and they carry Vera Wang and some other lovely styles. Some of the items are 90% off -- and the selection is HUGE!!! Just thought I'd post because this is one income-friendly!

Oh my -- please pardon the harsh tone of my post. I was in a hurry, and did not take time to explain what I was trying to say. I post as a former Frump of the Month, turned (at least) semi-stylish Mom. So, I have been there. I was hearing that you are blaming yourself for the unwanted advances. It really hurts my heart to hear that. I think counseling for those issues would be really, really helpful to you! Will you at least think about that? And yes, we women blame and punish ourselves for the sins of others far too often, if we admit it. I think that your new healthy lifestyle will make you feel more confident, and actually 'bully-proof' you. Unwanted advances from the opposite sex can be about power and control, and it is bullying in a way. I think a lack of confidence attracts bullies, not a certain weight or clothing style. I just hate to hear that my post upset you -- but I'm glad you posted. Without seeing facial expressions and tone of voice, posts can come across as rather harsh! Please accept my apologies for that. It was not my intention.

are you saying that if one is not fat and frumpy then the men will not be able to control themselves since we are so gorgeous? It isn't necessary to be Frump of the Month or a Tantalizing Tart. There are other shades in between. :) Some men prefer women who are overweight, so I guess that isn't always a safety net. I think if you are uncomfortable with men, or from past situations you should seek counseling for that, rather than punishing yourself with added pounds.

the Adventures in Science kits from Rainbow Resources. I really like them. I have used "Color and Light" and "How Things Work," and they would tie in the your physics plans. The kits are around $10, and challenging. I see they also have a "Magnetism" kit.

ummm...most men like the free stuff. See the Valentine's thread. :D If you are ambitious, try making massage oil with some Olive Oil and a bit of vanilla or almond extract and give a really relaxing massage.

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I had both and went with CLE because all the review in R&S is in the teacher's manual. ALso, R&S has an overwhelming amount of problems and writing. CLE has sprial review, but in small, do-able chunks. CLE is written to the student, and is in a workbook format. I always say that CLE is like R&S, but in a workbook format. CLE Language Arts is rigorous - be careful not to over place.

including the birthday cake my dd decorated for me! We also began our unit on "Africa." Link in the sig line.

when I wake up every morning, the first thing I do is breathe a prayer of thanks to God for another day and I think of 10 things to be thankful for. I hope it doesn't sound trite or too Pollyainna-ish, but it really gets me in the right frame of mind! I have been doing it several years now - and it energizes me and brings me joy from the moment I awaken. I enjoy seeing my husband off with a cup of coffee and getting my chores doine before awakening dd at 7:39. If my chores get done early, I will generally have late afternoon FREE time. That prospect also helps me get me up and get my chrores done early. I don't enjoy the loss of productivity that comes with sleeping in. It makes me feel behind and cranky.

even though my husband works away from home, he is neither a conversationalist or a reader. I have found that interesting conversation is important to me. Really important! Tell me if you think this is crass or insensitive. My husband has certain marital sweets that are important to him, just as conversation is important to me. I cannot say to him, "I am not a sex person." Done. That's that. Therefore, I don't accept the "I have nothing to say" routine very well. I guess I get conversation rolling by keeping up on the news and giving him news headlines. He loves that, mostly. He loves to talk about cars and sports, so if I am desperate for conversation, I WILL GO THERE. LOL! What does your husband love? Although my dh is not a huge reader, he is happy to do a family read aloud at night. This often sparks conversation later. My dh is willing to read books TOGETHER with me as couple time. We will read a chapter together, we both love RC Sproul, and that gives us fodder for discussion. I am not a big movie person, but my dh is. I will watch good movies with him and then we can talk about them a little. Sometimes a funny line from a movie will become the catch phrase around here for a while! Each year, we endeaver to do one outside activity or hobby together. Guys usually love to play! Check community ed book. Thiis year, we have been preparing for and teaching Sunday School together. It gets us talking! I heard someone say today that imagination and creativity in a marriage is like compound interest. Just investing a little here and there adds up over time, compounds itself, and keeps the love tank FULL. I always admire those 8o year olds holding hands and talking away after all those years.... I haven't read the other posts yet, so some of this may be redundant.

Yup - I am the exact same way. I look at HSing as my full-time job, and it is my focus during school hours. My husband agrees and supports me so much by making dinner several nights a week, helping out with kitchen clean-up, etc. I have no idea if I'm doing a better or worse job than the public schools. I am simply setting up an environment where my daughter can learn, and doing MY best. I am content with that. Comparison can suck so much energy and joy from my day if I allow it to. As GothicGyrl said, I try to avoid it!

