It sounds like he needs to be trained. Separation anxiety or not, when he's commanded to sit, stay, etc. he should. That will prevent such issues in the future. All my dogs have been rescued/strays. They've all had their mental issues due to neglect or abuse, but when I tell them to do something, they are going to do it. Dogs need structure, especially ones that have difficulty controlling their behavior in their own. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Yes! I'm following this thread. I need new sheets and blankets too. I'll admit, we have been using the ones that were passed down from my husband's grandmother for ages. The quality of them was phenomenal, but after years and years, they are beginning to wear out. They are still in one piece, but the colors are faded and there are stains that I can't remove. Check with your family first! After kids leave the nest, most mothers have more linens than they need and are more than happy to pass them on to the next generation. But I've already exhausted that resource! I've purchased a few in stores that fell apart in months. Wasted money. I'm tempted to start hunting in thrift stores but buying used sheets could be the equivalent or worse than used underwear! I'd rather front the money, even if it's a small fortune, for new durable ones. But I've yet to find any that come close to good quality. :( Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

No magick food, but quality no grain holistic brands will be better. Cats are carnivores and do not need grains. It will also help skip any potential food allergy/sensitivity reactions by purchasing "pure" ingredients with no trigger additives. Food allergies causes most tummy trouble, anal gland issues, crusty eyes, and skin/fur problems. You can add half teaspoon to 1 full teaspoon of cold pressed coconut oil mixed in their wet food to help them pass hair in their stool instead of hacking it up. Start with the lower dose because too much could cause a laxative effect and cats really vary in size/weight. If they don't like the taste of virgin coconut oil, regular organic cold pressed coconut oil has a more subtle taste or none at all depending on the brand. Coconut oil has a myriad of health benefits and will also keep many common health complains away, keeping your kitty healthier. Getting a short haired cat and brushing it once or twice a day will also keep what they swallow to a minimum. My cats loved anything that rubbed them but some cats are ticklish. I suggest handling the cat all over and testing how comfortable they are. Cats with ticklish bellies and feet will be more inclined to fight any form of brushing. If you don't want hair balls and fur EVERYWHERE, do not get a long haired or medium coat cat. There is a pillow/carpet made for cats that supposedly attracts them like a magnet. This should help keep your new furry friend sleeping in controlled parts of your house, but I suggest buying at least 3 and distributing then through the house so he has options. Cats are very independent and love options. Trying to confine them to one choice is daring them to be rebellious. :D http://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Purr-Padd-Cushion-White/dp/B000YDVQBU A few warnings. Cats tend to go after and chew potted plants, flowers, potpourri, and anything that looks fun to play with. Most are toxic or deadly. Potted plants and vases should be hung from the ceiling out of jumping range not placed on shelves or countertops, no matter how high off the ground. Potpourri, products with essential oils and all chemical products should be locked away just as if it were to keep from a child that could climb like a monkey! Many cats are intelligent enough to open cabinets. They'll knock over containers, spilling the contents. If you aren't home to handle it, it could be disastrous for the cat's health. Cat proof your house just as carefully as you would baby proof. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Wow! So many wonderful replies. I'm afraid I can't reply to every one, but I would like to thank you all very much. I'll definitely be looking into those book referrals. You are all very awesome, and I appreciate your help in this. :) I have much more confidence in approaching the subject, thanks to the hive. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

It really depends on the need for the job you are looking to gain through a college education. How versatile is the degree? If your chosen career becomes difficult to obtain, will it still be useful? It also depends on where you attend. Is the college renown for that degree? How successful are the graduates from that college? A degree in business, for instance, can give you an edge in many career paths. The more specialized you go, the more you limit your opportunities. Basically, you need to do the research and discuss with companies that would employ you, what they are looking for and have a back up plan. It can be worth it if you play it smart. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

As an artist, I take my children to the Chicago Museum of Art all the way through her life. Nakedness everywhere! I teach that the human body is beautiful, we were not born with clothes, our creator did not give us clothes! Clothes are a part of human creation and society. I believe that supporting the beauty of the human body also helps self esteem. You may want to research the evolution of what was considered "beauty" in women. In modern day, it's much different then it was even just 60 years ago. Further back and it was not "fat" but "luscious" and the more curves, even rolls, the better! I don't see why Van Gogh's mental health has to come up. Most artists aren't exactly the perfect example of normal. If you ever rub elbows with the crowd, you'll see quite a lot to raise an eyebrow to. :-P Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

