Here one can make a lot more money by NOT pricing, just being told. It makes a little more work and thinking on your feet but makes ya more money. Just what I've seen,

We just bought a wireless fence for our dogs. I'm scared to death to use it now though. See, we sized the collars and decided to leave them on the dogs a little while while the system was unplugged so they could get used to the weight of the collar, etc. Well, the kids are playing on the wii and hubby and I are each on a puter and all of a sudden one of our dogs starts yelping and running crazy and goes under the bed. Finally, hubby gets the collar off of him. Why would it have "corrected" him when the system isn't even plugged in or ever turned on yet (I was going to wait til I could play with it tomorrow)? Now he's traumatized and I'm scared to use the thing with him at all (and yet, HE is the one we bought it for in the first place). ETA: We'll have it set up for a radius of about 45-50 feet (we have a semi-skinny acre). And he was in the house. So even if it HAD been plugged in yet, it shouldn't have "corrected" him. Anyone?

My son just didn't like being "contained" when he was little (littler than your son). He didn't like holding hands. He didn't like buggy seats (don't blame him there!). He just needed more freedom. Now, when we have fosters, had it where the runner (a girl) was tethered with dd (5) on the holding end and the other two toddlers (ds and another) holdin in the middle (then used the sling for baby/ies). That worked pretty well, especially at the mall. People were amazed. But when it was just Ty or just the four of us, we had some rules that we practiced well before public. 1) "armslength" I could say this at any time (still could, btw) and they'd come running to my side. 2) hold hands (shirt, skirt, stroller) the few times I said it. Because it wasn't ALL the time, they realized it was serious then. But really practice and consistency was what was needed. Another big one is that my discipline was/is the same in public as it is at home. Kids don't think they can get away with something. Many families who run a tight ship by using punishment at home who won't use that punishment in public have kids that know they can act up in public, at least a whole lot more than they'd dare do at home. Is that possibly a consideration in your family? Honestly, I don't want to see people's kids acting up but I don't want to see parents hollering or hitting or whatever either. But consistency is key with child rearing.

This is how it's done here... On each of their white boards is a section for "spritual." In that area it says: daily text __ __ __ __ __ daily reading (1-5 ch depending on kid and day) __ __ __ __ __ mtg study ___ ___ ___ (only 3 meeting times per week) pers. study chapter _____ Monthly reading __ __ __ __ __ OR research __ __ __ (depends on which kid) other spiritual lit ___ ___ ___ It looks like a ton written out like this but it's not that bad. Also, I feel it's important to "keep first the kingdom." Why would we spend 30 minutes on math each day but not at least that (or double or triple) on God's teachings? Also, I've actually found my kids do better all the way around this way. If we miss some morsel of spiritual food, we're not starving because we got so much. Kinda like I don't just shop for one side dish per supper and hope they find the rest of what they need to eat somehow...if that makes sense. And now that we're in better habit of it, they miss it when a morsel is dropped (and we're not perfect...they do get dropped). BTW, age matters! I didn't catch those. My kids are big enough to be fully responsible for this. I simply am the back up plan if they need a little encouragement (rarely an issue). I wouldn't expect this much of kids in single digit ages. We'd pare it down slightly and do a lot more as a unit. I probably didn't help....sorry.

Thank you.... I don't like bad news though. hmpft

I knew I should have been a CSI computer specialist so I could know these things. Can someone help? There are a couple documents I deleted a couple weeks ago on my PC. I would like to retrieve them. Anyone?

Quincy, I'm so sorry. I really am.

Joanna, Where is that written? And why wasn't that explained up front? The date that is on our tax return about the eco. stim check was even May 2nd! We did Jackson Hewitt, btw, if that matters. It just is frustrating that they have given us two dates now (two saying the 2nd, one saying the 8th) and yet no check (hubby checked after work). I guess if it's mailed, it'll be okay. It's really not THAT big of a deal, I guess. I just want it. LOL

When I was hospitalized in late November, 4 of us decided that we needed to have a book or something of normal women, all very different, but "normal" intelligent women who dealt with depression and all sought help a little bit late. In my case it was WAY too late. I don't know that we'll ever publish it but I have thought of making the first part I wrote into an article or something....something that might help. I'd hate a mom to wait as long as I did in November....and what if she waited even a couple hours longer.... Anyway, I know this was about kids....and I have my own story for that (a suicidal 6/8 yr old), but moms really need to be careful to take care of themselves.

I did...well, I DO, but.... I've been really doing poorly and so have a very basic tasks list of 11 things (basic things like eating, showering, medication, one chore, laundry) to check off (I'm using mini-stickers). I just do better with a visual. Hopefully I'll be on my way to awesome things soon. My chores have been deep cleaning type things. I've actually enjoyed it. But I have teens that can take care of basic chores. Hope this doesn't make me sound like a complete idiot. SOmetimes we just have to do things differently I guess.

Hmmmmm, we always work til 100% so grades and report cards would have been useless, all 100's? My son does get them now with the virtual academy, but I can't very well answer for all our years homeschooling. Of course, if you don't work til 100%, you could just figure the grade for each thing worked or just average test grades if you test (I'd more likely to do the latter). oh, another idea....make daughter figure out her grades....good math practice :)

Okay, the chart says May 2nd. The website thingy said May 8th. And now it's still not there and I'm NOT happy! Our number is "01" GRRRRRRRRR We're using ours for: mortgage electric dog fence wii car repairs medical stuff (we have to pay then the HSA pays us back) juicer and food processor Now will they just deposit it already!

Nothing.

