I like Henry, but how about Charlie, Stanley, Edward, William?

I would keep both. Use the hook for pizza doughs, etc. that won't bake directly in your bread machine.

Thank you!

I vacuum at least once a week and keep what I think is a very clean house, despite 3 little ones running wild... but the other day my vacuum just didn't seem to be doing it's job and had been on the decline it seemed for a few weeks. I did investigating and found a chamber with about 30 mini cylinders that hadn't been cleaned since we bought it over a year ago. Yeah, after wiping off the layer of dirt on top, I read "Clean Every 3 Months". Ummm... burst my "I'm so clean" bubble. LOL.

Yes, bittersweet. I'm sorry. Praise God for Matthew's homecoming though!

Interesting. There's some areas I can "let go" for awhile, or during winter, LOL.

My son is just 6 and he has been doing this for a year or so.

Praying for that sweet little life growing inside of you. I've been there before and I know how scary and sad it can be. HUGS

Praying for you, Rose. That God would comfort you, give you rest, give you peace, and then equip you to move forward. Hang in there.

I wondered the same and just assumed that it was either coaches or some hard-core fans ;)

Yes, yes, yes. We started our second year (1st grade) this past week. It was a rough first day back and I started panicking and doubting my abilities. I wonder what he might be missing with friendships, fun outside of home, etc. But I just have to lean on God those day and remember the reasons we chose to go this route instead... the relationship building, the ability to teach the values and beliefs we have and how they are linked to all of the subjects, etc. And in all reality, I would miss my little guy if he were gone every day. I think for me that having a loud and energetic 3-year-old and a 3 month old with special care needs just adds to it, but I know it won't always be like this. hang in there, Momma!

Poor guy. I always wonder my little ones are dreaming about when they scream out random things. Never a dull moment!

That drives me nuts. We finally just leave our home phone unplugged, but then cell #'s were released and I get them on there now. I've learned to just not answer it unless I recognize the #. I figure if they really need to talk to me they will either leave a message or call back. Just annoying though! Really.

I think it's a classic and not overly used. I really don't think many people will pronounce it wrong. I think you're safe. Go with it if you like it!

Really? That's nuts. I think you're better off not having to deal with her at all. Wow. You offered to buy it, you didn't HAVE to. Yikes.

I think many children do this, as well as other seemingly odd things :) My son likes to kiss on my arm a lot, snuggle it, etc. I think it's just affection and comfort he's looking for. My niece holds tags on her clothes, others' clothes, etc. and sucks her thumb at the same time. We've had numerous toddlers in the nursery at church over the years that would love to hold onto my ear while sucking their thumb. I don't think any of this is weird, just a way they probably soothe themselves for one reason or another. I can assure that I've never seen any of them in high school or college still doing it though :) LOL. It's probably just a phase. As long as it's not seeming inappropriate, I don't see the harm.

Okay, we just started school at home for this year and I am already feeling grumpy and a bit rushed, like "Hurry. Let's finish this so we can go play." I think part of it is that it's 105-110 degrees here lately, we're all stuck inside, the baby wakes me up at night, and hubby is back to working long hours after being off all summer. I just need some encouragement. Do you have any "go-to" scriptures or HS moms devotionals you use to encourage you to cultivate a positive attitude even when HS seems to just wear you thin.

Have you done an online search for each state to see what the law is regarding homeschooling? Most have a website set up with specific info and probably a phone number you can call with inquiries. Another option might be to contact or search for info on the HSLDA website (Homeschool Legal Defense) just to cover your bases. I'm only in my second year of HS, a first grader now, so I don't know much, but that's probably where I would start. Hope you get the answers you need. Best wishes with your move!

I just turned 30 and just use Cetaphil. It really helps with the oil problem, used twice a day, and it's very gentle on the skin. You can buy it at any drug store and pair it with a good moisturizer.

Oh, and my baby was born with clubfoot and is in a crazy brace and boots 23 hours a day. Yikes. I think I may be in that "funk" soon. I better remember all of this advice in a few weeks ;)

I say start each day with some alone time to journal, pray, set your day off right. Whatever brings you to that place where you feel ready to accomplish what you need to that day. Make a list, but not a long one, and just work a bit at a time. You will probably feel better if you get back to the exercise and healthy eating routine, then try to set the house in order. Easier said than done, I know. I have an almost 3-month old, our home just sold, we started school this week with my 6 an 3-year-olds... it's chaos! LOL. One thing at a time.

What an awful attitude to have towards spelling. It is so important at any age. All of my nieces and nephews here in Central CA have spelling tests, etc. at public school. And we definitely do it daily here at home.

Yes!!! Literally :)

Yes! I was pregnant most of last year and now have an almost 3-month old. DH did almost everything the last few months of my pregnancy. His schedule has him going to work at 11am so he could finish school with our 1st grader before leaving for the day. I think he is better at History and reading to our kiddos because he remembers dates and details so much better than I. And he does all of the fun voices while reading. I love how he just takes over without fear.

Awesome! SO helpful to me as I'm fairly new to all of this.