Thank you... I am NOT alone! :001_smile:

You're so sweet! Thank you! I think it probably is just moms in general. I know we always want the best for our kids. And, the majority of these moms are great! Today, as I drop off my guy, I am going to focus on the positive and not the negative. I'm going to thank the teachers and give the mom's in the huddle a big smile and wave as I walk right past them and get into my van. :D

I've recently started a group for our local homeschool community. I wont get into the details of what it is, but it is super, duper cool and the kids LOVE it. However, there are a handful of mom's that just seem bent on causing negative feelings about the instructor. It makes me sad and honestly, I'm embarrassed by their behaviour b/c I feel like it's a reflection on homeschooling. I know I shouldn't feel that way. But, these mom's are just being very picky, difficult and negative. The organization is great. I will admit that things could be 'better', but it's really just a matter of letting go 'control' over the class and letting the teacher do the work that seems to be the real issue. I'm just a bit perplexed by the situation. I've created co-ops before and I know how difficult it is to work with different personalities and all. I just had hoped this might be a bit different. Thanks for letting me vent. Just typing this out makes me feel better! lol!

:grouphug: I don't really have a meal plan. YOu will learn tons after you take the nutritional classes. :) So, don't worry. Obviously, the big thing is SUGAR and CARBS. All the things you probably really want when you are pregnant. I was always very strict. In the class, they will teach you about portion sizes and creating a food log. It's not that difficult. The general rule is about a cup size for your portions. Some less like a half a cup. I really stayed away from sugar, sweets, and breads. If you try to eat healthy... fresh fruits and veggies and lots of protein, you will be fine. I would include meals on the grill since it's getting so hot. I would grill out fish, chicken, steak, and hotdogs. Serve these meats with green beans, salad, Butter beans, Lima beans, fresh sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. You could eat Greek yogurt, or find some sugar free deserts in the freezer section. I hope this is a little helpful. It's really not that bad!:001_smile: Blessings!

The best advice is to call your healthcare provider. They are the only one's that can truly advise you on what they will do. It's better safe than sorry. They should be able to discuss coverage, deductibles, and providers in and out of network. Hope that is helpful!:grouphug:

I have no real experience but I do agree with signing delaying his speaking. I also think that having him in therapy at such a young age might have influenced his desire (or lack there of) to talk. I don't know. He seems to be very aware of the importance of communication. I wish I knew something really valuable to say. I have a two year old but he talks in complete sentences and never stops. He is the fourth too. He gets loads of attention as well. He enjoys the laughter he gets when he "says" something funny. I believe that has been a huge motivator for him. He loves attention and we are constantly lavishing him with it. I really believe he will talk when he is ready. I hope you find a solution soon. :grouphug:

Your kids are still so little. I would only be willing to do something that: 1. Was not a HUGE burden ... I would want something close to home and not a huge financial commitment. 2. I would only consider doing something that a child has an interest in..music? art? sports? In your decision, I would consider something that you might can have the two older children do together. You may consider a church activity during the week like Awana or another youth program. When my children were young, they did Awana and enjoyed it. Honestly, you have several YOUNG children that I wouldn't burden yourself too much with running around. Your oldest is still young enough that you will have time to do something. Does he have a special interest? Give yourself some time and don't worry too much. You still have plenty of time. :) Good luck!

Check these out: http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&q=somethings+gotta+give+house&gbv=2&oq=somethings+&aq=1&aqi=g3g-s5g1g-s1&aql=&gs_nf=1&gs_l=img.1.1.0l3j0i10l5j0j0i10.2357.5252.0.7760.16.16.1.4.4.1.257.1048.7j1j2.10.0.yyQSi0ALk54&biw=1024&bih=640&sei=476aT7bFNY-ztwfxwpWnBA

