Like that Irish name, Siobbhan. Not pronounced anything like how it looks to the American eye.

I don't suppose telling her you wanted something a little more Christ-centered will help. I mean really, we don't worshp statues any more than we worship our kids -- I have plenty of pictures of them too. How about a gentle, "I feel closer to Jesus than EVER since I joined the R.C.'s...." Yeah, the priest thing is ridiculous. But they're just sinful humans, same as molesting rabbis and straying preachers. Every denomination has them. Good luck, there's no easy way.

I guess it's the practices that would worry me.

You must not be a Carol Burnett fan!

We could probably keep them out of bars at 15, though! I'm thinking a lot of parents think their kids will never be influenced by what's around them. Somehow. Some kids will abuse "freedom," some won't. But you never know!

Kwahzeemoughdough.

Probably they meant "heavy DOODIE." Vyvyn! You should at least have a name that doesn't look like you're choking on something.

So sad! Did they ever explain why they allowed this? Didn't want to squelch his talent? Afraid to say no? Didn't see anything wrong with it? Thought the bar manager would supervise, somehow?

My kids LOVED measuring with the balance. (that's upcoming for you, I think) The nature walk was very cool, too. They also like that they are official "physicists!"

Why is the family having to turn their plans inside out for the wedding? Couldn't it have been said (early on), "I can only make an EARLY rehearsal?" Or come to the party late? I mean, how long does a wedding rehearsal take? Or skip the rehearsal -- they're sort of standard, she can take her cues from the others in the wedding party. Not sure why the family is taking the brunt of having to rearrange THEIR annual holiday party for this???

Well I see a lot of focus within religious groups as to why (whatever) is right and (those other people) are either wrong, or REALLY wrong, etc. For me, that sort of misses the central point, which is what we're striving for, GOD. Specifically, JESUS. I think religious structures and the various Christian denominations serve as a support for those of willing heart to SEEK OUT THE PATH TO JESUS. I think He can be found from any of the denominations as long as the person is on that positive spiritual path. Of course my own denomination (Catholic) teaches that ours is the "best" way, but I was always taught you can be saved no matter what denomination you're coming from. (that is not necessarily how they were taught in the early parts of the 20th century, though!) So I think it comes down to the individual and what is working for them. I also think when Jesus returns, there will be no NEED for any of the religious denominations, they will just fall away because no one will rely on those support structures anymore. Man-made perceptions of what religion "ought" to be will dissolve, along with enmity between the various groups. Yes, religion is a crutch, but technically we're all invalids!

I would think Level 1 for ones that young. We're really enjoying it. For some reason the way it is structured makes the kids pay attention, and they ASK to do it. They even bring up science terms in non-science settings. I find it interesting and fun, and they seem to enjoy it and retain it. It has really taken us away from our textbooks.

Is this a wireless connection? Are there any troubles with signal or slow speeds?

Maybe something online for the highschoolers? Then you can be supervising, not worrying about messing up. Maybe you need to change your routine a little? or a lot?

Well pretty much unless one of them is OBVIOUSLY in the wrong, they both get punished for fighting behavior. So, the privileges get taken away, and if it continues, they get sent to their rooms to read or nap. This becomes boring enough to limit (although not completely eliminate) the fighting. It's harder when we're out in the car, because the punishment is not immediate. Mine are 9 and 11, boys.

How is it a day too late? Or, they work and are out of vacation time?

She can't stand being alone, but is staying in a hotel? Alone? Or with her family? In any case, it is what it is. Even if you thought she WERE in some sort of borderline dangerous situation (supercontrolling/abusive husband, or deranged inlaws), it doesn't sound like you're in any position to do anything about it. I mean, if this were actually the case, wouldn't she have closer family members, or closer geographical friends/acquaintances who would be more inclined to take on that role? And if it is not a dangerous situation, but simply one which makes her most comfortable, due to WHATEVER issue (husband preferences, desire to please inlaws, personal preference, habit, tic, phobia, whatever), then, it doesn't really matter, does it? It's really a matter of can you enjoy what she has to offer as a friend, which is the calls and emails, and occasional non-overnight visits. You can certainly say to her "I wish you could stay overnight! I'm disappointed you can't." But beyond that, what really is there to say, other than to pry into areas she hasn't felt comfortable sharing?

Reminds me of the time my kids were younger, it was right before Church was to start, somewhat crowded, and hubby takes the kids to the bathroom. (when they gotta go, they gotta go!) So this older couple slips into their spots before I could make some sort of appropriate gesture, and I say, "oh, those seats were taken," but they just sort of looked at me, and then the service started so I guess they didn't care. Well there WAS enough room in the pew, there was granny and aunt, uncle and cousin to my left, older couple to my right, and then hubby and kids come back to be on THEIR right. So then, it's quite a few episides of "pass the tissues," etc. and finally they asked to change places with hubby.

Really, this board is like a therapist. While the advice is all over the map, you can choose to take the bit that sounds the best to you. There are so many great ideas contributed by members here.

I can appreciate your situation and your love for your husband. At the same time, with military tensions on the Korean peninsula, I'd think long and hard, okay, short and hard, about getting the kids out of there. Also, when we built our house there were many times we were glad we were available to the builder because things would've gone the wrong way if we hadn't intervened. That would be added reason to go. Pray about it.

Our buddies up the street don't let their kids play with guns (of the Nerf variety), but these same kids go NUTS with the water blasters when they're at our pool. I guess that's different.

Vague ones. Why even have a title if it gives you no clue as to content? Just leave it blank.

Since a Sharpie was involved, that's about as permanent as it gets.

The teacher has no Sharpies in her drawer? Is "concealed carry" okay for markers?

Spelling - Workout Reading/Lit - CLE Pathways/Progeny Press Guides Vocab - Sadlier Grammar - Easy Grammer Writing - Wordsmith Apprentice Science - Harcourt, plus Nancy Larson Science 2 History - Time Travelers, but currently doing a unit study on Ancient China Health - Horizons Math - Mix of Singapore and Horizons 4 Art - Meet the Masters In January we're switching to MCT to take the place of the Grammar/Writing above.