tots2teens
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Anyone want a secular biology program for 1st grade
tots2teens replied to MeghanL's topic in K-8 Curriculum Board
Awesome!! I am PM'ing you now. Thank you so much for sharing!!! -
Cutting a toxic family member out of your life
tots2teens replied to Kathryn's topic in The Chat Board
I am so sorry you are going through this! Just so you don't feel alone in this craziness, that sounds exactly like something my mother would do. For safety reasons, we had to cut off all contact with her but she still drives by our house & shows up at places she know my kids will be (but only if she knows that I will not be there). She lives an hour away from us but still stalks us like a crazy person. So much so that I have had to file a police report against her. She has no idea that she is just reinforcing my reasons of WHY we don't have any contact with her. You need to keep a record of all this just in case things escalate. But hopefully she will get the hint & back off! -
I love organizing, too! I have actually thought about starting a similar business. Good luck!
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Growing up (and even now with my own kids) Easter baskets have always contained a new bathing suit, sun screen, and beach toys. Sometimes I will even use a new beach bucket in place of a basket.
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We rented an RV from Cruise America a few years ago to drive from Florida to New York. We took 6 kids ( ages 2, 6, 9, 9, 11, 11). The kids (and dh and I) still say it was the best vacation we ever took! We stopped at campgrounds along the way. Ate in the RV. The kids could get up and walk around, use the bathroom, etc while we were driving. I did keep the 2 year old in a carseat while on the road. It was so much fun! I think it worked much better than a minivan because we weren't on top of each other the whole time. The kids could play board games & put together puzzles. Cruise America was great to work with. They have specials all the time. Check their website. After that experience, the whole family cannot wait for the day that we sell everything & explore the country in a RV!
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I appreciate all of your responses! You guys have given me a lot to think about. I must admit that I have been pretty shocked that so many have recommended divorce. I realize that there is a lot wrong with my situation (and this is not the only issue) but I do want to try counseling first. Stay or go? Seems like nobody wins in either case. Try to fix the situation seems like the only way to benefit all the kids. Of course, I realize that if that doesn't work, then more drastic measures would need to be taken. I will have my eyes wide open now for other controlling behaviors. Ever get to a point in your life where you wondered how on earth you got there? And, no, I have not posted about this before. I don't really post very much and never about such personal issues. Makes me sad there was someone else in my situation. Wonder how it worked out for her?
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If I didn't have 2 children with him, I would be more willing to consider divorce. The kids kinda make it complicated.
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I totally agree with all of this. Just because I was divorced once, doesn't mean I'm ok with it. I would love to avoid divorce a second time. Mainly, for my younger kids. I grew up with a step dad like this and it just kills me that I'm in the same situation. My mom never stood up for me. I try very, very hard to stand up for my kids (all of them). It is a constant battle and I know that they notice. It breaks my heart. Usually, I just spend the money on whatever I want for the kids. Or I will just buy whatever they need without even asking (because I know the look & comment I will get). But if it's anything big, I know it's going to be a fight. Sometimes I will even put a little money aside here & there if I know of an upcoming expense. It's a terrible way to live, I know. I agree with most of you about counseling. I discussed it with dh and he is willing to go!
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This is by far the hardest part of a blended family.
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The child support I get goes on a debit card each month. We have always called that money "kid money", meaning I can use it for whatever the kids need. That money is what I was actually going to use for the trip. But he still gave me a hard time about it. His kids are pretty much taken care of by their grandmother. They go to dance almost every day & out of town competitions most weekends. The grandmother pays for all of it. My older kids do not have a rich grandmother that will pay for activities or anything. Financially, my dh provides a majority of the care to my kids. The amount of child support I get would not even pay for a weeks worth of groceries. Long story, but that's how it is. I really appreciate all of your responses. It is a very tough spot to be in.
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Please don't quote... Thanks for any advice!
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This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-SCCPVL610-S-6-Quart-Programmable-Stainless/dp/B004P2NG0K/ref=pd_sbs_k_1 I love it! I use it 2-3 times a week. We are a family of 6 and the 6 qt size is perfect! When it is done cooking, it switches automatically to warm mode. Everything always turns out great.
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After trying every thing under the sun with my 3rd, I did the castor oil. Like others have said, I would NOT recommend it!!! I took it at 10pm & was up alllll night using the bathroom. I mistook labor pains for all those times going to the bathroom so I didn't realize I was in labor. I thought it didn't work! Well, dd was born at 8am, so fast the midwife almost didn't make it to the house. She walked in the door literally 5 min before dd was born! I had severe complications from doing the castor oil. I was almost transferred to the ER. I credit my midwife with saving my life that day. Needless to say, with number 4, I didn't care how long it took! I let him take his sweet time!! Good Luck!!