I haven't read all the replies yet, but I will tell you what 'got my goat' about this whole debacle so far. The female senator (I am not sure of her state) who threatened to pull out her "mom voice"?? because people were disagreeing with her. Is it rude to yell and jeer? Yes! However, for one adult to tell another adult that they are going to pull out their mom voice - are you kidding me? How is that not just as disrespectful? LISTEN to your constituents! To me, it is like when we see frustration in our children and they act out to get our attention. Do we then ignore them, or listen to them and see what we can change in order to help? And these are our ELECTED officials - put into power by us, for us! Who exactly do they think they are? I have moved from discourse to rant, so I will just move along now...;)

We will start August 17th, one week before public schools. We are taking a week's vacation in September. I am going to be homeschooling a friend's child this year so I plan to follow the public school calendar for the most part.

I love Malaysia! I spent 3 weeks there a few years ago. Have a great time while you are there. I haven't been here in a while - refresh me - why are you there? Enjoy the culture and people...and food! It really is good!

May I ask - was it the youth leader's judgment not to wear the life vests, or the adult that the child was with at the time? My husband is a Middle School minister, and there are times when he is not aware of a decision by another adult in the group until afterward. Then the parent comes to him with their concern, which is fully warranted! For example, one of our adults in leadership burned a cd for one of the kids. The youth was interested in hearing different types of Christian music. The parent came to my dh very angry that the other adult had illegally burned a cd for his child. My dh had no prior knowledge of it, and so wasn't sure how to respond. All I am saying is, express your concern to the youth leader - he is ultimately in charge - but don't necessarily lay all the blame at his feet. Believe me, if he was planning a day as full as it sounds like this one was, he had tons of details to think through, and that may not have been one he made clear to all of his leadership. Just my thoughts!

I really want a black-eyed Susan (my nickname as a baby) on my left shoulder with my husband's name on a petal - kind of like the 'he loves me...he loves me not' game. It would signify the fact that he loves me! The only reason I don't have it is because my hubby doesn't want me to get one - and he has one!!

I also live in NC. I am starting school on Aug. 17th - after everyone is home from various camps and has a chance to 'settle' back into home-life. Since I am homeschooling a friend's child this year, I am sticking to a little more traditional calendar. We are taking a week off in September, and 3 weeks in December. We will finish on June 10th of next year. HTH!

Hee,hee - OK, you convinced me...I'll keep it up! :svengo: But it is going to be one looooong week! I am on day 6, and am maintaining the 5 lbs. lost. But I do seem to have more energy and it was easier for me to resist the chocolate chip cookies last night. A week ago, I wouldn't have left the room without one! BTW, I am proud of you guys...you are all doing great! And thanks for the encouragement.

Hey gals - checking in here. I am down 6 lbs. and I messed up a little tonight. I forget to thaw any chicken out, so when dinner time rolled around, I had bacon and cheese slices instead. I had made BLT's for the family and that seemed the obvious solution to the problem. My son and his friend are baking chocolate chip cookies right now. I am getting a sugar high on the smell alone!!!!!!!! COOKIE! <said in my best Cookie Monster voice> Let me ask this - what if you reach your target weight before the diet ends? Do you stop? My goal was to lose 10lbs., and I am already at 6lbs. after 4 days. I know that the weight loss will slow, but will it stop? Just curious.

I think I would do it. It seems like a grand adventure. My husband's salary is already pretty much public knowledge, since he is a minister in our church. That doesn't really bother me.

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies. I made it through the night, and when I weight this morning, I was a total of 4 lbs. down. So I am encouraged. Do you all add anything to cottage cheese? I don't think we are supposed to, and I could not finish mine this morning. I am used to eating it with a little jam in it for flavor. Thanks again for the encouragement. It will be interesting to see how much total weight I lose, and if I can keep it off. I really want this last 15 lbs. gone before our trip to Disney in Sept.!

OK - I am joining the discussion. I am on day two, and feel like I am starving!! I am off to eat an apple very soon! I did lose 2 lbs.as of this morning, but I am having a hard time not taking 'just a smidge' of the dinner I fixed for everyone else! I can't wait to read how everyone does!

We rent, but want to own. My dh just finished 4 years of Seminary, so there is no savings for a down payment at this point. We are renting from friends, though, with the intent of buying the house we are in.

Baxter - I have a friend with a Westie and this is his name. I love it!

I'll post mine, but please don't let it scare you. It was taken at the beach this fall, and is not a good picture at all.

We use the dining room, although they do spread to various areas to read.

I have three, and you can see how individual they are in my signature. I love 'em, and would love more, but I think I have finally accepted that we are done.

I go to bed between 11 - 12 pm, and sleep until 8 with no alarm waking me up. Except for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when get up (usually) at 5:30 to go workout. but I really hate those days! :glare:

yes

No W2's yet.

Please pray for my mom. She has been suffering from cirrhosis for the last few years. She called me today after having some test on Monday. Apparently, her liver has completely stopped functioning, and her doctor is going to try to get her on a transplant list. I am a little stunned (?) right now - I am not sure what my emotions are. I am just asking for prayer so that she can get what she needs over the next couple of months or years, whatever this process consists of. Thanks all.

Huh...I am only 1.5 pounds from my happy weight! Yay for me! You are right - I am happy

AAWWW...what a pretty girl!! Welcome Abigail!!

I ordered and after a few days received an email verifying my school. I just received my order yesterday.

My oldest is 'Patch', because I didn't want the shortened form of his name to be 'Pat'. My girl is 'Courtie B' My youngest is 'Bubby' by me, and 'Bud' by my dh.

Thanks all! We are working with a mortgage broker who will do manual underwriting, I believe. I guess my question is - what types of paperwork do I need to start collecting? Other than credit letters from utilities and monthly-types of accounts? Thanks again!