Ok, have you seen the movie, "Somethings Got to Give"? If not, you might want to see if you can pics of her house on the website you mentioned. Diane Keaton is a screenplay writer and has a house in the Hamptons. It's BEAUTIFUL. Reminds me very much of what you are describing and the pics you have attached. Just take a look and see if it inspires you. It really seems like you are drawn to light, beach colors. You appear to love bright open rooms with lots of windows/light. You like high quality furniture and I do to. Here are some suggestions, IMHO: 1. Consider hanging drapery rods across the room right under the ceiling- all the way around the room! Either buy or make fabric panels that can hang from ceiling to floor. Your fabric selection can be limitless depending on what you like. I would suggest something VERY light in YOUR style. Something clean (not busy) that is timeless (classic). I would use elegant, but clean (not fancy or busy) rods and place them around the room from wall to wall. I think it would be a nice idea to let them puddle on the floor just a bit. 2. I would then try to find a light rug that you might purchase from a carpet discount store. I love high quality, but I will admit that I do go cheaper on rugs b/c I have four boys and two dogs. ;-) I want to just throw it out when I am done and not feel sick about it. I think a nice but not 'break the bank' rug would be a good compromise. I would look at the room as a work in progress. I would buy what you love and can afford- as you can afford it. 3. I would find a coordinating paint or faux finish for the wall around the fireplace that has the theme of light colors. I might even go with a light blue against the tan/cream of the fabric in the drapes and rug. I love the 'white wash' look on slightly darker colors. If you picked a light blue it might tie in the chair of your dh. ;-) 4. At this point, you have bones of the room done. You have the walls finished, mantel done and a rug. You will have your DH chair too. I would simply, at this point, add to room as you have selected your furniture. As you find and can afford each piece, place it in the room and enjoy it. It will take a bit of time, but you can still enjoy the process once the back drop is completed. Just some suggestions. I think it would be gorgeous! HTH!

I have been struggling with keeping my home cleaned and organized for years. I finally got a grip on it and then, we had another baby. My biggest blessing and curse is the size of my home. It's about 4000sqft (minimum) and three levels. I just can't seem to get to every level in a timely manner that makes sense. There have been times that six mos will pass before I get to the basement!:confused: That's crazy! I need a system (some fresh ideas) on how to organize each level so that it's as simple as going on that level and cleaning it. Currently, I find that I go to one level only to find that I don't have: cleaning supplies, vacuum, etc...so, I get distracted and find that the work just never seems to get done. For those of you in a situation like this, what have you found the most helpful?How do you make it work? All of our bedrooms are on the top level, living,kitchen, guest room and full bath all are the main, we have a finished basement with a family room, full bath and guest bed room. So, every level has at least one full bath, living area and bedroom. Any creative ideas that I'm not thinking of that can help me out? I know that I can organize my cleaning supplies and keep one container on each level. I can also do that with garbage bags. Anything else that could be helpful? In time, I want to get an inexpensive vacuum to keep in the basement so that I don't have to lug the dyson from level to level. I also thought about a cleaning person...but, I just don't feel comfortable with having someone in my home like that. I just don't think I'll ever be comfortable with that. I prefer to do it myself. I'm the weird kind of person that would clean before the cleaning lady got here!! :confused:

Apparently, I am in the minority here, but I love your fireplace. The stone looks like a cottage fireplace and I would have sooo much fun decorating around that. I *would* make that might focal point. I'm sure it's b/c I gravitate toward a folk art style, but I do love it. I would replace the sconce with something of rustic/iron quality, and decorate the rest with your own personal taste. I cringe at the thought of you painting that stone. I just love it! I have found that I enjoy certain decorating styles that I see in movies. I love the house in Stewart little. :) I also love the cottage in Funny Farm. :):) I take ideas from those homes and get inspired.

Ok, thanks for the info. I am thinking the Iphone is the right way to go. I honestly think it just makes sense b/c he already has the ipod. I just can't see him carrying both around. That seems silly. Plus, another child can inherit his old ipod/ or sell it. I'm thinking that I might be able to change my plan b/c we only have me on this plan. My dh has his own thru work. So, I was thinking that when I change/upgrade I will be eligible for a new phone and he can just have it (which will be the iphone) and I will just keep an old one. I hate to do it, but I feel like we've put it off long enough and he is starting to spend more and more time away from me. Also, we have no land line. So, I guess it's just time to suck it up and pay the fees! Thanks for your comments!

