I did that once, but it was a home for sale by owner. For me it was a "this house could work, I like it!" moment but .... there's also that scary "what am I missing out on, what else is newly on the market" feeling. I needed to go through our other options (some of which I had scheduled to see for the upcoming weekend) to be really sure. ETA: I did end up buying it. It was overpriced and while I loved it and didn't flinch when they mentioned the price, I knew I wouldn't pay that. I waited them out, and only then did I bring in my realtor. They listed in June; I bought the following April. Hopefully you'll hear from them soon - maybe they have to crunch the numbers, or check with their own realtor if their home is in contract or for sale. But maybe they're just starting their search, and your home was a good opportunity for them to see what's out there without calling up a realtor who'd want them to search in earnest. And that stinks for you, but it happens.

I work outside of the home for a major, international company. I'm expected to use my vacation days or sick time (Family Leave earned simultaneous to our sick time), but it's not unheard of to be granted (upon request) a "Personal Off" without penalty (or pay). Alternatively, I can find a colleague to work for me and nobody is the wiser. My company only cares that someone shows up to work, they don't care if it's me or someone else. I have a network of colleagues I can call to work for me, most of us are caring for kids or elderly parents and understand the need for last-minute help. The issue is that our job involves days away from home to travel, so it's sometimes a challenge to find a ready replacement this way. My inlaws own their own business of about 20 employees. For the most part, they're happy to work with their employees. They've been parents, too. Their company is an assembly line kind of operation, so when someone is out it can affect the work and turnaround time of others. Most people are cross-trained though so it's not a huge issue. For most cases they'll just give 1-2 days off and work around it. Their employees are good workers, though, so the inlaws are happy to work with them for these unforseen things. For scheduled absences (appts) they usually work around it, too and will allow the employee to come in at any time before/after to make up the work (so as to maintain the turnaround time for the order). This would work if the employee had a spouse that could stay with the child after the spouse's own work day ended.

They truly are, I agree! My secret obsession is on right now - bad reality TV. I'm on vacation this week, and sucking in TLC shows like they're going out of style. My brain is nearly rotted, but what a way to go!! Honey Boo Boo is going to be on later, I haven't seen that yet and I'm ridiculously eager to LOL. It's a secret because I'm letting everyone in the room think it's my sister's fault this garbage is on tv. She's an addict. If she turned it off, I'd have private palpitations, but I'd never out myself by asking someone to turn it back on :blushing: Shh!

How do you feel about your choice to homeschool? Indifferent. I don't love it, I don't hate it, it just ... is. Are you happy you started homeschooling? See above. Are your children happy to be homeschooled? Yes. Their same-aged cousins attend our local schools, as do many of their friends.They have a realistic comparison of academic expectations and homeschooling hasn't hampered them socially at all. What do you feel is your favorite part of the school day? least favorite? My favorite part is discussing literature or history. My least favorite part is grading work. What is your favorite part of the school year? least favorite? My favorite part is the planning beforehand LOL. My least favorite is summer, when we do school but nobody else does. What is your favorite subject to teach? Your children's favorites? My favorite to teach is Life Skills. It comes up in every subject, and it truly is a joy (and a pain) to mentor my children as they mature as people (moreso than as a student of any academic subject). They both love science best, despite the fact that we don't do it as a formal subject LOL. Of formal subjects, ... history. How do you feel inside when you tell people you homeschool? Indifferent, I guess? It's not uncommon where I live, but we do live in a top-rated school district so people are sometimes surprised. This exact moment in time....what are you feeling when you look back on your day (or yesterday if your day hasn't started yet)? We school on the calendar year, February - October, so we're near wrapping up our year. We're taking this week off to visit family, and I feel relief that we're in the home stretch but mild stress that we're going to have to make up that week in November (when we typically travel). So this exact moment in time, I'm trying to reconcile my need to check off the calendar boxes versus just calling it good and wrapping up on our scheduled final school day, wherever we are in the book.

I actually DO live out of a suitcase most months LOL. Really the only thing I'd want is knowing I can count on certain things to always be there. Most importantly, my pillow always in place wherever I've left it - not moved or borrowed. And I'd love to leave all of my junk in the bathroom/shower instead of having to haul it out of my suitcase every time I want to use it.

I think we can be disappointed in something, without it necessarily being a straight judgment about someone else. I know some people go over the top with the etiquette thing, but I didn't see that expressed up-thread. I know I can :D. Thankfully my family can, too, because they're often disappointed in my efforts but aren't at all judgemental about my shortcomings. It's always nice to receive a thank you note, whatever did (or didn't) go into it. I like the poster before me who said that some people ... it's just not their thing, this written communication or expressing thanks. I get that. I think most people do. And at the same time, I don't think it's at all judgmental to feel slighted by a perceived lack of sincerity. I don't think one needs to push that feeling aside out of gratefulness for having received anything at all :confused:. Now, calling up this kid's mom or gossiping to the rest of the family is one thing, but ... to express disappointment seems reasonable for people who might be hurt by such a generic acknowledgment.

