A couple books by Charles Swindoll (Flying Closer to the Flame and Living Above the Level of Mediocrity.) I'd love some more Keurig K-Cups in Vanilla Biscotti or Vanilla Hazelnut! They're a rare treat! :D

umm... I have an appt. at 10. Kay? Just letting you know... have your people contact my people. Work around it. :tongue_smilie:

nm.

Oh she's beautiful! Congratulations mama!

Here's a little story. My dd is friends with a girl who really struggles in social situations. I have found that giving her the spotlight really helps. She just shines and always steps up to the plate, amazing all of us with how easily she can take on a "different" role. At my dd's birthday party she was my helper, in charge of explaining how a game would work, and directing traffic in a house full of scavenger hunters. She was so engaged and excited, and I think stepping out of "the pack" helped her to fit in more. Oh, the irony! :lol: So, for your teen, or others that you feel will benefit from being drawn out, is there something you could assign them to do that will encourage them to interact more? Perhaps adding another element to your bible study, such as a game, or someone heading up a charitable group project (adopt a family for Thanksgiving or Christmas?) and everyone discusses how they can do this, etc.

Are you looking for ice breakers? There's lots available online. It would be neat to tie in an ice breaker with whatever material you'll be covering.

For the above regarding adult interactions, I'd just love them like Jesus would. Discuss your own life, your own story, ask them if they've ever felt like that, pat them on the hand and love them. :grouphug: People who have been very hurt cannot give back or feed a mutually satisfying relationship... they're emotionally bankrupt and can only receive. It can be draining, but worth the effort in light of eternity. :grouphug: ETA: in a bible study/ministry setting, if someone does not want to share and they're pretty much silent, I would just reassure them that they don't have to share, that they are welcome to share whenever they feel comfortable doing so. I'd be sure they felt comfortable and welcome to be a "listening participant" for as long as they choose.

I've taught my dd to go the extra mile because social awkwardness is near and dear to us. My dh is an un-dx aspie, my son has autism, and we know several people with general social awkwardness. She smiles, says hi, then asks them a question. Sometimes it relates to what she sees (ie: how old is your puppy?) or sometimes it's an open-ended question (what do you like to do for fun?) or an invitation to play a game together. We played a fun game a few years ago where we tossed a ball back and forth illustrating communication. When she made a comment instead of a question, she held the ball and the communication stopped. In order to keep the ball moving, both parties had to engage and keep the communication going. It was a great illustration that showed her how to expand her attempts at drawing others out. That said, if someone clearly does not want to engage, then she shrugs it off and carries on her way. We do spend time discussing this because I can't tell you how much I appreciate it when people draw my son out. It takes a bold & loving kid to persevere and try to relate to him instead of just walking away. I'm also quick to help them, explaining that he is listening, even if he isn't looking at you, and he really has a difficult time with friendships, but if he had the words, he'd tell you xyz and thank you for trying to talk with him. It usually makes kids smile and keep trying.

Really, truly, an announcement is not an invitation for gifts. :001_smile: If you invite them to a graduation party, well that's another story. ;)

Honestly, nobody is going to feel obligated. I'd just go with a graduation announcement, and thanking them for their role in your journey. Keep it simple. :001_smile:

I've had rabbits growing up, and had one a few years ago. Honestly, I'd look into guinea pigs, they're much more social and bite less. Rabbits do startle to death quite easily, their teeth are very long so when they do bite, they can do some damage. They're a bit harder to tame too... unless you get a baby and hand feed it a lot. Both rabbits and guinea pigs have distinct odours and you really need to stay on top of cleaning their cages. I agree with previous posters that 10 days is too long. We went away for 3-4 weeks but we had someone come over every other day to change the water and wood shavings.

Oh my goodness! What a mine field! Thank you so much everyone! Those lists are amazing! :D

Sorry, I edited my OP to reflect the lack of info. :001_smile: Thank you! I will look into this! Thank you! Arabel's Raven looks good! I'll check out the other!

Honestly, I'd go. I'd consider it a chance to get to know her friends more. I'm sure there will be somebody on the bus to connect with. If you're really really not wanting to go, I'd ask the bride what she thought. Ask her to be honest with you, and if she would be upset if you chose not to go. If she would be the slightest bit upset, then I'd put on my big girl panties, smile and decide to have a good time.

title says it all. :001_smile: Thank you! ETA: My apologies, I guess the title didn't say it all. LOL! This would be to read together. My boy has autism and only responds to really fun and engaging books with lots of pictures. He likes the book Scaredy Squirrel so much that he stole it from his teacher last week, smuggled it home in his backpack and read it ten times in one evening. He has also really enjoyed Snore! by Michael Rosen. It's just difficult trying to find that level of fun and interaction without spending a fortune. Thank you for any and all suggestions! ETA: again: I should probably lower that age a bit! The books he is liking involve full page pictures with a few sentences on each page. He can't sit for anything longer than that.

That is a difficult and unfortunate situation... but not above the Lord's healing. Thank you for posting. We'll be praying here. :grouphug:

oh good! Thanks! I was starting to panic there. Now I can carry on gathering all my makeover supplies! :lol: You know, I hear those home waxing kits work great on men too! Wouldn't that be grand? A hive hubby makeover day!

No, no, no... too much estrogen is when we openly talk about clotting or what is a normal discharge during ovulation... no, no... this is a perfectly emotionally stable board. We're calm, analytical, and I just broke a blasted fingernail :cursing: D@MN WHERE THE H3LL IS THE CHOCOLATE!!!! ANYONE SEEN MY CHOCOLATE?! :cursing:

:svengo:

I call him Hubs, Hubbers, Hubbly. He calls me Sweety, Kookla, or Kookla-moo (Greek for Baby or Baby Doll.)

I'm sensing a good stocking stuffer idea...

She is an amazing woman. Loving others like Jesus. Thank you for sharing.

In the morning, have DH apply Deep Ice or numbing gel or some A535 before you attempt to get out of bed. When you do try to get out of bed, move slowly, trying to not use your core muscles. Roll over onto the floor like you are in labour (yes, I mean it) and have your DH help you to rise from the floor. Quick movements in the morning (as well is jumping or sneezing) will make it worse or cause a back injury to return at any time... even months after being pain free. See your dr who will likely prescribe physio/chiro/massage. If you can get your hands on a TENS machine, do that. I bought mine new for $100 and it paid for itself after 2 uses. Rest, rest, rest. Then slowly work your core as physio recommends. Not fun. Been there. Am there again. And yes, you can take double the amount of recommended Advil, and Aleve. Stagger them so you're not without. Roll up 2 bath towels. Place one under your neck, place the other under your lower tailbone/upper hips. Lie on your back and just relax. You'll feel your spine re-adjust. Have dh gently pull your feet down to stretch your spine and relieve any nerve pressure. I often put the heating pad over the towel at my tailbone, or use a heated magic bag. You'll come to love it. Last bit of advice but the most important: never waste the pain. Thank God for the days you've had/will have that have been/will be pain free. Pray for those who suffer daily and remember them from now on. Use the time to allow for growth and stretching. :grouphug: Hope you're feeling better soon.

Excellent! Thank you Emily! What about the part about accessing your apps or books while you're not in a Wi-Fi area?

:iagree: on all the Eric Carle books. all the Sandra Boynton books Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Are You My Mother? Goodnight Moon.