For your kid's ages, the Original Series, Volume 1 is all you need. Once you read CM"s original writings carefully, you'll see that Cindy Rushton and Andreola's interpretations of CM method can be quite different from the originals. I found Levison's books to be the most "pure" CM, and a good "how to" to get you started straight away. The original Volume 1 is required reading for implementing the method. Really not hard to read, imo. I like the new series in modern English from AO. Been loving' CM for many years now. It really suites our home and my teaching style. It is a good balance of mom-directed learning and "unschooling" or "Masterly Inactivity" as CM called it. Best wishes to you!

I am also a WNTW convert. I know can shop easily without getting overwhelmed like I used to! It is just as easy to throw on something flattering as something ugly. What a realization! I agree with Sue, I feel much more confident when I am not dressed schlumpy. My husband loves it as well. :D

I highly recommend investing in a couple of good, structured shirts that fit well. Ann Taylor is the greatest! They have clearance sales all the time where I find good deals! I shop thrift stores and Ann Taylor and try to implement the Fashion Rules on "What Not to Wear." I would recommend getting a fitted jacket (check thrift stores often!), dark, straight leg jeans (check thift store of Steve and Barry's), and investing in some knock-out tops from Ann Taylor to kick it up. I can't say enough about how the clothes by Ann Taylor will flatter your body and make you look leaner. I have also taken to wearing cute heels or ballet flats rather than chunky shoes with my jeans. Good luck!

this company is WONDERFUL! Their make-up is made with only 4 ingredients, and goes on beautifully. They will send you a free sample of their products, and their kits are extremely reasonable. I like Everyday Minerals better than the expensive mall brand! Plus, Everyday Minerals has extensive online forum support and ideas for natural, organic beauty.

My library had Color of Water in, so it looks like it's a wiinner! I will look into the other recommendations as well. I really appreciate your thoughts!

In celebration of Black History Month, I am looking for a book dealing with racial issues from a Christian perspective. This one was recommended to me. Anyone read it? Any other recomendations?

Of course not. Life revolves around cute shoes and purses, silly. :cool;)

We are all wanting to see how cool you look! :D

Are you going with the Home Sat or DVD's or doing the teaching on your own? I'm a bit intimidated by upper levels of BJU, even though we have used and liked the elementary.:eek::eek:

Oh, what a sweet girl. Do you think that she'll be any less squeamish in high school? I did a dissection class, and all the kids got over their squamishness pretty quick. The moms were more worried about the traumitization than the kids actually turned out to be. Maybe this type of thing is easier in a class? Not to try and talk you into anything, but just FYI.

I like using an experiment book, such as _______ for Every Kid by Vancleave as a spine. Her books are broken down by topic. Simply schedule experiments every week and fill in with library books related to the VanCleave topics. Really easy to do!

