Yes, this is very true. Turning into cranky elderly people is not good. I think most people just become more realistic about human behavior, good and bad. Denise

Prayers for your dh to land the job. Let us know how it goes. Denise

Dh and I plan to teach our kids to drive a manual car too. They will learn through our instructions and lots of practice. My older sister learned to drive using a simulation machine. It was offered through the school system at the time (early '80s). I don't know if that type of instruction is still available or where, besides a ps, to find it. You could research online schools, maybe. I hope she gets the hang of it soon. It will be worth all of those "rough evenings" once she's driving well. :) Denise

I have large, overgrown scars on one leg (hip surgeries) and on my back (cyst). When my kids asked, I explained how they got there and why. It did lead to lots more questions but the discussions were always good. In the end, I said scars are like a permanent band-aid. After a time, their interest wained and the older 2 tend to forget the scars are there. The littlest is still fascinated by them. :) I think young children can and do understand about surgeries and accidents. They tend to react the way the adult reacts, so if your dd remains calm and matter-of-fact, her dc will too. The interest will take a while to subside though. :) Denise

:grouphug: I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. You are right not to put your finances at risk. Does your mom understand that what she is requesting is putting her grandchildren's future at risk? She might not be thinking about it and will certainly deny it if you mention it, but it's true. Parents can really hurt their children and grandchildren. More :grouphug:s. Denise

Yes. I'm 47, dh is 50. We became more and more cynical through our 30s & 40s. Maybe it comes with having more negative experiences with the world or maybe just having more experience to draw on when thinking things through, I don't know. But yes, it happens. Denise

Twice a day, sometimes more. Denise

Thank you! I also want to bump this up so more people can see it. It looks like it will be very helpful. Denise

Yes. I am feeling this way now. It feels like I am failing at keeping up or doing a good job with anything - schooling, housework, cooking decent meals and so forth. I think it will pass, it has before. Where we live, there are no private high schools to send my oldest, not that we can afford one anyway. The ps academics are poor so they're not an option either. It all boils down to me bucking up and getting a handle on the schedule. Next weekend is a 3-day weekend and I plan to spend it catching up and reorganizing the school materials. If I can do this periodically, I come to the end of the yr. with everything done. My kids are very spread out and I know that contributes to feeling pulled in too many directions. My middle child is giving me a lot of push back right now and that is certainly a contributing factor. Hang in there. The support here on this board really helps. Though reading posts sometimes makes me feel like a slacker, it also makes me try to reach higher and helps me regain my motivation. :grouphug: and prayers that you get on top of things soon. Denise

It's my understanding that the anatomy of a rat is closest to a human. If you can stand the idea of a rat in your house, even a dead one is too much for me, then I would choose the rat. After that, a shark and/or fetal pig for interest and variety. Plus, they're larger animals so it's easier to see the organs. Denise

Wow, thanks! Ds just asked for more practice problems on dividing polynomials. He said he didn't do enough of them in Alg. I. You ladies always post something I need but haven't asked for yet. I don't know if you're all mind readers or what, but I sure do appreciate it. I hope I can return the favor one day. Denise

You've received really good ideas so far. The only thing I might add is for lab equipment. The cost comes when the first child begins high school and then you reuse the equipment for each child after. Also, if you compile a list now, you can begin watching for sales and bargains so you don't have to buy new or all at once. It will save you lots of money. ;) Denise

Thank you Angelina. I need this! It's nice to see you on the board again. :) Denise

If I'm not mistaken, Lial's has a pre-algebra book? You could also use Basic College Math by Margaret Lial. Many people use it as a pre-algebra course. Plus, it's pretty inexpensive. My oldest used Russian Math by Perpendicular Press. It prepared my son well for algebraic thinking. We used the first version. I understand he has come out with a newer version. There is also the Dolciani pre-algebra books. We used it more as a reference book but it's good text. I hope you find what you need. Denise

We use it, also bought through HSBC, and really enjoy it. My ds, 10, did not really like science until he began watching these videos. Now, he tries as many of the experiments that I will allow. Also, he's my kid that doesn't retain info. well. Things don't seem to stick for him. But with this program, he does retain the information. It's fun to hear him explain to his dad how and why things work the way they do. Have fun with it. :001_smile: Denise

You could play math games. Use the games in Right Start and/or some of the ones that are free online. There are also free worksheets online but the games would be the best idea, imho. I hope you get your new book soon. Denise

I'm sorry you broke your toe. I hope your feeling better. Thank you for sharing your cards. Your schoolroom and your blog are great. Btw, I like Catholic Icing too. They have a lot fun stuff for the kids. Denise

Look at the IEW site. I haven't used it but I think they have a poetry curriculum that is self-teaching. Denise

Oh, Gregory Peck. I forgot about him. He's was a favorite of mine too. Thanks for this thread! Denise

Do these two people know each other? If so, I really wouldn't say anything. After thinking about it for a few minutes, I don't think you should say anything regardless of whether they know each other or not. It would only serve to discourage the one friend. You might let her know that there may be several people applying, which is probably true, and that it's a very competitive scholarship. That way your friend can make sure to put forth a good effort and be prepared to not receive it. Sometimes a rejection is easier to take if you know you've done your best but it was a very competitive field. I hope that helps. And I hope both of your friends find the scholarships they need and want. You're a good friend to consider all of this on their behalf. They should know how fortunate they are to call you friend. Denise

Yes, I think we all go through periods of feeling anxious. For me, the high school yrs. with all the tests, deadlines and hoops to jump through have been a constant source of anxiety. When it gets really bad, I drink a tea made to relax tension. I take 5-HTP on a reg. basis to help w/other things. In the end, talking to dh and reminding myself that dc are getting a good education that will prepare them for whatever they want to do in life, calms me the most. As a mom, I'm not sure you're ever completely free from worrying about your kids, even when they are married with kids of their own. :tongue_smilie: It's the sign of a good mom. Denise

Tell them both. Let whoever is sponsoring the scholarship decide who will get it. Being disappointed that I didn't get the scholarship would hurt a lot less than a friend withholding the info. Also, if both of your friends are quality people, recommending both of them should not carry less weight. I would tell them both so you don't end up hurting one. Denise

That is great! I'm glad you've met some homeschool moms and have promising friendships. That is wonderful. It can be easy to feel blue. When homeschool groups don't fit or the only family you're friends with moves away. We are currently in both of these situations. Right now it's ok since we're really busy and wouldn't have much time to devote to seeing friends anyway. Still, I'll find a way to work on changing the situation. ;) I agree w/other posters, your homeschool looks fun. As people get to know you, they will be drawn to you and want to participate in things w/you. I hope it all goes well for you. If you lived near me, I'd invite you over. So, consider yourself invited! :001_smile: Denise

My ds #1 wet the bed almost every night until he was 11. He was a very deep sleeper and I think that was the cause of the bed-wetting. We opted not to use pull-ups so yes, I had to wash the sheets and his clothes every morning. The closer he got to age 11, the less frequent his bed-wetting. Some boys wet the bed through age 12. Dh said that is very common. I was worried about camp-outs but the Scouts seem to take it in stride. No one made an issue out of it, much to my relief. So, I would just leave your son alone and it will probably resolve on it's own. Denise

If it is at all possible, mine will live at home for at least their first 2 yrs. of college. If one of them chooses trade school or some sort of apprenticeship, they can live at home too. The only way we would not let them live here is if they behaved like bums - not even trying to get a job, doing drugs, etc. Otherwise, they are welcome to stay and save up until they can be on their own. Denise