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Thanks! Yes, I feel bad for all the paperwork & chaos that encompasses everyone at the high school this time of year! There's a time slot on Monday for changes to Freshman schedules so I can always wait for that. I've tried searching and can find no information (even in the Academic Guide given to us at the end of 8th grade) which leads me to believe that it's a new thing. Also, my dd took Algebra 1 in 8th grade & Geometry as a Freshman (2 years ago) so I can't really use her as a reference. Algebra 1 (or higher) taken in Freshman year is the standard for our district and I know there's plenty of kids who struggle.

I registered my ds in our local public high school as a freshman after hs for 8th grade. We picked up the class schedule yesterday and the listing for his math class is "Algebra 1 EXT (YR 1)". Has anyone ever heard of this? When I spoke to the counselor in the spring, I specifically said that he is ready for Algebra 1. We spent a lot of time and effort bringing his math skills up so that he'd be ready. Now, I'm afraid they've put him in a remedial class but I'm not sure because I don't know what EXT means. I have a call in to the school but they're having "trouble with the phone system" so I had to leave a message. Thought I'd ask here while I wait impatiently for a return call. :)

We use Google Calendar but with one family calendar. Each family member is assigned their own color for appointments & we all have permissions to enter, change, etc. We've been using it for several months now & it's working great!

I just decided we're having this! Looks delicious & easy.

My ds was a constant talker. I could always tell when he fell asleep because that's the only time he would stop talking. Now he's a teenager and a wonderful conversationalist but really doesn't talk all that much anymore. I guess he grew out of it. {shrug} Phrases I used when he was younger: "Mommy's ears need a rest, honey." and "Is anyone bleeding or is the house burning down? Okay, then I need a few more minutes to myself." Keep in mind, these didn't always work. :001_rolleyes: Sometimes vigorous exercise would help, such as swimming or running. I had him in swim lessons long after he learned to swim just for the exercise. Sorry, I don't have more advice. Raising kids is a test of endurance and patience. Hang in there! PS. Thanks for the kitten update. My talker is also allergic to cats so I must get my feline fix somewhere else!

(((Hugs)))

Had doctor's appt today for something else but I asked him about my memory issues & mental fogginess. He says it's probably from general anesthesia (back surgery 5 months ago)...or hormones. I'm going to give it a little longer & see. I just had a overflow in the breadmaker which made a mess. I almost threw the whole thing out! Is this an over reaction? :)

It never occurred to me to do this but will add it to the pre-travel checklist for our trip. (It's been a while since we traveled out of state.)

I <3 my Bosch! I can get soooo many dishes in there, it really cleans them, and we can hardly hear the thing running. (Might not be good if you have really "thick" plates, though. I think the tines are closer together.)

I think people get wigged out because of the electrical stimulation. It feels weird but I didn't think it was bad. There was some quick pokes, a few annoying zaps that made my legs twitch, and only one kind of painful stab resulting in a bruise and muscle knot in my thigh. The last one was less painful than the hip injection I had a few weeks prior and WAY less painful than giving birth! :) My doctor asked if I wanted a med to take prior (to relax) but I wanted to be able to drive myself. Maybe that's an option for you?

Perhaps my recent experience can help you. I've had sciatica off & on for 18 years, tried everything but it progressed and I finally had surgery this last February. Before surgery, severe pain going down my left leg, left foot throbbing and left leg weakness from a compressed nerve as seen on MRI. (Turns out I had two separate issues causing pain as you'll see.) Six weeks after surgery, pain down the leg & in the foot is GONE, but I still had significant pain in my left buttock (as I did before surgery). Doc did manipulations with my leg & referred me to orthopedic doc for my hip. Fast forward a couple months (after xray, physical therapy, etc), still not getting relief, the orthopedic doctor wanted to be sure that we were dealing with a hip issue & not a damaged nerve issue from my back. Got the EMG/NCS and that ruled out nerve damage. (Yay! This is really good news!) Then had MRI of hip, found some scar tissue in muscles and some arthritis in hip, had injection, and am now working out the rest in physical therapy. I'm feeling much better! Final analysis: I am so glad I had the EMG. Yes, it's not fun but not as bad as I thought it would be either. It's worth it for me to have the information in order to better treat the current problem. It should also be noted that, in those 18 years, I saw a chiropractor for quite a while, pain management docs and physical therapists. I had the pain for a long, long time and really tried everything else first.

I started using some homemade cleaners a few months ago when my dd's asthma kicked up. I've tried a couple from here: IHeart Organizing. I don't use essential oils, however, as we are trying to avoid fragrances. On my list to try: Tub & Shower Magic :bigear:

I think my reading has slowed considerably recently because I need new glasses. Have you had your eyes checked recently?

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, FL. Also, he could volunteer somewhere while he worked outside his chosen field. Experience and connections would go a long way to landing him the job he really wants.

Is the spot from glare? You can try this: http://www.essential-photoshop-elements.com/glare-and-reflections.html If that doesn't work, I'll be happy to try to fix it. I have Photoshop CS6 & can look at it later. Just message me. Memory albums are a beautiful idea. My mom died of cancer when I was 16 and it never occurred to me to make one. I really want to do it now.

Yes, I've been having that creepy crawly anxiety lately & can't really pinpoint why. I have other meno symptoms so I bet that's it.

We just bought a somewhat higher end Lennox system (they have a wide range of products). It's wonderful! Our electric bill is 1/2 what it was last year at this time & the house is way more comfortable. Also, they installed returns in our freezing cold basement so I'm sure that helped.

Maybe try some one on one time with each? Mine often behaved much better when separated and it gave me an opportunity to get to know them as individuals. It doesn't have to be a huge event. It could be a walk around the block, $1 ice cream at a local fast food place, going to the library, etc. When we did this on a regular basis they behaved much better when they were together. Mine are teens now and I feel like I really know them and I really enjoy spending time with them!

French toast, bacon & fruit here, also. The bread is in the breadmaker right now. (I would be the only one eating the squash but it sounds delish!)

I've never been to NYC but I'd go in a heartbeat! I'd spend my days in museums. :D

I'm in the market for a new cutting mat because mine is just a little too small. (I think it's 18 x 23?) I'll get at least a 24 x 36, maybe larger. As for cutting out pattern pieces, I've done both rotary & scissor. My favorite technique right now is to place cut out pattern pieces onto the fabric, put weights onto the pattern to hold in place (clean rocks work for me), trace with dress chalk, remove pattern & cut with scissors. I make too many mistakes cutting with the rotary cutter. For me, the rotary is fine for straight edges where I can follow the guide of the clear ruler but cutting out paper pattern pieces is trickier for me.

:grouphug: I hope an opportunity comes your way soon.

This is really good to know. The Grand Canyon was on our list but I'd hate to drive so far and be disappointed. There are too many other places to go visit! (We've been to the Badlands & Yellowstone and I totally agree with you!) Bryce Canyon is also on the list of must see, as is Arches. That's not as far for us.

Love the photo! We now live within a day's drive of Yellowstone and went there a couple years ago (economical trip since we didn't fly, we camped, & mostly ate food we brought). It was phenomenal!!