What's he into, what are his interests? Is there some nugget we can work from to personalize a suggestion? What about making him a nice dinner? A basket of baked goods with a thoughtful note/poem/picture of them together? I have a nephew this age who loves when his girl friends cook or bake for him LOL. He's a typical boy who would love apple gift cards, video games, a good book, etc. but from someone he cares about he'd love something personal that could only come from her. His daddy was the same way, way back when :)

I'm visiting with family this weekend. We're going out for dinner, but I'm not sure to where. I don't care where. I'm just glad to not have to be the one preparing it LOL. Baked potato wedges sound good ... salty skins are my favorite!

My husband likes shorter hair on me (shoulder to armpit lengths). He met me with hair past my butt. I think he just likes shorter hair because it's easier on the vacuum cleaner. I shed thick, coarse strands that are always getting stuck in between people's toes, dog's butts, clean towels, and pretty much all over LOL.

Okay the only lie I see is that "I'll text you if there is any change." Because you know you won't. But that can be easily left out. It's not a lie to say they have plans. Granny does. She may not know them all yet, but she has general ideas of how to fill the week. It's your prerogative to accept the Big Plan (Granny has kids) and not go asking her for a detailed itinerary so that time with Auntie can be squeezed in. Besides, "Plans have been made" can just as easily refer to the bigger situation (Granny has kids) in which case it's still not a lie. The Plan is that your Granny has the kids and is doing whatever it is she has in mind. Even if that's doing nothing, but especially if it's doing nothing-with-Auntie. Send it. Or consider re-wording it so it feels more truthful: "Granny has planned the week, it'll have to be another time. Take care."

:lol: ... and this is why I love The Text. Forget about sliced bread, this and the indoor toilet are my favorite all-time inventions LOL. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

I guess how I'd handle this would depend on his motivation for saying these words. If he means it and doesn't see any other way to cope with these overwhelming feelings, ... that's going to require a different approach than the kid who is simply using words to push the buttons he knows he can. I think sometimes professionals can make things worse if they're brought in as a knee-jerk reaction or first-course of action. For a kid who has no respect for his parents (depending on the reasons why), this may further confirm (to him) that his parents truly are idiots (and are thereby not worthy of his respect) or that his parents are people so out of touch with him (and thereby not worthy of his showing any respect to anyone, including himself). I'm not familiar with any of the OP's prior threads, or her particulars, so this is just a general opinion based on work I've done with some really angry kids. Again - the reasons behind the anger and the comments are too important to generalize, especially when they're of this nature. Once you figure out his motivations, then you're good to evaluate potential plans of action (including a professional if warranted). It may be that the parents need the professional, moreso than does the child. Either way, I think it's extremely reasonable to expect that someone not say those words to me. It's not even about being in charge, so to speak; it's about basic respect to ANY human being and that you don't say what you don't mean. If you do mean it (and you genuinely believe he does, you're not just trusting his words that he does), then we've got problems. But they're on the surface, he's not stifling them. That's the ideal place to start. If you don't mean it, find another way to vent your frustrations. Let's brainstorm new avenues to work through them because this isn't working for you (else you'd not have to keep saying such hurtful things) nor is it working for me (say what you mean; words can't be taken back, even through apologies they leave a permanent mark). If this is not his true nature, then hopefully he's just unable to process his feelings in any other manner. He probably feels overwhelmed, he sees Mom getting overwhelmed (and probably feels badly, which aggravates his own feelings) and the wheel keeps spinning. I wonder if he's not sharing some of Mom's feelings about all of this, and everyone is just so stressed by what's been a long and chaotic year.

Girl, you know you're not :lol:! And so this is the kind of person you have to be firm with and you come off looking like the jerk. I'm trying to figure out how we're related to the same person LOL. Is she younger? I keep hoping mine will outgrow it. Give me a kernel of hope ....! Keep the text short and sweet. Don't apologize, don't include any questions ("Hope you don't mind, sorry!" or "Maybe next time?") just the aforementioned: "Bummer, the week is pretty much planned to a hilt. We'll have to touch base for another time." Leave out this part: like when you mature or win the lottery. Or both. Or you can be nice but throw in the "Sorry, can't afford it this time! Have a good week, Gotta run!" :D

I don't think it should be on the invite. I think questions and inquiries should be directed to the friend, and/or he can send out a separate communication (text, FB, email, whatever). You just tell people, "Oh, I think Friend is putting something together, if you want to get in touch with him here's how ..."

