If it were my own child, I would probably say something like you're right, I hate the nagging too. So instead of nagging you, I'll give you until the one week deadline to catch up in X class. You decide how to do that, because you're a responsible kid. If you don't catch up by the deadline, I'll help you out by removing video games until the work is done. Now how about an cream sundae? I *think* I would handle the nephew the same way if he is capable of the work, and there are no other emotional issues in the way... But I can certainly understand the hesitation. I would like to understand why things are changing now if he has been good about staying caught up in the past, but teen boys can be really difficult to get answers from!

I don't know much about Texas but it appears CPS doesn't get to be the arbiters of the success or failure of a homeschool program there. Regardless, in any state with any type of laws, you will never convince me that sending police to remove children from the home and placing them in foster care is an appropriate response to a suspicion, accusation, or even 100% verified finding of educational neglect.

Do you have to reply to that email? Is it possible to just ignore it and if it is brought up again, say "oh I thought you were joking as we never agreed to that"?

I completely disagree with this and have seen with my own eyes how the various caseworkers close ranks to protect their own even when mistakes are clearly being made and their own rules are being violated at the expense of children and their stable, safe homes. I am thrilled for you that you haven't experienced this as a foster parent but please do not mistake your own good luck for a system that works 100% of the time.

The fact that the judge and guardian ad litem are citing made up homeschool oversight authority is concerning to me. From my limited understanding of this situation, it seems that it should be either: (1) there are abuse issues, imminent danger type stuff, in which case they are justified in removing the children from the home. OR (2) there is a lack of education which is not imminent danger and the removal was not justified. If there is true abuse/neglect, there is no need for CPS or the judge to even mention educational issues as it is basically irrelevant if there are imminent danger type issues happening. So it just doesn't make sense that homeschooling and asking for oversight of the education is even being mentioned. And furthermore, none of this explains why the children couldn't go to friends/relatives when they were removed from the home, which clearly would been much less traumatic for the children.

so what if she has a meltdown, she is the one embarrassing herself! I would immediately tell the friend to please change and return your property to you.

I agree with so many previous posts. You need to understand exactly why he is making these ludicrous statements so you can convince him to be rational. If he has taken up with some kind of patriarchal crap, you have my sympathy. Just another point of reference regarding Christian women and nursing. My MIL was an RN. She met her husband in college. She worked part-time shifts when they needed money for FIL to pursue his doctorate and later his MBA. Their children never were in daycare because she had flexible hours, and her salary helped put her three sons through college. But most of all, she considers her work her ministry. She has been able to serve, pray for, and sometimes pray with people who truly needed her. It may be that this is where God is calling your daughter. It is her life, she must live it.

Let it go... Assume he was just being silly unless you see additional evidence of thievery.

With a king, the box spring is really two twins. So it will be easier to get up the stairs. The mattress is the only part that is really wider and that is much more flexible (and unwieldy!). We have a king size and e much much much prefer it to a queen. That said, I have slept on top of the line mattresses and cheap mattresses with thick memory foam covers, and they seem the same to me. So our next upgrade will be adding a memory foam topper instead of getting a new mattress.

I feel it is very bold of you to mention "Christmas crack" and not provide a recipe.

Have you checked to see if it is still in stock online? Hopefully it is and they will exchange it for you with minimal hassle.

Since the person who tripped and spilled the water was also the person using the extension cord, I would say 50/50 fault is reasonable. I would graciously accept the 50% they are offering to pay. Realistically, you may never see it..

I agree with previous posters that say document everything, do not engage, do not apologize, and consider filing a report if this continues. I would suggest your son not go anywhere alone for awhile so he has a witness and an alibi if there are any confrontations or accusations. And thank your lucky stars you found out about these crazies now instead of after a wedding and child are involved!

So glad she has no fever today! Has she been out of the country recently? There is a virus spread by mosquitos in the Caribbean right now that starts with a rash & high fever.

oh no, what a bummer! I wouldn't think a dye catcher would work now, but it would be worth a try. You could use a bleach pen on it if there aren't too many or if you are very patient. Sadly, you'll probably need to look for a duvet cover to go over it.

I feel your pain. My son did this during a recent trip - it was a long weekend with a 7 hour drive each way for his baseball tournament so he had to study in the car to stay caught up on his homework for his outside classes). Amount of time spent designing a schedule, putting it into a three ring binder, wasting a full set of dividers on the schedule, colorcoding the schedule to match the dividers, putting boxes next to each item to check off on the schedule, and opening and closing the 3 ring binder in the loudest way possible every 5 minutes 2 feet away from my head while I was trying to nap: 4 hours. Amount of time spent studying: 2 hours. The rest of the time was spent reading a non-school related book. I very nearly lost it.

what do they like to do, do they have any hobbies? How do they decorate their home? do they like to rent movies (home movie gift basket - dvds, popcorn, candy, fun popcorn bowl, plus snuggies or a throw blanket)? Are they fans of any sports teams - sports crap is so easy to find. Things I have given to my dad & step-mom: nice sherpa throw blanket lobstergram Harry & David gift basket (didn't go over well) chocolate covered strawberries from berries.com monogrammed barware digital picture frame digital scrapbook This monogrammed cutting board is their main gift this year. for my Mom - warm pjs scarf hat & gloves to match her winter coat gift card to her favorite coffee shop gift card to her pottery studio home manicure kit (didn't go over well) silk thermal underwear digital scrapbook

that took me a second to understand when I looked at the picture, hilarious!

plush egg babies are cute puzzle toys with squeaky eggs inside. they are supposed to be for smart dogs, but my below average intelligence lab enjoys hers too.

I almost bought these crossword pajamas for my mother: http://www.pajamagram.com/sellgroup/crosswordpajamasforher.aspx

silk long underwear is pretty comfy and very warm.

Thanks everyone for your feedback, even those who stated I am being rude & difficult. I can't say I agree, but I do appreciate you taking the time to let me know your thoughts. I very much appreciate the support some understanding folks have given here, and especially Erica who suggested the perfect solution. I have ordered this lovely platter on which to bring my strawberries and grapes, and I may also use it for putting cookies out for Santa as well.

She doesn't need a legitimate complaint. That would be too logical! I assure you that I always behave kindly, or at least politely. I feel there is simply no benefit from acting otherwise. I can't convince her to like me and I stopped trying a few years ago. At this point her behavior is pretty comical, maybe like with your grandmother.

those are adorable! Unfortunately the banana was not part of my assignment...

Thank you Erica in OR!! I love it!! Off to find a tree shaped dish. Sincerely, Mildred