I need some guidance in this department. My son is turning 14 in June. I am going to purchase him a phone, but he's never had one. I have no idea where to start...plan/package/phone? What do you recommend for a teenager? I was thinking about getting him an iphone, but I'm not sure if that's the best fit. I want something that he can use internet,phone, texting. He has an ipod, and I want something that he can use just like that but with phone capabilities. It doesn't seem to make sense for him to carry two devices, kwim? Would any smart phone work, or would the iphone be the best bet? Any recommendations? I am with verizon- if that makes a difference. Thanks so much!

My husband has one older sister. He talks with her maybe a 3-4 times a yr, just depends on what is going on that year. He comes from a disfunctional family..so, that is part of it. He doesn't really stay in touch with his mom either, but he does see his dad at least once every other wk. They talk and communicate the most (he was the abuser in the family...go figure!) I guess much would depend on the family situation. :confused:

Your children are so young that I think you need to keep in mind what you can do realistically with those ages. That will help you the most. I wouldn't over load yourself with lots of work. I have found over the years that planning really helps me out. If you have a day to plan your meals, house work, and school that will really help. I never really planned at the early ages. I found it the most helpful when they were in the middle school years. However, if you can find a system for planning each child and have it ready for them each day, that would be a good start. I would try to create a routine that they can adapt to. That way they know every day what to expect. :) Also, try to keep it as simple as possible at this age. HTH!

It doesn't seem like a good deal to me. I think you can shop around and find a better deal.

On my bed, about once a week. On the kids, not nearly as often! :001_huh: It just seems like they don't need it as often, or I am being just lazy!! But, they get changed about once a month! :confused:

We do have parties every year. It's something I'm just committed to b/c I never had anything growing up. So, I just make a big fuss over parties. This is what we do: you can either have a big party/small present *or* small party/big present. We usually spend around 300 on each child. That usually includes everything...party/present. Someimes it's less. I try to be creative to cut cost down for us. And, I created a rule that at 10 all parties stop. So, up until that age they can pick and do whatever they want- bounce house, game stores, parks, water parks, whatever...but at 10 that's the last big party. All done. We have a dinner, family, maybe a sleep oever with a friend or something *special* but no big parties. Having four boys, I've done everything under the sun you can do...water, skating, rock climbing, etc.... For my eldest son's 13th, we invited extended family and had a big cook out. We got him an ipod that was around 275. My mom came up from Fl and brought him something very cool/sentimental of my dad's. It was a big deal, but it was just us. We will do something similar when he is 16. But, he's not extrememly social and wouldn't want a huge 'bash' or anything. So, we kinda make Birthday's a big deal. But, on the other hand, we do not buy terribly extravagant presents for Christmas. We try to keep that really more about Christ and less about gift giving. I think it works out in the end.

No...never heard of it! I'm glad no one was in the car!

I found homeschooling in Fl to be wonderful. I can only speak for the area we were located- s. Fl area, but we had lots of wonderful activities. In general, the State is very homeschool friendly. You do not have to do standardized testing...you can simply keep a portfolio and have a teacher/professional review it. I found it extremely relaxed. If you google Fl homeschool laws, you will get lots of info. I have lots of family in Jax. They love it. Personally, I'm not a fan of Florida, but I know lots of ppl that LOVE it. I think that Jville would be a good place to live. Large, lots of things to do...I think you would enjoy it if you enjoy warmer weather.

I suffered with ds #4. I took lots of tums. It helped me a lot. :grouphug:

We are not accessed fines except with movies. The only fines you pay at our library are for lost items. Movies are 2.00 a day late fee...you get them for the wk. So, fees are rare for me...but, somehow my acct still manages to get blocked b/c the items do not always make it back in time and become 'lost' until I do bring them back.:glare:

I am attending a meeting in two wks about it. I was going to bring in a curriculum. There isn't even a class for this age group right now. The church is very small and is trying to put classes in place. There is a nursery for the littles and a group for middle/high school...but nothing for the upper elementary. So, that's where I come in...which is great b/c I have two in that age range now. There will only be about five students...nothing big at all. But, I have a room and great ideas. I really want the class to be fun for the kids. Something they look forward to each Sunday. I don't think the curriculum needs to be demanding. I just need something pretty open and go...

This one looks pretty good: http://www.christianbook.com/christ-bible-lessons-from-testament-ages/9780784716281/pd/71628X

Thank you! This looks very good. I wish I could see inside it?! Any other ideas?:lurk5: