Frankly, I don't believe you. I do not believe that there is some place that is so incredibly 'religious' that your car is 'plastered' with their tracts, that people intent on conversion follow you everywhere, or scream at you from street corners. If you actually live in such a place, I can't imagine why you would stay. I'm so tired of people exaggerating the truth, to the hoots and agreements of others, in order to bash a handful of people. You don't like them, fine, but don't put yourself among the ranks of those that lie to make your point. Normal people know that gays are not making out on every street corner or attempting to 'date' every straight person they come upon. Normal people know that race has little to do with crime rates. Normal people know that these attempts at disparagment are nothing more than lies based on the tiniest nuggets of truth. Normal people know that no one's cars are 'plastered' with tracts and that the only religious people screaming from street corners are suffering from twisted minds (that has nothing to do with their actual religion). Keep adding to the falsities. Go ahead. It doesn't make it true. Your exaggerations do not make it true, neither do the happy agreements you may get. It just puts you right there with people that make others out to be evil or the enemy by making things up. As for the few tracts you might get every few months, or the few people that may ring your bell. They are doing these things in hopes of creating a positive, they are hoping to uplift you and the world, regardless of their religion. What was your goal with the bashing and exaggeration?

I don't think you are in the minority anymore, or at least, more people are moving toward your way of thinking concerning that issue. The war on drugs has broken families, destroyed lives, and consumes our law enforcement. In the mean time real crimes, crimes that effect more than just the buyers and dealers, are being ignored, or moved to the back burner. Our economy is suffering, drug money would bring in more than any stimulus bill.

I find their theology very interesting, too. I was always told, if there's a no soliciting sign, you don't knock, period. That's why I said that. Even when going around with my youth group, we skipped the 'no soliciting' places, because they pretty clearly did not want anyone at their door. Not to say that witnessing is soliciting, simply that the sign is an indicator of 'you are not welcome here.' I've never had the bad experiences described, I haven't even had issues with rudeness. It is always surprising to me, the animosity felt towards religious people going door to door. It's an effort to save your (not you, but you know what I mean) life, your eternal soul. I'd be more hurt if they didn't put any effort into it than if they showed up twice a year. But then, I'm wierd.

We get all kinds. I can remember one time, a Seventh Day Adventist showed up. I'd never even heard of that denomination before. We had a very enlightening time, sitting on the porch, chatting it up. I've never been scared of people that are trying to save my soul, seems counterintuitive to me, to be scared of someone taking their life in their own hands, in order to rescue me. I have never had an issue with rudeness or refusal to leave and I wonder at the stories I've read where that is an issue. Again, it seems so much the opposite of their goal, huffing and puffing and throwing a hissy fit. I used to go around with my youth group, from church, and invite people to services or just talk to them. We never had a problem discussing things other than God, our purpose was to spread charity and love and if that meant sitting with a lonely person for a few hours discussing news, politics, whatever, then that's what we did. Anyway, a 'no soliciting' sign can put an end to it, if it's an issue. Then, even those pesky scouts will have to leave you alone ;)

VCU is such a good school! Congrats!

We fall under the 'not yet' heading. We DO have a few ancient weapons, but they have no ammo or anything, I don't even think they can shoot anymore. Dh is pretty bound and determined to get a gun, thankfully he's a thorough shopper and has spent the last year or so researching. I don't think we really need a gun for protection, at least not at home, and all the places I can think of where a gun would come in handy, they're illegal. But, if it gives dh peace of mind, then I don't mind having one in the house. I would have to say, the numbers are not so depressing, for me. It's good to see fellow Americans taking advantage of their rights. Then, I'm also one of those morons that love it when the polls are flooded with voters, regardless of whether or not they know what they are voting about.

I've taken classes, but I doubt they did much for me :) My dad gave me all the advice I need for self-defense. There is no honor in self-defense, go low go hard and break every 'rule' you've ever learned regarding fighting. Oh, and don't stop until they are completely out. I'm not too worried about self-defense anymore, but I needed the advice for high school.

That is exactly what I do. I have read and reread many books and enjoyed them just as much the second time around. I did write down what Charles Dickens books I had read, he was my favorite author at the time, because I knew I wouldn't be able to keep track. :iagree: exactly

I'd have to stop reading to write all that down ;) IOW, I like to READ, not to write or review, or even keep track. So, no, I do not write down what I read, although I have written down really touching quotes and usually lose them immediately thereafter.

Ordered, recieved and started. THANK YOU! While it does start pretty slow, ds has decided to complete two lessons a day and he loves it so far. Apparently learning a new alphabet can be pretty darn exciting, he's not daunted at all (I am, but eh, I'll get over it). So, thank you for the link.

I said somewhat, but more because I try to make it enjoyable and interesting. I can't think of a reason why we would stop homeschooling, though. So, it's not as though he has a choice in the matter, but I do try to keep him happily involved.

We'll be using the CATs. I'm using it to show that ds is making adequate progress, a requirement in VA and testing is easier than making a portfolio (ooooh, so lazy!).

