I don't mean to offend, but this was the absolute worst-liked meal of my childhood. Ugh - I hated to smell it cooking and hated to see it coming across the dinner table at me. Blech. The only thing I liked less was liver with brussel sprouts.

Well, everyone seems to be on the same page about this. I wonder though, why not tell your boys about this bad man? Nine is old enough to know that this man has done bad things to children in the past, and you don't want your son around him. I'm not really into protecting the feelings or reputation of people who hurt children.

My husband and I both drive one hour to work (opposite directions, different days/times). We live on 13 acres and consider the longer drive a good trade-off.

The reason we send dd5 to 1/2 day PS K is that when she comes home in the afternoon, the boys are all done and I can concentrate on her. They are not so demanding, but she is and would really distract from my teaching them (as she did last year - but then she did learn a lot). I'm happy with the 1/2 day K because I have very low expectations. I expect them to keep her entertained and happy for four hours and then I'll educate her at home in the afternoon. So, even if this PS isn't the answer long-term, it is the answer to this particular situation for our family. A very wise woman once told me that no decision I make regarding schooling is un-doable (and she was right, we've changed our minds a few times).

looks great, thanks!

Yup, I'm also in IN. My dd attends 1/2 day K for the modest sum of a $60 book fee. Those choosing full day pay an additional $2,000 (aprox). mind you, all the "education" goes on in the morning. but I have heard comments that full day K is cheaper than daycare. Out of almost 50 K students, only 7 are half-dayers. The reason for the additional cost for full day K is that legislation was passed requiring school districts to offer full day K, but with no additional funding attached to the legislation. I attended many public and invitation-only meetings with representatives when this was being proposed. Every meeting was filled with teachers and school district reps (principals, superintendents, etc.). the overwhelming majority spoke FOR the legislation. Nobody wanted to think about how to pay for it. Any time funding was brought up, it was dismissed. Then, about 3 years later when the legislation passed, school districts were crying about no funds and some parents were complaining about having to pay for "free public education".

You just described my oldest son and babygirl. My older son used to ask me to "punish" him by giving him a time out in his room so he could get some alone time. He really, really needs it. Daughter wears me out with extrovert personality. The middle one (son) is somewhere in between. Sometimes we're all grating on each other, and alone time is exactly what is needed (for me, too!). I'd rather recognize it and accommodate each child's personality, then the alternative, which is usually fussing and fighting. ETA: It does frustrate me when my SIL's teenaged children (and preteen) are all "plugged in" during a family event. My dh does not allow any plugged in items for our children at family events - he views it as antisocial. I'm not sure it is any more antisocial than all the adult men vegging out in front of the TV or what I used to do, which is bury my nose in a book.

We start our morning snuggling on the couch and reading aloud. With one ds entering the wicked years (10 yrs old and into prepubescence) it may be the only time all day he is nice. Argghhh. But that's another thread, right? Anymahow - each boy is on a different book, but they both listen to both books. Awkward sentence. For ds8 I'm reading Danger along the Ohio, which fits into his history. For ds10, I'm reading War of The Worlds. The arcane language is a bit difficult for him to get through alone (heck, sometimes its difficult for me to get through). Both books prompt discussions. I read one chapter of each book every weekday morning (unless they beg me for another - but no more than 2). In the afternoon DD5 reads one page of Little House in the Big Woods and I read the rest of the chapter aloud to her. I never go beyond one chapter with her. ETA: Each child has his/her own book to read independently at night, and for trips we do audiobooks.

Okay, I'll revise my answer: Therefore, more information is necessary to determine if any dog is prickly..

Yes, as do inconsiderate child-owners (parents), inconsiderate car-owners, etc. I feel your pain. I think the first step is always a conversation, just to make sure it is not an oversight, or something the pet owner has never really thought about (not talking to you specifically here, Impish - just used your post as a jumping off point). Motives are assigned, but never clear without the initial conversation. We seem to have gotten away from the conversation and jump right into the retaliatory action. Polite society depends upon conversation (obviously my opinion only) and avoiding the initial conversation adds to the degradation of society. It is incumbent upon we who are polite to hold to these standards, regardless of others' actions.

dogs are not prickly no dogs are prickly

Your daughter sounds very sweet and kindhearted. These are qualities many struggle to bring out in their children. Here's how I would handle it: No flip-flops for DD this summer, since she spent her flip-flop money buying a shirt for a friend. This is not a punishment, rather a consequence of having a finite amount of money. If she chooses to express her generosity rather than have flip-flops I would feel proud of her, but I would not then give her extra money. Of course, I would make sure she understood at the beginning (this is not something I would enforce now, but for the next time - I'm using flip-flops as an example): "I am giving you this money for X & Y. If you choose to spend it on something else, I will not give you any more money for X & Y." Of course this would be a private conversation, not in front of the friend. I agree with the other poster that some budgeting advice may be in order for DD. I think far too many teens haven't had education/counseling about budgeting and this may predispose them to mismanage money in their 20's and beyond. You are in a very delicate situation. On the one hand, your daughter is displaying character that you want to encourage (or at least not discourage). On the other hand, you want her to realize that (as I used to get told) money doesn't grow on trees. Good luck with this. And might I add: what a wonderful problem to have with a tween daughter.

Oh yeah, it is work. But wouldn't it be SO NICE if someone paid us for grad school? that is my fantasy, then I'd immediately start my doctorate or NP, instead of waiting until my student loans are paid..

and also to babysparkler - I'm glad you like it. I stole it from someone, and I can't remember who! I actually use this formula frequently - it helps to avoid conflict if I know what I'm going to say, and it seems to work on most people.

Do what kids are taught: Give them "a bug and a wish and an if" It bugs me when ________(your dog craps on my lawn) I wish you would ________(either keep the dog off my lawn or pick up the crap) If this keeps happening ___(I will be forced to take further action in the form of X)

No time to read it now, but I have it bookmarked for later. It looks very interesting from a historical nursing perspective. Thank you! And how cool it must be for you to have this!

Oh, you ARE a dreamer! I finally trained all children not to wake me up until 0700. My middle child will sneak into my bed sometime in the early morning and watch the clock until 0700. Once he woke me up with these words, "Mom...I let you sleep in this morning, its 7:05." They just don't understand how much I need my sleep... When they're all teenagers, I have plans to wake them all up very early as payback (that's my evil dream).

I stumble around looking for coffee....think good thoughts about my hubby if he has made it for me or make a big mess making it myself and then walk around like a zombie until about halfway through my first cup.

I'm an RN working 2 night shifts per week (ICU). I used to work 3, but it really took a toll on homeschooling and, well - life! I'm also in grad school, but nobody pays me for that!

there is one active Roots & Shoots group in our area and I highly recommend it. They are focused on service. This group helps with the weeding and planting of a flower garden at a nursing home. Volunteers frequently at the no-kill animal shelter (we've cleaned catboxes, brushed animals, played with dogs, etc.). We also pick up trash along the road (our participating in R&S has prompted us to do this). No badges to earn, which is a plus for us! Not religious which is also a plus (but not anti-religion, either). This group is all about making a positive difference in local communities - it really doesn't focus on self awareness or self growth (although through service, one will grow). It also seems as if it would be much easier to lead a Roots & Shoots group, as there are few hoops to jump through, and the local leaders (or kids - it is supposed to be "youth directed" service) seem to pick the areas of service. Have you visited their national website? There is a certificate the local group can earn by completing a service project, and for full web-based support it costs $50 per group per year, so not a lot of money to raise unless raising money for a service project is desired.

what symptoms were you having that prompted the test? Did the doc indicate that these symptoms could be caused by the gluten allergy, or were you allergic to a number of other things as well that could be causing the symptoms?

Do you notice dryness on your skin where it itches? I have very dry skin. I must use a moisturizer with the mineral makeup because it doesn't seem to give me any moisture like liquid makeup does. (I use the kind from Sephora in JC Penny - is that BM?). If I don't moisturize, I itch like crazy.

I believe Dr Mercola exists to sell his own product. Some of his "information" is highly suspect (I would say blatantly false, but don't want to get anybody's knickers in a knot). There have been a few debates about this on this forum.

I eat avocado thinly sliced on whole wheat crackers for a yummy lunch. I also use avocado in place of cheese in tacos (I don't eat dairy), which my family thinks is nuts, but I think is yummy.

I did. Via e-mail. And through my professional organization. eta: FOR