We really liked the Squire and the Scroll...T here is a ceremony described in the Life Lessons booklet that goes with it. You can buy the set from Revive our Hearts ministry , I think. http://www.amazon.com/Squire-Scroll-Jennie-Bishop/dp/1593170793/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313271677&sr=8-1

North and South by Gaskell is interesting to read as it explores the man's (John Thornton) perspective on the budding relationship with Margaret -whereas P&P and S&S do not give the male's viewpoint. This explains the countless spin-offs by other authors. This blog is a good source for more ideas: http://enchantedserenityperiodfilms.blogspot.com/

:iagree: Honey- In case there are things that cross the boundary lines even today- get yourself to the library and look for the Boundaries book/s. It really helped me know where I could draw the line.... http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Workbook-When-Take-Control/dp/0310494818/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1313106248&sr=8-3

:iagree: Joanne is so wise. We have to realize ahead of time that asserting boundaries can make for hard feelings and loneliness. We have to be willing to endure that for our sanity. The loneliness can come in the form of others (the rest of your family?) not agreeing with you and turning their back on you. Setting boundaries helps us grow a spine. BTDT. Sorry you're going thru this. :grouphug:

:iagree: THAT thread was hilarious! My dh and I read thru it together and laughed and laughed. We still talk about it. So funny! The kilt threads are a close second. :tongue_smilie:

I've had several and think the prep is the worst of it. You will be glad they give you Versed- the amnesia drug..... I've not had cramping after....I've been starving and loved eating a good, healthy meal afterward. They'll take pictures of anything funky- polyps, diverticulitis etc....so you can see what they saw. Truly, the prep is the worst of it....stay home and near the bathroom. Oh- someone HAS to drive you home because of the sedation. Blessings.

Hi. Our son was born with extremely bad club feet- as in twisted around nearly backwards. The protocol we chose was to have him casted every week to stretch out the feet- especially the inside part. Wish I could draw that for you.... His first reconstructive surgery was at 11 and 12 mths of age. By then the feet had been casted for long enough and could lay fairly flat and straight. He also wore splints for part of that time so they weren't always in casts. Makes it easier for bathing etc.... He wears braces even today at age 14 to help hold the correction. He also had a slight revision done at 4 yrs. of age. We expect one of the feet needing to be done again when his growing is complete. Most cases are not as severe and acute as his were- some can be merely corrected by special shoes or wearing a bar at night to hold the shoes in a certain position....There are different degrees of how 'clubbed' they can be. My advice is to talk to more than one pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Don't let anybody touch him unless this is something they do a LOT. Our doc is at National Children's Hospital in DC and people bring their children to her from Europe and Africa as well as the East coast. She's reknowned in her field and I just love her. We saw a doc early on that wanted to cut/do surgery immediately. She had already explained the pitfalls of that. (We met and talked with her -brought her ultrasound photos- while I was still pg) Get LOTS of advice. We have a friend at church who is a physical therapist and he put me in touch with great folks. They are my go-to people when I have questions. I hope you can collect the info and advice you need. Be careful about going online- some folks' stories and pictures are heartbreaking and would freak me out. My dh banned me from snooping around that way because of the effect it had on me. Walking/running/swimming etc....are all possible and with early intervention your baby will probably do well. Lean on the Lord and not your own understanding - Proverbs 3:5. Let me know how I can pray for you. :)

THAT is my kind of man. He's a keeper. Reminds me of my dh. He has had to do the same things with b/sil to no avail. We've had to cut contact.

Stacie- First of all- it's no one's BUSINESS what you and your dh decide about your son's education. Secondly- they should NEVER disparrage your decisions in front of your children Thirdly- you MAY have to tell them all that this issue is off limits for discussion if they continue to be disrespectful. I would draw the line after the FIRST comment and tell them "NO MORE". No second chances. Otherwise the children are off limits. Seriously. Yes, you want a relationship for them but there are limits and boundaries that you should enforce. Hope the situation improves. We've BTDT. Have you read the Boundaries book/s? Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-No--Inspirio-Zondervan-Miniature/dp/0762421029/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312232172&sr=8-2

:iagree::iagree: Sweetie- Get yourself the Boundaries book/s and read them together. He needs to get a grip on reality. He is first obligated to YOU and your children. Does he have a man in his life that he respects who could talk with him about this? Moving them back in with you will only enable them. I hope he sees the light. Check out the book: http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-No--Inspirio-Zondervan-Miniature/dp/0762421029/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311880350&sr=8-2

Our daughter just graduated from DTS with her degree in Biblical Counseling just in May. It's is great program and we highly recommend it. The bible exposition and theology is an integral part of it. It's about 90 credits and took 3 years. Our director of womens ministry is taking her course work in counseling thru Liberty online. Some ideas.