Thanks for the feedback y'all.... Hubby was extremely concerned about the warranty issue. It's one thing that they said it would work when we got there, but what if a week later it didn't? And then there were only 3 games on our list of games to eventually get so we'd be worrying about reselling games, some we'd rather not even be associated with THAT much. So we decided that we'll just get the wii at the store and be happy with the sports pack. Later, we'll get at least MarioKart and SuperSmash and Wii Fit (probably in the opposite order). But it'll take time and selling other things to get. We really DON"T have the money to spend IMO, but this is that eco stim check and we figured we'll use part of it for entertainment. Doing that is a right we have, imo, as is playing video games on weekends after "keeping first the kingdom" and chores. Anyway, I appreciate the discourse because it did help me feel better about our choice :) Thanks

Thanks so much....That is exactly the kind of information I needed. Yes, it's just the normal Wii setup including Sports with 6 additional titles (they were given or else I might have messed up!) but no extra remotes or nunchucks. I can sell what we won't use and get an extra set (or 3?) of remotes and nunchucks. We're also hoping to get MarioKart and Wii Fit one day but it won't be after I spent $400! :)

have you detoxified your house some? Honestly, for me, using "green" cleaners and hygeine products (first bought, then some homemade) made a HUGE difference in the number of migraines and headaches I get. You might try food allergy options also, but though I know it'd be GOOD for me to eliminate certain foods, I'm just not that cool. HTHs,

Can a person make a decent living doing this if they are semi-picky about their hours? maybe less picky at first then get pickier? I see some Mobile units which would get rid of the need of early drop offs and late pick ups, right? Would that maybe be a better option? Could someone do it part time and survive (if living simply in order to pursue other important things were important to them)? TIA,

I guess I was assuming someone would be interested in buying one. Obviously I wouldn't even know if such a deal if we weren't :) However, my kids aren't as young as yours either. It wouldn't even be a consideration if my kids were that young. My kids didn't have a game system at those ages. GRRRRRR, no matter how I try to edit it, the above sounds snotty and it's not supposed to in the least....btw, I want it also. I'm looking forward to the sports package and the Wii Fit (an exercise program).

So how much would you pay for a Wii in the box, with booklets, all normal Wii stuff (controller, nunchuckus, bar, Sports pkg) and 6 titles some of which you wouldn't use?

I give you permission to call it quits as if 12 days from now (and suggest you count weekends, including last weekend, too) hee hee Seriously, I've always been a finisher myself. We've never had to count days or had a clue what day we were on (well except this year ds used k12 and it tells us so I could look THAT up). Instead, we were done when the books were done. Basically we tapered off in April, rarely working into May though which is why I say you can call it quits. Texts aren't even generally MADE with the idea that someone would work EVERY single problem of every lesson, not even every UNIT. So call it quits....yesterday if you wish :) Does that help? Pamela (who is going til May 25th for the first time ever because the v.a. says so)

Jessica, on the wireless, can it be set for like oval shaped? Our land is not square. If I did 75ft wide, my next door neighbor s, both directions, would be sad. But I'd love to go 75 ft long all the time (I think we have about 120 ft to the road and another 100 to the back). The collars seem so expensive. And I'm gonna end up needing 3 (though the baby won't be big enough til almost grown). TIA for any further info Pamela

I'm gonna go loook back at this thread but if someone didn't already answer, can anyone tell me if we probably NEED the stubborn dog one or if the regular one is just fine for two fairly normal pig-heads....oops, I mean dogs.... I love my babies and I think they are probably just on the normal side, not really stubborn. But I'd hate to buy the wrong thing. ALso, I'd LOVE to fence in almost my whole acre. Is that possible cheaply? This is what I'm using part of my eco. stim. check for tomorrow.... Oh, one more question...on the petsmart thing, when you try to add more wire, it comes with the same product # and description. Does it come with another collar? I have 2 dogs now and one that was supposed to be born last night :) THANKS! Pamela....going back to read rest of thread

The greatest thing we've ever done in our homeschooling path was to put my youngest in the state's virtual academy for 7th grade this past year (and he's enrolled for 8th next year too). It was definitely different from unschooling then eclectic methods, and we did have to jump through a few hoops, but it was wonderful! We (in Texas) have to log hours outside of what is done from the k12 program itself (because THAT doesn't take enough hours according to the state). So all read alouds, Bible study, computer programming, musical instrument, art contests, nature hikes, etc time is recorded also. I can't help very much because all programs are different, but we have REALLY enjoyed 7th grade and are looking forward to 8th. My older child only WISHES this had been available when she was younger. Pamela

Oh I can hear the frustration. My kids aren't as neat as I wish they'd be. Generally, I see it as their space and as long as it doesn't encroach on my space, I'm trying to give them the opportunity to learn to manage it. Certain "givens" make that a little easier. But occasionally, it just needs to be done...for example, someone staying over a few days. A teen that has allowed her room to become out of control now has to take a LONG time to pick it up "to par" instead of doing what she'd rather do. That is the logical consequence. Now, if I just couldn't STAND it at some point, I would have minimum ground rules like I did when they were little. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, by noon, your room must be picked up to MY standard (spotless, Grandma is coming over). Whatever happens inbetween is their business but if they keep it half decent inbetween, it'll make it so much easier to clean. If they happen to have something to do that morning of the check, then they better have it done the day or two before so all they have to do is a once over before leaving. I think the goal is to have it as loose as possible so they can find their way now rather than having a whole apartment flooded with roaches and an angry landlord. Also, they may NOT do things well without our guidance somewhat, but us controlling A LITTLE may help them get into a good habit of doing it at least every so often, not having food in the bedroom, or whatever.

LOL....this is SO not what you were looking for. I have a 4x8 piece of plywood on top of which is a guinea pig mansion :) BTW, it is my GOAL to get another table soon so the piggies are no longer in the dining room (and having to be moved every time we have a gathering or family or whatever.