I was wondering this myself. My dh (and consequently I, too) wandered over to the Reformed side for a short while. But so much of those 5 points did not resonate in my spirit. There was a lot I didn't take time to understand, admittedly. But suffice it to say I know a whole lot better now what I *do* believe than I did while entertaining Calvinist teachings. Couldn't help myself, Cheryl

Yup.

:grouphug:

#1 I like my dc to *see* me living out my privilege to vote #2 I enjoy the patriotic rush I feel as a result:D Truly do.

:iagree: Yes, Iwouldn't want the kind of manager who says, "It's OK.... Thank you for telling me." Or some such pat answer :rolleyes: How 'bout a grave look and a serious, thoughtful answer?? Great if a manager is willing to work w/you. One thing we've told our dc before is Learn to govern yourselves or others, sooner or later, will do it for you. Self-control is so much better than external forces! Maybe the jail idea is worthwhile but ultimately we want our dc to internalize character, learn to govern themselves... submitting themselves to the authority of God, who sees all and acts justly. (And loves us through it all.)

:iagree: with the op. We are having similar issues - coach started out very affirming but now is waaaayyy to passionate for 9yo football players, imo. He keeps them late routinely. A couple of the players are bully-types. But we are sticking with it and trying to find the teachable moments for ds and for ourselves! We feel we made a commitment to the team and it is only for 2 more months here in MN. We do see some positives in working w/ds9 in this and, I guess, we'll look forward to coming out on the other side of this season:toetap05: Good luck! Cheryl

to say. I can see why folks say they would feel trapped were they to school in their basement - but this is why I *like* to school in our basement! I love that our basement is the quietest part of the house. We school in a bedroom w/adjoining playroom so my youngers often play or do arts/crafts there while I school my oldest. The only thing that *might* cause me to want to be upstairs is if we didn't have a window which allows lots of light into our school room. But we do. I guess I wouldn't be able to work well without something of a view. And it's a very cozy, comfortable room - used that Ralph Lauren denim paint look. Cozy. We use a space heater in winter and love the cooler temp in summer. I don't even hear the phone ring or the doorbell :D I'm not near the kitchen where I'd be tempted just to step out and do those dishes. It is the room where there's the least distraction for me and my dc. I suppose it just depends on one's self-discipline - and I need all the help I can get! :D Hope you find what works best for your efficiency and comfort level! Best, Cheryl

came from my midwife w/baby #1 and I used it w/my subsequent 3 dc after that, too. In one of my prenatal appts my midwife demonstrated what the uterus is actually doing during contractions. She did this simply by forming the shape of a uterus and reforming it with each contraction, moving the pebbles. Her demo took forever - but perhaps this is why it was so embedded in my mind! I can't explain it very well here, LOL but when the contractions came on harder, I kept that image in my mind and the knowledge that with each contraction, I was closer to holding my baby! Let them come! The other thing she told me was to submit my body to the birth process. Don't allow your body to fight... remember each contraction is squeezing your baby down through the birth canal. Therefore, choose to submit to each contraction. Thirdly, although I didn't plan this beforehand, the awareness of Christ's suffering on the cross, His submission to death for me was crystal clear and I clung to this image. These things saw me through four gentle births - silently. It seemed I used my pain - internalized it - rather than wasting that energy on screaming. Whenever I felt like screaming out b/c of the pain, I chose instead to focus on the process - and on the joy set before me (as Christ "endured for the joy set before Him"). I had good midwives who helped & encouraged me to this end as well - something we talked about beforehand as I wanted my babies to know a "gentle entrance". All the best, OhElizabeth! May your birth experience be something you treasure always:) Cheryl

Thanks for the link!

Thank you so much! Are you saying to cook with (ingest) Oil of Oregano and Coconut Oil or swab this solution on the feet? Thanks! Cheryl

we Christians are always the ones back-paddling, explaining why we are imperfect, apologizing for offending (about everything, not just over the obvious need to right our wrongs), etc. I dunno. I don't do the CC thing. But let's face it: Christ alone offends - Rock of Offense, Stumbling Block. If we have Him in us, we are offensive on that basis. No amount of apologizing, advertising to others to beware, etc, is going to change that. Gosh.I.said.it. But, hey, I really think it, too.

I will do a search on this - dh has *not* been on any anti-biotics for years but does still suffer acne:sad:at age 38 but no chronic infections, etc. Interesting info to tuck away though! He has tried over-the-counter stuff for years. Here (MN) in winter, it clears up. But warmer weather has always meant painful outbreaks for him. I told him about the shoe drier idea and *organic* apple cider vinegar. We have probiotics on hand.... but he's never taken them. Yep, I'll be doin' some Google on this! Thanks to everyone for suggestions/input!!

:) Cheryl

I'll also put this on the list as more of a preventative for recurrence. Thanks!:)

Thanks for sharing this - makes a whole lotta sense re: drs and alternative medicine. I've actually had some recent (last couple years) experiences with drs (shocking) who validated alternative medicines. They were both young (20's & 30's)... as opposed to our much-older family doctor (who really isn't our doctor any more!) Anyway, thanks for pointing this out. Vinegar is definitely now on the list to try, after all of your suggestions! Thank you!! Cheryl

You say you had a recent bout - so that wasn't an ongoing or recurring condition? Still interesting that hydrogen peroxide worked. I'll mention this to dh. Thanks :) :bigear::bigear::bigear: Anyone else?

My dh has athlete's foot. Doc says treat it w/Lotrimin or equivalent of - basically, there is no cure. Dh uses tea tree oil products to minimize itching, switches shoes every other day to allow air drying time, and wears cotton socks. I thought I'd try our luck here to see if anyone knows of a natural treatment (cure or to minimize symptoms). Anyone? Many thanks, Cheryl

I didn't want to pass up your post without saying anything; yet I don't know what to say... except thank you to your family, as the op said. I do feel grateful. But that probably means little to nothing to you as you go through what you're going through? I added you to a little prayer list I have going for your family, especially the hyper-ness of your middle dc. Cheryl

for some reason even the vinyl ones got holes in them after just a few weeks. In my case, my kitchen table needs additional protection - not so much wiping clean. The messes are usually contained to around my dc's plates, so I settled on vinyl placemats that look like linen. I think I got them at Target for pretty cheap. It is the first time that I like the way everything looks in addition to functionality!

Peace, Cheryl

If you are an outdoorsy family - how 'bout a name that resembles nature, like Ruddy as in Ruddy Duck which is brown and black w/some white markings. We named our dog Meadow b/c her fur resembled a meadow we drove past while taking her home in November in MN:D Or if you family is into music - we know a family whose dog is name Puccini (Pooch for short) and, yes, she is a female dog, too. If you're into sports.... ? Just brainstorming here!

Anyone want to comment on their experience w/their Palm or equivalent of? I have seen some reviews on Amazon and Palm website comparisons, but I truly have little idea about what it is I'm looking for! Thank you!

Yep, this is what I was thinking would be perfect! Does anyone know if this could be done? Thanks everyone! Please keep posting your ideas. :)

huge aversion to technology. But paper isn't working for me any more; makes my head spin b/c I have too much of it floating around in my purse, around my computer. But I do understand!:D