It's not all that horrible. The squishing against the chest wall is the worst sensation.... during a few of them I remembered and did my Lamaze breathing and distracted myself for a few seconds and poof! it was OVER. Worth the discomfort to know.

The real issue is that your father is being disrespectful to YOU and your dh. Especially since you tried to steer him away from the discussion..... Your children are young....you don't want this to escalate. Have you heard of the Boundaries books? I'm sure your library has them. Arm yourself. http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/B001AN8BAC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252867271&sr=1-2

It's incredible! Gorgeous, breath-taking - like you'd imagine. Just better in person! It's so easy to see God's strength, artistry and power by gazing at the canyon walls. We went there more than 15 years ago..... The railings at the edge were iron-type bars with large spaces between them. Make sure you hang on to the shirt of your three-year old and don't let him out of your sight! Ask me how I know.

I didn't read your other replys..... a family we know has 5 K/CH names: Kelly Caia Kathleen Charis Corrine We have 4 in our family: Corry Carleen/Carly Cameron Carson Maybe some of those might be new to you.

Read the Boundaries books by Cloud and Townsend.....they really help.

I just delayed starting any vaccines until 14 months..... I must have signed dozens of disclaimer forms but, my ped said he'd support us up to a year and then want our son to start having them. I was okay with that. By the time we actually started some, a few were unnecessary because he'd passed the age-range. These books look very helpful..

Some colleges have specific dorms for the serious-minded and sign contracts for: no drinking, quiet hours, obeying the visiting hours, maintaining certain GPA...... it varies by campus.

This is SO timely.......yesterday a woman, whom I greatly respect, made a similar derogatory comment about homeschoolers. I was stunned as I never knew she felt this way. I wish she could read your response.... the main issue with her is that hs parents aren't 'qualified'.....her kids went to ps and she, herself, is an RN...... maybe a little pride/legalism mixed in with ignorance, inexperience and unfamiliarity? Thank you for posting your response.

We've done scouts for YEARS.........you've gotten great answers. In regard to Eagle rank........our three oldest are Eagles and I think the latest stat I heard for the nation is 5% of the boys who join earn it. It's hard work but oh, so worth it. Leadership, leadership, leadership - it comes down to that. Trust your gut, visit as many troops as you can and talk to parents. You'll find one that fits your family. I hope your son has fun. Our youngest (12) just joined last summer and is hoping to get a Board of Revue next week for 1st class. His enthusiasm is contagious! :001_smile:

Before the Throne of God And Can It Be? The theology in the old hymns is unsurpassed. And Can it Be pricks our heart to the amazing act of love demonstrated by the cross.

:lurk5: Curious about the list of excuses and hearing about your bible study.

I STRONLY recommend you take your child to be evaluated by a developmental optometrist. You can look online to find one close to you. http://covd.org/ They can provide an evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for so MANY issues. While it is quite common for kids to reverse numbers and letters, sometimes if left untreated, it will morph into real serious vision problems. The doc's eval will probably be fun for your child and the treatment is usually enjoyable, as well. Two of our boys needed vision therapy for a year or more and it made a world of difference. It won't hurt for a developmental optometrist to do the eval and it may save you years of heartache and your child, frustration.

Yes, it is possible to be labeled Hystrionic AND NPD. My SIL and niece are both.... both disorders fit under the 'Cluster B' group,which also includes Antisocial behavior and Borderline behavior. This nomeclature comes from the DSM or the Diagnostic Statistic Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association used by psychiatrists and therapists for diagnosis, treatment and insurance coding. You can read more about it online. This is quite descriptive: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070905070330AAeNkXV Having a label and game plan really helps in dealing with these issues. Because of various factors, our chosen MO is no contact - Healthier for our family. Your dh is to be commended for standing up and protecting his family. I applaud him. :hurray:

This happened several times to us as our kids were growing up....Since you have traveled so far, I think it is rude. Perhaps the other parents just don't see it that way so some explanation is in order. We would always have our children 'freed' up to play exclusively with the visitors....chores done, piano practicing done and LOTS of free time to have fun with their guest. I hope it will work out better next time.

The reason for this doctrinal stand was that there was no death in the Garden until Cain murdered Abel. People and animals were vegetarians. After the fall, carnivorous eating became the norm.

I really recommend you read the Boundaries books by Cloud and Townsend. Your priority is your husband and children.... you're wise to draw the line about there being no 'impaired' people at your house and around your little ones. The sister seems manipulative - maybe she learned it from her mom? Support your hubby to continue to honor his grandpa. I think you're on the right track and you're honoring the Lord.