Paul the apostle describes it in the new testament fully. See especially 1 and 2 Corinthians. Do you discipline your child in love? I see the Scripture as the final authority for Christian faith and practice, not American norms of democracy and personal 'rights'. Here is one article that you may find helpful: Biblical Study of Church Discipline By Mark Baliles Within the pages of Scripture, church discipline is one of the most clearly detailed matters of congregational polity. Yet it remains so completely ignored in most Christian circles that the subject cannot even be discussed without sensing lots of raised eyebrows. Perhaps past abuses are partly to blame. The mere mention of "shunning," for some, conjures up visions of Pharisaical responses to the slightest infraction of the "rules." No doubt pastors and parishes alike have at times been guilty of wielding God's truths as weapons for intimidation and control. Certainly any such practice is an abomination before the Lord. However, consider for a moment this comparison: Would you cease to correct your own children simply because so many parents have dealt with their children out of anger or frustration or even their own insecurity? Just as a lack of godly discipline within the home will ultimately lead to chaos, so it is with the household of God. What follows is not a new theory for handling church conflicts. It is simply a call back to the clear principles of God's Word. The biblical data has been gathered and outlined in a format which should prove helpful for both personal and group study, yet the Scriptures essentially speak for themselves. Whatever your assumptions about church discipline, read carefully and prayerfully. The truth may surprise you. OUTLINE OF BASIC PRINCIPLES 1. THE WHAT OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE Church discipline is a program for correction, not a penalty for a crime. The following passages of Scripture get at the root of the meaning of discipline. a. In the following passage, the Hebrew word translated "discipline" means "to chasten; to instruct." It is a correction which results in education. Deuteronomy 8:5 "Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you." b. In the following two references, the Greek word translated "discipline" means "to educate, to instruct, to correct by discipline; to develop (as from childhood to adulthood)." The usage ranges from teaching to scourging. Hebrews 12:10 "Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness." Revelation 3:19 "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." c. In the two references below, another Greek word means "to admonish; to warn, to instruct; to put into the mind." It appeals to the will and the emotions. 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 14 "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you ... And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle..." (Note: The same Greek word appears twice in this passage ... once translated "admonish" and once translated "warn"). 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 "If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him ... warn him as a brother." d. In the last two Bible references, the Greek word translated "rebuke" means also 'to bring to light, to expose, convict, or to set forth." 1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning." Titus 2:15 "These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority." ***part omitted - too many characters*** 3. THE WHY OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE Church discipline is to be practiced simply because the Scriptures teach it. However, a deeper reason may be found in recognizing the deserved glory which it brings to God. Rest assured that whatever brings glory to God will ultimately be for our own good as well. a. In relation to the church community, we glorify God by practicing discipline with the good of the church in mind. (1) We must seek church purity. 1 Corinthians 5:1 -11 "There is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans. (2) We must seek an unblemished testimony. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 "If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? ... I say this to shame you ... one brother goes to law against anotherand this in front of unbelievers!" b. In relation to the individual, we glorify God by practicing discipline with that member's own good in mind. (1) We must seek the individual's repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 "Your sorrow led you to repentance." (2) We must seek the individual's restoration. Galatians 6:1 "You who are spiritual should restore him gently." 4. THE HOW OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE God disciplines His children through the admonitions and warnings of the Bible and through the circumstances of life. Within the church, a man disciplines his brother through admonition and warning (based on the admonitions of God's Word), and through the withholding of close fellowship. This addresses the method of our discipline. The following principles speak to the manner of our discipline. a. Discipline with compassion. Hebrews 12:6 "The Lord disciplines those he loves." b. Discipline with confidence. Titus 3:10-11 "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." c. Discipline with clarity. Matthew 18:15-16 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you ... but if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'" d. Discipline with concern. Matthew 18:15 "If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." e. Discipline with conviction. 1 Corinthians 5:11 "You must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother, but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." f. Discipline with consistency. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 "We command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us." 2 Thessalonians 3:14 "if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him." g. Discipline with gentle correction. Galatians 6:1 "Brothers, if someone is caught in sin ... restore him gently." h. Discipline with caution. Galatians 6:1 "You who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." 5. THE WHEN OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE. a. The first step is admonition--when the sin becomes known. b. The second step is disassociation--after two warnings. A question may be asked as to whether or not there are degrees or levels of discipline based on the nature of the offense. From a study of relevant Scripture texts, the answer would seem to be "No." A basic premise of biblical church discipline is that the purpose of all discipline is to effect repentance and restoration, not to exact payment or punishment for the sin. Specific consequences of specific sins is a separate matter. In essence, the first step of disciplinary action (admonition) is an appropriate response to any public sin. The second step (disassociation) is not punishment for certain "big" sins, but rather, it is the necessary response of the church to any persistently unrepentant brother or sister. Discipline must never be seen as an "end" (penalty) in response to sin. Rather, it is a "means" used in the hope of bringing about the desired end (repentance and restoration). The nature of the offense may indeed vary, but refusal to repent places all offenses on the same level. A second question is in regard to which specific matters require public excommunication from the church. This has actually been answered above. Only one specific matter requires public excommunication-an unrepentant response to repeated admonishings from the church. Matters subject to admonition are many. For example, they include idleness, divisiveness, immorality, slander, heresy, etc.)--and there is good reason to believe that the biblical record is not intended to be exhaustive in this regard (1 Timothy 5:20). Again, public excommunication (disassociation) is not a penalty for the most serious sins. Rather, it is a compassionate response to an unrepentant brother or sister.

I suggest instituting a point system. The PEGS system is wonderful for adhders and is ready-made. Just follow the instructions and you have a good behavior modification system to put in place instead of yelling!!! You just need a plan in place and the yelling will go away like magic. Also, consider adding more chores and less acadmics for now. ADHDers need structure and need to know what to expect each day. Are you posing your daily schedule? If you are a Christian, you may find ADHD of the Christian Kind a helpful website, as well as the Creative Correction book by Lisa Whelchel. If you are not a Christian, I don't think these would work for you. I'm sorry but I am not too familiar with many secular resources to this end, but maybe others will chime in if that is what you need. 1,2, 3 Magic is on secular resouce I can recommend, though. Check your library. Prayers going your way!

might work for you if you are Reformed-leaning. Run a Google, and it will come up.