Ouch - what a bum deal for you. I hope your healing is quick and that you can still enjoy your son's visit. Pity party and prayers - you've got them both. :)

Did you read my mind? :p My ds (3rd grade) wanted to type a report last week, and I realized that we need a program to teach him, so he doesn't have to hunt and peck! I'll definitely be checking these out.

How about notebook or notebooking page? Did you try Enchanted Learning? They should have something like that.

You've been through such a hard time - don't forget to take care of yourself, and give yourself plenty of time to get things back on track. ((KidsHappen)), I'm praying for you today!

Um, yea....what she said. :D I think you're good either way. Don't forget to save some for yourself!

Congratulations! Can't wait to see pictures of her. Enjoy!

Woohoo - go babies! I hope and pray all goes well for both of you, and will be waiting to hear good news!

Dear Jo, you are about as far from "loser" as anyone I can imagine. You have had the epitome of crazy in your life for the past 6 or so months. You need to be refreshed and restored so you can be the kind of wife and mother you want to be. Your kids need their Mom to be sane and healthy! Go. Relax. Recharge. And do NOT let "guilty" even enter you mind!

Ouch! It sounds like you all need/deserve a break. I would imagine that the combo of pain and not being able to eat much affects a lot. I hope that things will even out for you when the pain subsides and they can eat well again! Can't do much about the hormones, though. :o So chocolate is definitely in order.

No ideas here, but Congratulations to *somebody*! ;) I think you both deserve a celebration!

If DS #2 has a good attitude toward school and is putting forth his best effort or a level of effort that you are satisfied with, then discipling him for the resulting grades means he is being punished for something he really can't control. If he receives the "no screen time", what would you tell him he needs to do differently? I think you would simply be discouraging him and putting him in a "no win" situation. As far as the "fairness", I would not let a decision be ruled by that. Each child has individual needs and strengths and can be treated as such. Children need to learn that sooner, rather than later. Don't let yourself be caught in that one! A couple of other things I would challenge you to consider. One is the length of the discipline - 12 weeks. It's hard for kids to really "pay attention" to a potential consequence that isn't going to happen for a while (at the end of the grading period can be a long ways off for that age), and it's hard to have "hope" for things changing when the length of the consequence goes on for such a long time. Plus, you're taking away the option for you to use the "screen time consequence" for a long time. The other thing is the concept of displining (or rewarding) for grades. Honestly, you're teaching your smart kids to "just get by", because they think they can do that and still get good grades. If you desire changes in their motivation and effort, then that is what you need to focus on. I realize that grades are more concrete and easier to measure, but as long as that's the focus I don't think you'll see changes in their effort.

Well....I figure it's easier to send kids out to play in the snow, than in mud! :rolleyes: But I know what you mean. It was so nice this weekend, it pretty much spoiled winter! At this point of winter, you know the bulk of it is over, but the last few snowstorms can really drag it out, can't they?

We were already finished with SOTW 1 when you made the pages, so I haven't used them yet. But I think they're wonderful, and I plan to use them with my younger set in a couple of years. I would love to have pages for SOTW 2 as well.

LG is a brand name - somewhat new to the US. Here's their website: LG Electronics We purchased our LG washer at Home Depot.

We bought a front loader a few months ago. I spent a lot of time with Consumer Reports! I also learned from talking with the salesmen at Sears and Home Depot. LG and Whirlpool rate very highly. We bought an LG, and I love it. The door can be opened during the cycle unless there is too much water in the machine, then the door will not unlock. I did not buy a matching dryer. As far as I can tell, the only real benefit in the matching dryer is just that - the matching. You will get "bells and whistles", but not necessarily a better dryer. We went with a regular Kenmore dryer - the largest size available. Works great.

Dayle, it's good to see you here. You've been missed! I'm so glad to hear you were able to go back to Minnesota! I hope the remainder of your time is restful and refreshing, and a safe trip back home.

Verrryyyy slowwwww here as well. Click open, go eat lunch, come back and read the message. Yikes - I might have to actually do something productive this afternoon!

I've been looking at Klean Kanteens and have found good prices here: Pure Home Products. I've also found good prices at this Ebay store: Sierra Rope Products

((((Amy)))). It makes for hard days when baby is struggling. Romy must not have gotten my memo to all third children (especially those in homeschooling families)! Third children must sleep well at all times and in all places, be good natured, calm, happy, and eat anything and everything (but not off the floor). Hope it gets better soon.

You can get All Free & Clear HE liquid detergent. I buy it at Meijer - costs the same as regular All Free & Clear.

It's a beautiful, cold, clear night here. The partial eclipse is starting - so cool! I don't believe I've seen one before. I'm so excited!

Jann, what a wonderful opportunity you have! I too would love to hear about your plans and your trip, and I'll be praying for you. I'm curious about what organization you'll be going with? We have friends from this area who work at an orphanage in Uganda.

Wow, that was impressive, Rough Collie! :) I googled briefly, without success, and gave up quickly. This looks like a neat book. I just might get if from the library.

Praying for successful surgery and good recovery.

Did they say if they would continue to make the e-book available?