:iagree::iagree: w/ Chris on both points. ShareNet will lists tons of groups, classes and field trips. I second CC, also. I hope you find a suitable solution.

:iagree::iagree: I suspect you are moving to Fairfax county- close to me. The middle school situation is abhorent and I would never put a child in it..for the bullying alone. I suggest you check out the schools with your dh before you commit to them. Also- since when does a 13 yr old know what's best for themselves?

Isn't it amazing how insensitive folks can be? We've had the same kinds of comments- we also have 5. After you've put them in their place a few times, they'll finally get the message to NOT mess with you. That's been our experience. Try to forgive their short-sightedness and ignorance. You know better. :) It especially irks me when CHRISTIANS pull this....don't they know their Bible? Psalm 127- Children are a REWARD and a HERITAGE Genesis 33:5 - Children are a GIFT John 16:21 - Children are a JOY Where does it say that circumstances or the number of children cancel out these promises?

I wouldn't be QUIET. I'd go right to the Elder board/church council or whatever the ruling/government entity is and make a formal complaint. If they would not do anything about him, then I'd either go to the rest of the body or the media. He is predatory and it will only escalate. You can be certain what you saw was not an isolated event. I don't even think you need to be a member to go to the board. You witnessed it, as well as others, so you should inform them and demand action. All young girls are in danger. His poor wife. His poor kids. I feel badly for that young woman.

:iagree::iagree: What they said.......and since we are classically trained musicians, the style and skill of the music/musicians is important to us.

FREEZER JAM. This is what I use: http://www.kraftbrands.com/surejell Easy-peazy. Keeps for a long time. I've already made 2 batches from our raspberries. Wish I lived closeby- I'd make more!

You dh HAS to be front and center on this- it's HIS mom. So much depends on her personality. Know your expectations and hers. 1. Set boundaries BEFORE she moves in: including parenting issues, food, housekeeping, space, opinions, privacy, pets, TV etc... 2. Plan on regular breaks from one another 3. Have an exit plan. Is this a finite time or open-ended? 4. Have an escape. Your family AND she need a place to go to that is just for you/her. Is there another relative/friend that she can spend wknds with occasionally? Does your family have a place to go to by yourselves? 5. Remember the reason WHY- she IS helping you out so try to keep that in mind when things get bumpy. Keep an eye on the big picture. I admire that you're willing to have her live with you. I could never do it. My mil is an extreme introvert (hardly talks) and my mother is NPD. I've not seen this work all that often but think it can, if there is an understanding BEFORE you get started.

I SO agree with this. You'll get better at answering nonsense like her statement as you go along........ we've been hs for 24 years and they stopped making snarky comments at about year 6 or 7. Hangeth in there!

I haven't read any of your responses but this has an easy answer for me. Creation (nature- the earth, botany, the animals, the food chain, how the human body is so complex and carries out so many functions, the weather cycle, the heavens and how glorious they are and on and on) itself declares it. The incredible intracacies, detail and layer upon layer of functions show me that this could not all happen due to chance. The beauty of our world and the universe show me that only a Creator with power, creativity and a love for the people he made could have pulled it all off. I am convinced by creation alone. Don't even get me started on His desire to be in fellowship with us and providing the way to do it. He is full of grace and compassion for us all. I hope you can come to know the Almighty God. He dearly loves you.

Yo quisiera saber la pregunta, tambien!

I hope you're feeling better soon. Prayers for you from VA. :grouphug:

Praying for you. May you sense the Lord's very near presence and care for you. :grouphug: He is able to do ALL.

Wow. To be so fertile. Congratulations. So happy for you. In order to have ours (including a set of twins), I became a CCU aka a Chronic Clomid User! I'm thankful that medical science could provide the help we needed to conceive. BTW- our twins outgrew the 'twins' label when they started having their own friends- ours are b/g and I'd say that was about when they were 5-ish. Enjoy.:)

Yes, this is fine. 8 was our rule. One of ours was an early riser and he needed books and toys to keep him occupied until 8. They could only come out before that to use the bathroom and if they were bleeding! Mom needs alone time.