Since my dh works at the Capitol, we're going there more often than we did before. The Botanical Gardens (right next to the Capitol) are gorgeous, nice and cool, with interesting displays - like a medicinal garden and tropical rain forest. The kids can climb up the stairs and walk on the walkways high up near the top of the huge greenhouse and feel the misting (don't worry- it's safe). A nice respite from the heat. The Capitol visitors center has a LOT of hands-on, kid-oriented displays- as does the White House Visitors center. If you can, kids really like the Lincoln memorial and the Roosevelt Memorial. At the Roosevelt, there is lots for them to see - his dog, a soup line (once- a few years ago we got all the cousins(10) to stand in the 'line' - it's a keepsake photo!), fountains everywhere. They can run around and enjoy the sounds of the water. I really like that one.

Why don't you want to say anything? If the friendship is enduring and you share many things, you should be able to bring this up. The mom may not even realize her child is acting this way. I'd want to know ASAP, if I were her. Their child is acting rude and should be corrected. I've run into this before. If the parent blows you off, then unfortunately, you'll have to re-evaluate your friendship and maybe take it down a notch. If they acknowledge your complaint, then they should make their kid tow the line and be polite. Your child is worth protecting and standing up for. He needs to see that you care enough to try to effect change. In a gentle, kind way, I would be very direct about exactly what the child has said/done- keeping it general or understated will not be clear to the parent and you will probably end up being frustrated with a lack of action on her part. Your child may experience no change, either.

We're starting our 23rd year. Goodness, could my kids be this old?

You've gotten some good ideas presented here. We also have dyfunctional family members- the manipulative/controlling types. I STRONGLY urge you to read the Boundaries books by Townsend and Cloud. Your husband also should read them. It will help you put parameters around the relationships with your in-laws and strengthen your resolve to protect your marriage and children. These people are toxic and you two need to have a united front. I hope there will be an improvement. http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/B001ATHMXS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248625504&sr=1-1

Jenny- I can so relate to your feelings. I've had a detached, angry, bitter, critical mother all my life. Once I made the decision to pull away and not expect ANYTHING out of her, and verbalized that with my husband and children, I had such relief. Trying to make the 'best' of the bad situation got me/us nowhere - it only brought more hurt. The pain of not having had a MOM- one who acted, talked and cared like a mother - is probably never going to leave but, because God is in my life, the pain has subsided over the years. I am so thankful for a nurturing, loving husband and compassionate kids. My father is understanding and for an old, cute dude he can really turn on the charm when he senses my hurt. :001_smile: I have turned my feelings of abandoment into reaching out and encouraging/loving on young moms that I mentor at MOPS. I second the recommendation of The Mom Factor and the Boundaries books. They really helped me put names on feelings and behaviours. You're not alone. God is not surprised by this, either and loves YOU for who you are. Only He can fill the holes in our heart. You're on the right road and it will get sunnier. :001_smile: Wish I could give you a BIG 'ol hug!

Definitely NOT. My mother had/has the mindset that one is only as valuable as how marketable one is. I went to college because she pushed it so much and I know she's disappointed that I don't work full time. She wishes I'd been a working mom and has always had them on a pedastal. They do juggle a lot and I admire those that MUST do it. I simply don't have to as we've chosen to live on one income and live very simply, forgoing many luxuries. I've been married for 30 years to the same wonderful man, we had 'lots' of kids (her words- we only have 5), and I've been hs for 22 years. It's exactly what I/we wanted and not what she wanted at all. She was a public school teacher and can't understand why we wouldn't just put them there - with the job/daycare scenario. I know she's unhappy with my life choices and really doesn't have anything to do with us. I feel sorry for her in that she's missed out on our family and the love she could have experienced. It's taught me to not extrapolate my desires/needs onto my own children and let them explore what God's plan is for their lives on their own. When they ask for advice, we give it. We also have pointed out their strengths and gifts to them in discussions as we think it is important to exhort them. On the other hand, my dad has been supportive and encouraging all along the way. He's wonderful!

I'm going through a Precept study on Psalm 119. It's not your typical Precept study- less homework! - but very insightful and we've made lots of application with it. Check out the website: www.precept.org. The title of this inductive study is "Sweeter than Chocolate". It's deep.

I haven't read ALL of your replies but I can tell you that starting from scratch like you're doing - and I did- the book Love and Respect book and DVD series will really help you both. It changed our marriage and changed ME- I was the biggest problem as I have a sweetheart for a dh. It's easy to adopt the world's view of relationships and be hostile to men......disrespect is rampant. I urge you to find a class, borrow the DVDs from a local church or find somewhere that you can view them. I'll bet even your local library has the book. The author is truly inspired. I wish you the best and will be praying for you.:)

"Even Now" by Barry Manilow :sad::sad: