Possible? Yes, of course. Probable? Mmmmmm . . . . my cynical/practical/physical experience says no. Unfortunately (or not, depending how you view this sort of thing), those biological urges are natural, very appealing, and STRONG, so reprogramming a previously physical relationship will require more than a grit-your-teeth, white-knuckle approach to abstinence. I like Chris in VA's comments regarding motivation and safeguards.

(I'm assuming that I'm not the only one here who followed her story, but maybe I'm wrong.) From the FB post: My lovely wife and author of this page, Kara Tippetts, passed into glory this afternoon. She was always overwhelmingly gracious, a wonderful mother, and a dear friend to many. - Jason Tippetts And the link to her blog: Mundane Faithfulness

Thanks, everyone. One Benadryl, a spritz or two of Afrin on each side, and one Breathe Right strip did the trick last night. Nine full hours!

What do you do?! Last night was my third restless night since this flu virus/head cold/whatever hit me. I can function somewhat during the day but I simply cannot fall asleep/stay asleep at night. Every time I recline or lay my head down, I get all stuffed up and can't breathe and start coughing . . . it's not pretty. I tried keeping my head elevated, but I can't get comfortable. I'm convinced that a good night's sleep is exactly what I need to kick this thing, but it's elusive. Any suggestions?

Sentence: He may be fearful due to the complexity of the process that (lies or lays) ahead of him. Thanks!

I came across this in a Classical Conversations Challenge guide, and it struck me as something to explore a bit further. Q: What does the Theory of Evolution state? A: The Theory of Evolution states that life began as chance combination of nonliving chemicals. I realize the Theory of Evolution is about much more, but is this an accurate statement as to one of the suppostions or conclusions? If it's possible to answer with a simple yes, that'd be great :). If a no is more appropriate, can you suggest a more accurate (albeit simple so as to serve the point of a catechism) answer to that question? Thanks.

I am going to an open house next week; however, that campus is already full for next year. The one we would be considering is new. The tutor is new and many of the students will be new to CC as well. Lots of unknowns. I don't like unknowns. :(

Thanks for the input. CC is growing, growing, growing around here, and it makes sense that people would move their children into closer campuses, more tutors would be recruited, others would move up with their children, etc. Unfortunately, that means that there isn't much consistency in the groups. My concern then is that if I visit a CC seminar next week, I may get a feel for a how a day unfolds, but I won't have any clearer insight into the particular tutor or group that my kids would be in because those factors aren't necessarily set yet, right? And these are the factors (tutor and classmates) that make or break the experience. Hmm . . . not sure it's worth the risk.

I know CC gets a bad rap around here (heck, I've contributed to some of those threads with my experience tutoring Foundations), but as we start planning for the rest of middle school and even high school, I want to make sure I give every option its due consideration. So here I am looking at Challenge A as one possibility for at least one of my sons next year. I plan to speak to someone from the local group next week, and I want to make sure I ask the right questions to avoid a bad fit. If you've done the Challenge levels of CC, what did you think of the experience? I'm looking for any and all input--the good, the bad, and the ugly. Specifically, I'd love to know what you think are the factors that make or break a Challenge A or B program? Any other input is also welcome. Thanks!

Ds was a late bloomer in many ways. The idea of sending him to all-day kindergarten at 5 seemed counterintuitive in terms of his emotional, relational, intellectual, and physical development. Like others mentioned, reading the WTM gave me that bittersweet "I wish I had this education" coupled with "My kids can have this education!" That son is almost 14 now, and we have no regrets.

I haven't checked out everything you've suggested yet, but your description of this one in particular excited me. It looks like it will be a terrific resource for us. Thanks for all of your input!

Ask me how much I love this board. :wub: Thanks so much for the recommendations!

Ds is using Math-U-See pre-algebra this year. He's doing okay with it, but I know the content is fairly light compared to other programs. I'd like to offer him one more year of solid skill-building before tackling algebra in 9th grade. He has some mild but real learning disabilities, particularly processing speed, which makes math his least favorite subject (or "nemesis" as he calls it). Ideally, we'd prefer a program with clean, uncluttered pages; clear instruction with more than one example; lots of opportunity for practice; and varied word problems. Thanks!

I'm with Tibbie. If the cost isn't prohibitive and you really want that once-a-week, out-of-the-house, maybe-we'll-find-some-friends experience, then do it. But do make it about the social aspect in your head because, based on what you've shared, the rest will frustrate you. (Even the highly touted art projects and science experiments will likely fall short of your expectations. Time is very limited for those aspects of the morning and this often impacts the quality of both instruction and comprehension/appreciation, imho.)

I'm hoping to spruce up my spring and summer wardrobe with a couple of cute, casual dresses. All of the models in the catalogs seem to be wearing heels with the dresses, but that isn't practical for me for a few reasons. So what are the fashion rules for dresses with flat sandals? What will look right? Thanks!

Dh and I are looking at our 401k statements, the accompanying retirement calculators, estimates for college . . . and we're despairing a bit. I think we're okay, but I would appreciate some professional guidance on how we should, for instance, make sure our elections are diversified properly. The company-sponsored 401k offered limited help via a website, but we would both like to talk to someone. I know of two people locally who do some kind of financial advising, but I get the feeling when talking with them socially that their jobs are actually in sales. (I assume they earn a living off of commissions.) Are there financial advisors who offer services based on an hourly rate instead of a commission? Or maybe it's a different kind of professional that I should be looking for? Thanks.

I've been to the Great Homeschool Convention several times. It's practically in my backyard, though, so it's not a huge commitment of time or effort. There's definitely a Christian worldview, but it's huge; so even though I'm not particularly interested in hearing about literal creation or modesty (for example). I always find a number of worthwhile workshops. The exhibit hall was more fun (and expensive) when I was less experienced in homeschooling. New curriculum is less shiny and full of promise to me now. Still, the Rainbow Resource booth is fun and most exhibitors will offer free shipping or a small discount if you order there.

Fun fact: Michael Pollan's sister is married to Michael J. Fox (aka Alex P. Keaton). This is probably old news to most people, but I just learned it and needed to share.

Just wanted to throw in a plug for Upward Sports for those of you who desire non-competitive but meaningful team athletics for your youngsters (K-6th or so). We found these programs to be excellent for gaining fundamental skills in soccer, basketball, and flag football. The time commitment was small (one hour practice during the week and one hour game on Saturday morning), and the return on that investment was exceptional, IMHO. I don't know what's involved in starting a program, but it may be worth exploring if you don't have one locally. It's a Christian organization, so the leagues are typically sponsored by churches.

I had no idea she could sing (showing my lack of pop culture cred here) as I know her only as the woman in the crazy egg costume from a while ago. Dh had a hard time getting past the tattoos; they didn't seem to be the right accessories for that gown. Slight topic change . . . Tim McGraw? Yum.

Thanks for the responses! I appreciate the insights. Now to get a clearer understanding of what my son needs . . . (He's perfectly average in most ways though somewhat delayed in processing skills, and lacking an obvious "bent" in terms of passion or talent.)

We've always said we would homeschool through middle school and then evaluate options. Apparently I blinked, because it's time to start looking at those options. Ack! Everything is on the table right now, including the local public school. If you've done this kind of research on your local high school (regardless of whether you opted to send your kids), please tell me about it. What questions do you ask? What do you look at or for? What jumps out as a red flag? What do you consider "good" in terms of the quantifiable aspects, such as SAT/ACT test scores, college acceptance rates, dropout rates, etc.? How do you get an accurate sense of the culture? How do you gauge the passion and expertise of the teachers? How much weight do you give to parents' opinions or students' anecdotes? Thanks.

My pediatrician offers a little card in the reception area that says something like "I'd like to talk with the doctor privately about _____." We hand that card to the medical assistant when she calls us from the waiting room. If I didn't know that, I'd go with Pegs' idea and call ahead. You're not the first mom to have such questions; I'd imagine they have some kind of process.

My sister has one, and I'll just echo what others have said: Super cute (!), unaware of his size and what should then be his limitations, has a crazy habit of eating anything and everything within his reach (more than one visit to the vet to, umm, dislodge things like rolled up tube socks from the hamper), and, unfortunately, a short life expectancy. She was told to expect puppy-like behavior for 2-3 years, and then "normal" dog stuff for 2-3 years, and then declining/elderly dog behavior for 2-3 years. In spite of the negatives, she'll likely get another one when Toby passes.

I've seen more than a few cases where good intentions of supportive co-parenting take a bad turn when either parent finds a new significant other. Those new relational dynamics can cause a lot of stress to the original plan.