Responding here, but I'll also look for your new thread. I was not informed by anyone that there were these requirements. I find that wierd, because they overwhelmed me with rules. Also, all of the other homeschoolers I know irl, go year round and by their own schedules. I wonder how they check up on that anyway?

Next time you're down here have your niece call my daughter and maybe we can hang out :)

We don't use the workbook, and we still get it done in 15 min easy (probably quicker, but I don't time our classes). I have incorporated it into our reading and grammar classes at times too. It is so versatile, I love it!

They actually mention that exception, I left it out since it didn't really pertain, lol. Next time I'll be more thorough (insert raised eyebrow here) lol.

I was never taught spelling rules like this and when I found this site... well, I was completely enthralled. http://www.dyslexia.org/spelling_rules.shtml My son is not dyslexic, but we've both learned a lot from there. As far as vowels go, they have three patterns (VVC, VCV, and VCCV), explaining, to make a long sound you must add a second vowel. The final example, VCCV, is how to keep a vowel short when followed by another vowel sound. I've found this really interesting and would love to have a grown-up version, if anyone knows where to look. It's funny, I learned phonics, but never any 'rules' and they're so helpful. Oh, and to the OP, you're so welcome. I could not believe I actually knew the answer!

From 'Reading from Scratch' k and ck make the /k/ at the end of a monosyllable. The digraph, ck ALWAYS follows a short vowel, all other sounds are followed by k.

Amen, bless her heart ;)

Wasn't trying to husband bash, I've met many women that have the same worries. I also wasn't trying to belittle his concerns, rather point out that they are going in, imo, the wrong direction. Whimpy kids can grow to be strong adults. Rather than focusing on teh child, focus on who they will be and how you will get them there.

My brother is much the same way. The diff being, our dad was around and he taught my brother to keep it all inside. IOW, sure you can be different, just don't let anyone know. I guess that is better than telling them they're wrong to be different, but ... maybe not. It hurts me to think that my son, or your son, could be forced into situations dealing with mean, hurtful, cruel people so they can learn to be 'normal.' Sure, everybody's been hurt and you have to learn to deal with it, but if normal means broken, then why can't you avoid it while they're most sensitive? :grouphug: And really, in the end, did the battles of the cliques teach us anything? Learning to follow the leader, to our own detriment, did that send a good message? I mean, who knows, maybe there's a bully inside your boy and mine, just waiting to get out... maybe they'll be the ultimate alpha males with all the panties and crying subordinates to prove it, but is that really a goal they should attain? Augh, preachin. choir. I know. It just stinks :(

When other people bring it up, gee your kids are so smart, I tend to shrug and say, yes, they're great kids. I don't really want to discuss it. Conversations like that feel like mine fields to me, one false step and kablooey! So, I avoid them. However, when I get that arched eyebrow, you homeschool, oh... well, then the gloves come off and I, admittedly, brag to beat the band. It's not pretty and I know I shouldn't, but it's so hard to shut up when that happens. I'd have to say, the most gracious way to discuss your dc is to keep their accomplishments to a minimum and avoid comparisons like the plague. Advice easier given than followed. ;)

OT I've been thinking about your dh's issues quite a bit, I'm worried that my dh may approach me about this same thing at some point. Here's my question, for you and for your dh: What does it matter if he's a 'normal' little boy? He's going to be an excellent man, and isn't that the point? No one has the same childhood as anyone else, they may be similar, but never the same. No two kids (even identical twins) are exactly the same, so where is this yard stick for normal? I can remember an idyllic childhood, if I want, so can nearly everyone else on Earth. That doesn't mean it actually existed. All this focus on whether or not they're normal or fit in when they're kids seems, to me, to be misplaced. Adults are seldom as clannish or cliqueish as kids. They can be, sure, but most of them are too busy living their lives to worry about whether or not John from work could've beaten them up for their milk money when they were kids. Skinny kids can be fat adults, fat kids can be fit adults and in the end how much of the comparisons of childhood matter? If we were happy, we were happy; our wimpyness wasn't an issue, unless some one MADE it an issue. I'm sorry if this seems mean, Scarlett, but it really gets to me how focused adults are on the level of 'normal' their kids reach. How much does that effect their adult lives? Sure, put them in ps so they can get their own wierdness pounded into their heads and develope issues... does that make any sense???? Augh, rant off. Scarlette, as far as whether or not your boy is 'normal'; frankly my dear, why give a dam*? So you know, my anger is not meant for you. It's meant for those that think kids have to be part of a pecking order to survive.

If I was already pregnant, it would be a foregone conclusion, however, I would not plan to get pregnant or try.

So, being polite is being two-faced? Well, if that's the case, the hells yes, the whole south is nothing but a bunch of two-faced poseurs. Beg pardon for being raised well enough to say excuse me when I bump into someone, even if I don't know them. Calling people sir or ma'am, even if I have no reason to offer them respect and withholding negative comments, because it's not my place to judge. I cannot believe that being polite is considered two-faced, down here we just call it civilized.