I'm starting my 14th year...didn't begin until my oldest was in 5th grade. DD(23) graduated hs, university and is one thesis away from her master's. DS(20) graduated hs and begins the professional portion of pharmacy school this fall. DS(10) is entering the 5th grade. I have a long way to go yet!

My kids were ds9 and dd12 when the youngest was born (at home). They didn't come around much during the labor part of things, but they did come into the room in time for the birth. They stayed near my head, but saw, and heard, enough to know what was happening. I allowed them to make the choice but I really wanted them there. It was a wonderful family time. (And they learned that having a baby was not grins and roses!)

I homeschooled my niece this year (an unpaid venture for which I volunteered). I don't know that I'd do it again...but that's me! ETA: I think much would depend on the learner. My niece is completely **uninterested** in learning. It was a daily struggle, and in the end we accomplished little. It took a lot of the joy out of homeschooling this year.

No, there's one blue and red Y.

I just sold a bunch at our neighborhood flea market...50 cents a tape. The ones that were left I donated to the church youth group's rummage sale.

The slowest time of the year at Disney is between Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, Christmas Day through New Years is VERY busy.

I think it's a really interesting show that *should* discourage teen pregnancy. Unfortunately, I also think that most teens have the mindset of "it won't happen to me." What gets me is the parents of these girls. Most of the time I want to yell, "What's wrong with you???"

I order through Sam's Club or Costco. I've been happy with them and they're cheap!

I'm fairly sure that copyrights for books are good for 75 years. (I did copyrights as part of a job many years ago...and I think that's what I was told.)

At the moment, it's Blessings by Laura Story. The words express a lot of what I've felt lately.

I purchased a Vera Bradley bag on ebay last week. Sent the seller my address and got a tracking number. Package should have been delivered Friday. Checked the tracking and it shows delivered on Friday to another zip code. ??? I had several other packages arrive last week safe and sound. Anyone had this happen? I guess I need the seller to pursue it for me???

I have gluten-free bread mix and pizza crust mix on subscribe and save. Both are **considerably** cheaper than what I can find locally, even on sale. I also have Dentastix for the dog on subscribe and save--also much cheaper!

It might be less expensive to purchase at Amazon and order more than $25 for the free shipping. Many of their books are on the *4 for 3* special, too. If you're purchasing used on Amazon, *most* of the time you pay $3.99/book for shipping. A great way to find used books is to search fetchbook.info.

I do think *some* weight is given to your method of arrival. I had to take dh to the ER on his doc's orders several years ago, and a man was sitting there with chest pain/possible heart attack. He'd driven himself in and been waiting **8 hours.** (And the ER didn't appear to be overflowing or anything!) DH's doc had made arrangements for him and we whisked right into a bed--I almost felt that we should have given it to the other man! (DH wasn't in pain or trouble at the moment but he did have a heart cath the next day followed by a triple by-pass the day after that.) In the long run, I'd rather pay the bill than wonder if my loved one would have been better off in the ambulance.

NCIS Castle

The Door Within Trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson. We read in the car on the way to and from church. DH and I have enjoyed this series as much as 10 yo ds. It's a series that's sort of a cross between Narnia and LOTR--there's a cross between two "worlds," dragons and knights. Very boy oriented!

I agree that it was a very balanced piece. I thought the student who said that it was everybody's fault was generous. I would have had a hard time making such statements if I'd sat in a classroom with no teacher for 3 weeks. I was glad to see that the crew helped that student jump through the hoops needed to get into college. It was the one encouraging piece of news in the whole show.

Did anyone else catch this? It was filmed during 2009-2010 and was, frankly, scary. I'm appalled that such a thing has been allowed to happen. I'm shocked at the complete ineptness of the school board and at their denial. I know that many urban school districts are struggling--Indy is one of them--but I was surprised at the level of crisis there. At one point someone mentioned that the senior class of 284 had taken a state minimum skills test. Only ***11*** passed. 11. Shocking. Then there's the level of theft that has been tolerated for years--millions of dollars missing. And one of the school board members had the gall to talk about their *excellent educational program.* Oh, my goodness. I'm grieved that any child must attend such a system. (This aired on HDnet this week. It airs again on Sunday, May 22.)

I'd ask for a new one if you're browsing for something.

My ds's gf is flying to Italy today, and I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous for her. Thousands of flights go every day, though. I'm sure all will be well with her...and you.

Those are accurate time quotes. You'll find that at home, one-on-one, you just don't need 7 or 8 hours to accomplish "school." Take the plunge!

If you have a Sam's or Costco membership, you can purchase checks at quite the discount. (I know that's not the original question but I thought you might like to know!)

I recently was van shopping and did this same thing--checked on the internet, then went to see the van in person. I always printed the ad. One time I got to the lot and the salesperson insisted that the van was $3,000 more than what I had seen. I showed him the printout and the dealership agreed to honor that price. I suggest you print so you have the price in black and white.

Not long ago we read in the Bible about the Isrealites and the Moabites. As we reviewed the story, I asked ds who were the enemies of the Isrealites. He thought very hard and said... the Miseralites. Rather good description of the Isrealites at that point!

My youngest and I have a daily bedtime match to see who loves each other the most... I love you. I love you more. I love you most. I love your moster. I love you mostest. ....moster, mostest. ......moster, mostest, moster. Etc. That goes on till someone skips to "infinity and beyond." If I'm not home at bedtime, or any other family member for that matter, ds calls and we go through the "I love you's" on the phone.