Sk8ermaiden, I am so sorry for your loss. Since you mentioned your discomfort with not doing anything, I just encourage you that you know yourself and your kids, and you know what helps you function well. I know that I feel better when there is some routine in my life, and doing school is one thing that provides that routine for me. That being said, I would definitely focus on keeping realistic expectations with all you have going on. Maybe decide on the basics or minimum that you want to do every day (perhaps math, reading, read-aloud), and then decide on the extras that you can add in on days when you have more time and energy for it. Doing that can give you routine and accomplishment without adding constant overwhelm.

You've been through so much this year..thankful the Lord has given you grace to keep moving forward and the support of good friends. Your courage and resilience are amazing to me, but I know they are born out of hard, hard places. I am hopeful for you that 2019 will be better all around. (((Ottakee)))).

My oldest just finished his first semester at a local university. He's in engineering, and has had a great first semester! I'm really pleased and proud of how he stepped up and took ownership of his learning. He's enjoyed it and it looks like he's going to get excellent grades - bonus! I will say that it's validating to have my first graduate off to a good start at college. I know why I'm doing this and believe it's best for our family, but man the doubts like to creep in through the high school years, especially when my kids struggle!

Congratulations! So very happy for you and your family. Both your little guys are adorable.

We built our house, and when I realized how many stairs I would be lugging a vacuum up and down (2 floors plus a basement!), we put in a central vacuum pronto. I love it and would not want to go back. However, I have zero experience with pets in the house.

You've gotten some great advice and it sounds like you're developing some good strategies. I'm just adding my support, saying a prayer for you and hoping that it is an enjoyable event. This is your opportunity to create new "traditions" and make this event something that is truly enjoyable for YOU!

GeoKitty, I am so sorry for your horrific loss. I don't have anything to add to what others have said, but will pray for you and your family.

Love your update - so excited for you!

Yikes, I bought Frontier back in May for $20/lb. It's really high now - I'm scared to think of how high it will be by February! I'm seeing Frontier on Amazon for 31.99/lb (non-organic). I think I'm going to order off Ebay, this price is $23/lb: Elderberries on Ebay

My mom always had one (and she thinks I need one!), but I just don't like them. I've used a Pampered Chef handheld one for many years.

I wash and reuse ziploc bags if they weren't used for meat or anything terribly messy/greasy. I really like the Gladware plastic containers that are made for freezer use - they're heavier than the regular ones and hold up better.

I'm so sorry, Jann. Praying for your family.

It seems like Google groups might work for you. I've not managed a group, but belong to several that are used for group communication. I think the administrator manages adding/removing people. You can view everything online if you want to, but you can also receive, send, and respond to the e-mails without ever going to the google groups site.

Lots of food. Lots of sleep. Lots of physical exercise. LOTS of patience from the mother, but you don't need to accept rude, disrespectful, whining on and on, etc. Calm, firm, direct, with as much humor as you can muster. ?

I haven't compared it to any other classes, but my ds works about an hour a day (sometimes 1 1/2 hours, but that's not the majority), 5 days a week.

Sorry, I quoted the wrong post. Deleting and trying again below.

My ds is taking his Chemistry class this year. I have been very happy with it. It's a challenging class with a decent workload. There's 1 1/2 hours of lecture/discussion every week, plus reading half the chapter, doing labs, writing lab reports, and taking a test every two weeks (they cover a module in two weeks). Dr. Wile grades the lab reports and tests. I am responsible to making sure he gets the work done and getting lab supplies. Other than that, it's been very hands-off for me. Edit to add: The labs and tests have a due date (Friday night) every week. Also, class time is available to watch on video if a students misses class. I decided to go with an online class because I felt my ds wasn't really engaging with science and needed a teacher who could engage and challenge him. It has definitely accomplished that goal! I don't think he'll be a chemist , but he enjoys the class, works hard on it, and has learned to write a good, thorough lab report.

I wish I was headed there! This one looks really good, but alas, my ds has drama performances all weekend. I think the classical track looks very good this year, but that's my general preference and where I usually spend the most time. Andrew Pudewa has a new session, can't remember the topic, but he is always good. Enjoy!

I'm 51, so right there with you on wanting to look good but not look like I'm trying to be a 20-something! Some blogs that have really helped me: Get Your Pretty On Putting Me Together Now That I Can Do, Mama Jo-Lynne Shane Grace & Beauty - cyndispivey.com Some of these bloggers are mid-aged, some are a little younger, but all of them promote style that is doable for the average non-style savvy mom! (that's me, for sure!) Of all of these, Putting Me Together is probably my favorite. Get You Pretty On & Putting Me Together do seasonal style challenges that give you a shopping list and about 40 days of outfits. Both are good and totally worthwhile if you want step-by-step clear direction! But you don't need to do a style challenge, you can get a ton of help from the blogs alone.

I'm so sorry, Lisa. I will be praying for your family. :grouphug:

I'm pretty sure it's Kathy Kuhl that is Margaret's sil. I haven't been able to listen to her yet, but her seminars look good. And Kathy Koch is exellent! I love the Classical Ed track: Andrew Pudewa, Andrew Kern, Chris Perrin, Martin Cothran, Carol Reynolds. They are all excellent speakers, and the classical panels are fun. Janice Campbell is very good, as is Sarah Mackenzie. I'm also looking at Andrew Peterson, SD Smith (Green Ember author), and ND Wilson - their sessions look interesting, especially for anyone with an interest in writing. I can't go this year (dama performance weekend for one of my kids), but wow, looking at the speakers and workshops, I wish I could!

We are about the same. I had a list of boys' names that I loved, and my DH vetoed ALL of them with the first baby. :glare: Then we went on to have two more boys...the last one was really hard to name! With our daughter (4th child!), he consented to a name I loved, one that he probably would not have agreed to had she been our first. Not complaining! :laugh: The bottom line for us was that we both had to agree to the name. I don't think I could live with it any other way. Naming our boys was not the easiest process, but I'm happy that we found names we could both live with for the long run.

You do NOT sound foolish, you sound logical, thorough, well-researched. But I recognize how difficult it is to fight against set views of the medical establishment. At any rate, I am praying for your appointment today and that God will connect you with the right people and treatments today and in the future. :grouphug:

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying you can find hope and comfort in your grieving. Your daughter sounds like an amazing young woman who was deeply and dearly loved and cherished. :grouphug:

It looks like Amazon has a process for this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_v4_sib?ie=UTF8&nodeId=201826610 (hoping that link works. Found it under Help topics -- Returns -- Return a gift) It will be easier if you have a packing slip from the order, but you don't have to have it. Good luck!