be scared to have their dc hang out with the op's, because of their fear that he might be involved in things the parents wouldn't approve of (heavy metal music), or because of their fear that he might be gay (at least that's how I interpreted the tongue ring thing), both fears based on his appearance, giving them concerns that he would lead their own children astray in one way or another. As far as it goes, I think she is right about their fears. If these folks know mainly people who are just like themselves, they are nervous about people who are different. It's an old story, and a sad one, but there it is.
The sad/ironic thing is that the op's main concern, as I hear it, is that the shunning is likely to lead her ds away from his faith, rather than him leading the other kids away as their parents fear. Meanwhile, in this thread where most of the posters seem to be anti-shunning, some have been unwelcoming to Mama Geek, so that she may be feeling, well, shunned! No answers here, just sadness that this kind of thing is so difficult.
OP, I know you didn't post looking for advice. But please assure your son that It Gets Better. Please take the time to drive him where you have to so he can hang out with friends who are a positive influence in his life, even if it takes a lot of time. (Books on tape are your friend!) Help your son understand that sometimes it's the right time to bend a little to fit in with the group, and sometimes it's absolutely not and if the group isn't willing to bend to accept him, then there is always another group to be found, even if you have to drive a bit to get to them.
Craft/Hobby ideas needed
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
Good idea Rosie! Also, embroidery. There are a lot of fun new patterns, and all kinds of interesting stitches, and it doesn't take much space. She could start by embroidering some fun motifs on a set of onsies. Things like penguins or owls come to mind.
Again, though, it would be nice if she could get out and about with it - perhaps just take it to a park or coffee shop and hang out and embroider and people-watch.