I was going to post a L-O-N-G list, but then I realized that my ds's favorite statement would probably cover most of it... "I hate school!" :glare: So... Having previously ditched Calvert School, Sonlight, WinterPromise, Weaver, Switched on Schoolhouse, and lots of different unit studies. we are now in the process of moving away from our BJU DVDs into Oak Meadow. I also just bought year 1 of the redesigned Tapestry of Grace curriculum to see if that might work for us. Don't even get me started on math and spelling programs... and writing programs... Honestly, there aren't too many curriculum choices out there that we haven't tried, and it has been very difficult to find a good fit, because while ds is more than able to do the work, he's difficult to motivate. That said, ds recently announced that he now likes the previously-dreaded "read-aloud time," so I might be able to finally get some use out of those Sonlight and WP books after all... Cat

I noticed that, too. Where we live, "NO HITTING!" would be better understood, but I assumed the "lay hands on" phrase must be common where LG Gone Wild lives.

It sounds like you're doing everything right in this situation, and there's still a problem. Honestly, I don't think this boy should be allowed at scout meetings unless his mom is there -- and she does a proper job of supervising him. This kid may have psychological/anger management issues, but he's also no fool -- he picks his targets wisely (much smaller boy only!) so he's not as "explosive" as people may think he is; otherwise, he'd lash out at anyone within range whenever he got a little upset. Clearly, that's not the case here, and it seems like this boy is a big bully, plain and simple, and if he can't control his behavior (and his mom can't, either,) he should be removed from the scout troop. Don't get me wrong -- I feel badly for the mom, if she's truly doing everything possible to help her son, but there's no reason why your son should have to deal with aggressive behavior. As you mentioned in your post, there's no need for the boys to like each other, or to partner up for activities, but there's also no excuse for violence or other nastiness. It does seem, though, like the scout leader is trying his best to help, and he realizes that the problem exists, so at least that's a start. The boy's mom knows her son has issues, too, so that's another plus. Could you sit down with both the other mom and the scout leader and try to come up with a solution? I would insist that, if the mom and scout leader are unable to keep this boy under control, the boy be required to leave the troop until such time that he is able to behave properly. One last question -- is your son good friends with the other boys in the troop? What about the other boy -- it sounds like he's only mean to your son, but is he particularly friendly with the other kids? I only ask this because, at some point, one of the boys will probably have to leave the group (unless this boy makes a sudden and miraculous change.) You may want to ask your son how important scouting is to your him, so you'll know what action to take if the den leader and other mom aren't of help to you. Good luck with this! Cat

Thanks, Alessandra! I ordered the Oak Meadow books because we just started using that curriculum and I'm not sure whether or not the teacher's manual will refer to specific songs or lessons, so I thought I would just order the books they publish. I hope they're fun! The ones that you and Jean mentioned both sound great - especially the one with the DVD and CD. Cat

I can get Yamaha recorders at our local music store. Actually, it will probably be cheaper to buy locally because I won't have to pay for shipping. Is there any specific model number I should look for? I think the Oak Meadow books use the soprano recorder -- I should be getting the books in the mail today or tomorrow (I hope!) so I'll check to be sure before I buy anything. Are there any differences between the soprano, alto, and tenor recorders other than the tone? Would you recommend one over another? Thanks! I had no idea there were differences, so that's a big help, Jean! Cat

I don't have a budget for school materials; it seems that I'm always buying something! I honestly have no idea how much I spend each year on school stuff for ds, but my dh estimates it at around $5000.00. (I think that estimate is high, but he pays more attention to that sort of thing, so he might be close.) That may sound like quite a bit, but if we were to send him to a private school, the cost would be several times that amount, so dh still feels like he's getting off cheap! ;) Cat

Just bumping this up to see if anyone has any specific recommendations. I was going to start a new thread, but I found this one from several days ago, and thought I'd piggyback my questions on to it. This is our first experience with a recorder, as we've only done piano lessons in the past, and I'm wondering what brand to buy to go along with the Oak Meadow instruction books. We have an old Yamaha soprano recorder, but I have no idea what model it is, or if we'd be better off just buying new ones -- particularly since both my son and I will need them. If anyone could recommend a specific brand and model number, I would really appreciate it! I don't mind spending more money to get something that sounds a lot nicer than the cheap recorders -- but if there's little difference between brands and models, it would be nice to know that, too! Thank you! Cat

I was quite surprised to learn that she'd run away from home, but hopefully she has learned her lesson -- and she is very fortunate that she wasn't hurt while she was away. Cat

Just wanted to add that I don't have Facebook, but just found this info about Deanna, in case others have been following the case all day, too: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/news/2009/apr/14/girl-found/ Cat

Thank God she is ok! I worry that she has been through a terrible ordeal, but am so relieved to hear that she is on her way home to her family. Thank you so much for posting this update, as I have been thinking about this all day and praying for a happy outcome. Cat

I hope it's true that she's safe! I have been thinking about her since I read this thread earlier today. I just did a quick Google search, and all of the links I found are saying she's still missing. I really hope your information is the most current, and that she's unharmed and on her way back to her family. Cat

I'm not familiar with this -- can anyone post a bit more info about it (or a link?) Sorry to hijack the thread! Cat

I would suggest that, before you place your order, you try to visit one of BJU's motel meetings, so you and your children can see additional samples of the DVD classes, as well as look through the books to see which grade levels would be most appropriate. (You choose a grade level for all of the courses, but can switch up to two of them to a different grade level if necessary.) I wouldn't worry about the spelling, as BJU spelling isn't super-challenging. I definitely wouldn't go back and do third grade spelling, as that was one of our least favorite third grade classes. (We liked second grade a lot, though!) If you order at a motel meeting, I know you get free shipping, but I don't recall any other discounts being offered. I like the motel meetings better than trying to see everything at a convention, as the environment is usually far more relaxed. You can take all the time you need to look at the materials, and you will also get personalized attention from the rep. Cat

Praying here, too! :grouphug: Her family must be terrified. I pray that she's ok and that she will return home safely. Cat

I just re-read Shari's post, and while my earlier post was a bit less positive, I now truly believe that she's not upset that her dh is helping his parents; I think she was just annoyed that her FIL seemed to be treating her dh disrespectfully, and I can certainly understand how she could feel that way. It doesn't sound like mowing the lawn is going to be a permanent job for Shari's dh, as he only said he would only do it until they were able to hire someone to do the job, and I think that seems quite reasonable. I know I've been quick to judge people when it seemed like they were being too demanding of a favor, so I can absolutely sympathize with the feelings Shari experienced this morning. Cat

Wow, Pajama Mama -- that's so scary! Thank goodness you were able to get away safely! :grouphug: Cat

I agree with your post, Pajama Mama, except that these in-laws are "elderly." They're only in their 60's! (That said, I'll bet MIL didn't give FIL all of the information -- probably not because she forgot, but because she wasn't that concerned about it.) Cat

Well... your DH did offer to do the work for them, and his mom may have relayed the information incorrectly to your FIL, making him think your DH was going to just show up and cut the lawn. I think you should give them the benefit of the doubt this time around, as I'm sure it was a simple misunderstanding. If your FIL was nasty about it, that was certainly uncalled-for, but maybe the man is just frustrated that he can't do the work himself. If he's used to doing his own yard work and likes a well-manicured lawn, a few extra days between cuts could make a big difference to him. I'm not trying to make excuses for poor behavior, but if your FIL is normally fit and healthy, he's probably at his wit's end not being able to take care of things around the house. Cat

Is everything ok, Lisa? Cat

Personally, I don't see any reason why you need to be nice to this man, and I certainly wouldn't attempt to get to know him better -- that's just what he wants. Of course, he's going to be nice. Of course, he's going to be polite, and sweet, and funny, and friendly. He wants you to trust him. He wants your dh to trust him. He wants your dd to trust him. I spoke with my dh about this, and he said that it's time for you and your dh to step up the next time you see this guy, and tell him in no uncertain terms that his attention to your dd is unwelcome and in all honesty, seems abnormal. You can say you don't mean to offend him, but he is to stay away from your family from now on. You might also mention that you've discussed it with the pastor. (Be sure you actually do that first!) I wouldn't be at all surprised if this guy suddenly disappears from your church -- but keep your eyes open in your neighborhood, as this guy seems to have a strange obsession with your dd, and just because he's not at church doesn't mean he's not lurking around nearby. I suggested this earlier, and I hope you will consider, speaking with the appropriate detective at your local police station to see what they think. If you can get a picture of this guy with a camera phone, it would be even better, as this man may not be using his real name. New identities are apparently quite easy to establish, and if this man is what we think he may be, he could be an old pro at moving from place to place and name to name. This is scary. I wouldn't be friendly to the guy at all. Let him know you are suspicious. You could also be sure people talk to him about how you and dh are avid gun collectors and spend your weekends out at the target range... ;) I'm sorry you are going through this, but thank goodness you are paying attention to your instincts! Cat

Thanks for the update -- hope things continue to go in the right direction for Sasha! You're a great Kitty Mom to her! Cat

I'd like to know more about them, too! Cat

:iagree::iagree::iagree: I think it may be important for your dh to let this guy know, in no uncertain terms, that his behavior strikes you as odd, and you don't want him around your dd anymore. I think he needs to know that you've got your eye on him, because this guy seems like he could be dangerous. How many times have we read in the papers about a man sneaking into a child's room late at night -- and the child doesn't scream because she knows the man (former household employee, handyman, overly friendly neighbor...) The idea that he took her outside seems like he may have been testing to see how much he could get away with, and for how long. This time, he made sure he was on the phone, but if no one came looking for 15 minutes, he would have known that next time could be a good opportunity for something a lot less innocent. I find it frightening that this person seems fixated on your dd, and I would tell every friend at church, as well as the pastor, what's been going on, and that something about this man makes you and your dh very nervous. This way, others will watch him, too. I know there could be an innocent explanation for all of this, but I can't think of anything plausible enough to allow any contact between this man and your family. Also, try to get all of the details about the car he drives, so you can watch for his car in your neighborhood. You really can't be too careful. This man may have talked with enough people at church to know when your dh is and isn't at home, where you live, what your habits are, etc. One last thing -- you might want to contact your local police and ask to speak with the detective who deals with these types of concerns, and run the situation by him to see what he (or she) thinks about whether or not this man could be dangerous. I'm not suggesting that you file any sort of complaint, as nothing has happened, but perhaps a "professional" viewpoint would help put this into perspective. The police may also have some good safety suggestions for you. Sorry to scare you, but there are just too many frightening stories on the news about crazy people who "seemed so nice," and turned out to be evil. I'm particularly concerned because this guy has homed in on only one child - yours - and that is just creepy to me. I'm so glad you and your dh were intuitive enough to realize that there could be a real problem here. Cat

Please tell your son that I LOVE his Lego setup!!! Cat

How about Mark Kistler's Draw Squad books or videos? He also offers an online course for kids. His stuff is really fun, especially for boys, because they get to draw space stations and aliens, and all kinds of other 3-D things. The kids learn good drawing skills, but the projects have more of a cartoon/comic book feel to them, which I think makes it appealing than the courses that try to pretend that kids will enjoy drawing still lifes of fruit on a table. Cat