I think comprehension skills are the easiest to work on because you can do it outside of reading. You can do it with real-life situations, watching movies, etc., in a conversational and non-schoolish way. Ask her questions: what did she see, if you pause the movie what does she think will happen next, ... why? That sort of thing. Just make a point to do this maybe once a day in the course of life outside of school and give her the tools to know HOW to comprehend. I'm not familar with MFW ECC so I'm not sure how it's handled in your coursework but I know it can be supplemented just by talking and living life. She can do this during readalouds with your 1st grader, even, taking it to a level where it's pure comprehension and not struggling with the actual skill of reading. Good luck, and welcome :)

... that I'm even less creative than I had suspected. :hat:

I think that's an awesome job for the MotB! You know, not only will it be more meaningful part of the shindig but there's something to be said for peace of mind knowing it's going to go well and be phenomenal. When you know, you know ;) I'm a pianist, too, so I totally get it LOL. I'm the nutjob who would want to make sure the photographer got pics of me at the piano, too :blushing: oh, and of course with the bridal party, yada yada yada!

I keep a separate cricket tank. It's where I gut-load and coat them, I just reach in and snag a few each time I feed. It's hardest to keep pinheads, but as the dragon grows it'll be easier. For now you may just have to reconcile to making 1-2 trips to the store each week. ETA: I kept my crickets indoors but the garage or patio might work, depending on where you live. They do escape sometimes, but ... well, they're not roaches LOL. Crickets are good luck where I'm from anyhow, so just adopt that mentality if you choose to do this :D

Book music and video? I eloped, so I don't know. Here's a bump so people who do can chime in :D

:lol: I was that kid, and now I'm raising that kid. Curse the apple that doesn't fall far from the tree!

I prefer texting to calls for stuff like this LOL. "Shoot! This was planned since July and it sounds like Granny has the week planned to the hilt. I'll have to be another time. Take care." ETA: I know the sides of family aren't friends, and you made your preference clear, but for the sake of family (you said extended family doesn't give a flip but it sounds like SIL was reaching out somewhat) I'd see if Granny minded if Auntie took the kids to lunch for an hour or so mid-week. Or if dinner could be arranged the night before everyone left - if feasible, depending on how the kids are travelling).

I'd give him The Look, then screw with his coffee. For a long time. I have a certain look that men have always thought it'd be okay with them to smack me like that. Especially men of a certain age and nationality, I guess because of social and political issues they came of age during. I've never had to give someone The Look more than once, they learn to let it go and not do it (to me) again.

It sounds like his attitude is going to be the same regardless of where he does school. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. And sometimes even leading him to water takes more out of you than even feels worthwhile. I think that as long as you recognize the decision for what it is (letting someone else take on the challenge) instead of thinking it'll fix these problems, ... do it. Do it for your own health and sanity, and that of the whole family. Don't expect changes, but rejoice if they do come! It sounds like you're pro-homeschool but not "it's the only way" - I'm the same. In my home, to STAY home is my preference but it's also a privilege. If you choose to have attitude, I can choose to have hours each day where I'm not subject to it. Not least of all so that I can focus on keeping our relationship good and not one of resentment. I'm willing to work through bad phases and hormonal times, but I'm not willing to stick it out for someone unwilling or unable to acknowledge that there's a problem they need to be addressing and working through. Not for you, but for himself. Does he want the doctor that's going to do "just enough" or one that knows his stuff? Does he want a coach that's going to put in a solid effort to train him, or just the guy who does enough to win a few, lose a few? Does he want a parent that's half-in it, does the basic requirements (food, shelter) but no more? Doubtful. He doesn't realize that, though. Ask him using instances relevant to him. Let it go if he's only willing to put minimal effort into it. You won't convince him to do otherwise, it has to be a catalyst he discovers on his own. Give him work you think he's capable of doing, should be doing, but don't let the "you have such potential" argument cloud the reality of where he is right now. Stop giving grades. Find a new way to evaluate what he's learned - conversations, projects, things that require thought and more than skimming/regurgitating. He won't get that in school. If that's a character issue that bothers you, know he'll hone that skill in school. Send him - even temporarily - if your sanity requires, but don't expect him to change an approach that's working for him..

Where do you live? My mom has this set-up, but we live in a very mild climate. Any inclement weather is predictable, and we can take necessary steps to protect her stuff (just heavy duty seasonal covers). It would cost something, but less up front if you got a glass or acrylic piece cut to fit the top. It'd help protect the part that could warp, and if the tabletop still warped it's a simpler, cheaper fix still for next season (glass pads or styrofoam). Cover during storms or winter weather if you can't store the table. It's worth a shot if you have a table already on hand, or if you can buy one cheaply at a thrift store, garage sale, or from Freecycle/Craigslist :)

Mom made him LOL. When she realized it's been months and he still hadn't, she lectured him and took away some privilege until the thank yous had been mailed. If she catches wind of this, the next time she'll ask to see them before he seals them, though :tongue_smilie:.