This just made my day! I laughed so hard I cried. You poor thing, scarred for life. It's so sad but so funny at the same time. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I'm a self employed artist that works on commissioned projects. I studied psychology at LUC but never finished my degree due to losing all my scholarships ($22,000 per year) because I couldn't come up with $4,000 to continue to the next semester. No credit, no ability to get a loan. My family wasn't well off and fafsa only helps so much. Everyone I knew that could co sign had bad credit. Dreams and hard work shattered. I would like to go back one day, but honestly the entire experience made me bitter over college in general. Now I owe the government thousands without anything to show for it. My husband had some college through the military, he never received a degree. He works as a restaurant manager in a very large and famous company. He worked his way up. The restaurant business prefers experience and internal promotion over education. It was his dream and he achieved it. I plan to send my children to college if what they want to do requires it. I won't let them make the same mistake I did. We will have a financial plan set and everything covered in advance. If we can't do that, we will save until we can. My husband's father is a college professor. My cousin went to college for culinary school and works as a Cosco cook. The rest of our family does not have a single degree. But that doesn't mean they aren't successful. My father started off as a self employed photographer and now works in advertising as a supervisor. College, by many here in Illinois, is considered a waste of time. I know a gentleman with a doctorate that works at Wal-Mart because he can't find employment in his career choice. There are kids coming straight from college and right into fast food companies. There are public high school teachers that are discouraging college to those who cannot afford it but think it's going to better their child's future. Sadly, it likely will do no more than ruin their credit and put them in debt so they can't buy a car or house. I can't even get a department store credit card. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Have you considered easing into cooking with a crock pot without pre freezing? In the summer time, nearly half of my dinners are prepared in the afternoon and tossed into my slow cooker. Then I can go out and come home to a meal waiting for me. It's almost like fooling myself that I wasn't the one to make it. :-P Always use a liner so cleanup is just as simple. To make chicken in the crock pot, cut an onion or two, slice it and layer the bottom. Lay the raw (thawed or fresh never frozen) chicken right over the onions (I choose breasts or thighs). Season however you like. I usually throw in a few whole cloves of garlic and dust it with salt and pepper. Up to 3 pounds of chicken, cook on high for 4 hours. Don't remove the lid to peek. No need to add any liquid. The juices from the meat will rise up as it cooks. Double check internal temperature with a thermometer the first time to be sure your crock pot is working properly. Mine is internally 190 at that point and falling right off the bone. I'm also an avid pressure cooker user. My father gave me one for Christmas last year, and I've been in love with its speed and simplicity ever since. If you have one or it's in your budget to buy one, I highly recommend it. Spaghetti and tacos are two easy ones we do once a week because they are favorites. One day is soup day, so I rotate soups/stews/chili. That means I only need to truly come up with 4 meals a week to mix it up. A really simple vegetarian dish. Melt 1 stick of butter or margarine in the bottom of a large pot. Add 4 cloves of minced fresh garlic (not the stuff pre cut in the jar) and 1 tsp salt. Stir until the garlic turns golden but not brown. Add two cups of white rice and stir to evenly coat. Add 2 cups milk and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Stir. Cover with a lid that seals (keeps in steam). Turn down heat all the way as low as possible. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Don't peak! In the meantime, steam 16-32 oz of broccoli florets (i like to salt them). After 20 minutes fluff the rice, add 1 cup of shredded Italian blend cheese. Stir. Add a few dashes of milk to make it creamier. Combine the rice and the broccoli. If you have left over meat or fish, this is one of those meals that left overs can easily be heated and tossed into. Chicken and shrimp go well with it. Dinner in less than 30 minutes :D Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

When did you do it and how? My daughter is beginning to ask questions. Neither my husband or I were ever given "the talk" and learned througha mix of peers, science classes, and television/movies. I'm covering basic human biology this year with my 4th grade daughter and I'm hoping to sneak it in when we discuss the reproductive system. When I was pregnant with my son, she was enthralled by the process of the baby's development, but the question of how the baby formed never came up (thankfully). Until now...my current pregnancy. I dodged it, but I know I can't and shouldn't do it forever. I'd rather her learn from us than her friends. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I will definitely remember that. I hope I never have to use the info, however. My goodness, I think I would take a vacation from the stove for at least a week if not more. Show some love to the slow cooker and microwave for awhile. You need time to recover from that! Your story reminds me of what happened when I was a little girl, maybe six. The stove malfunctioned, it was beeping, and the flames in the oven resembled a fire place. My mom had me at the back door and told me to run if she said the word. I thought it was a bomb and was terrified that my mom was going to be blown up! I believe she unplugged it. I laugh now but I can imagine the fear of that moment. Even though you were freaking out, you did a great job keeping it together enough to save the day. Not everyone could do that. Super mom to the rescue! One day this will be a story you tell your grandkids with a smile on your face. :D Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

If you want your child to have review continuously, I suggest making your own side practice words that only includes the letters she has practiced. At her age, she only needs to write the word once or twice. Example: After a b c she can write cab. After d e f she can write dad, be, bed, fed, and bad. As she progresses, keep some of the old words and continue adding new ones to keep it interesting. Every week, she should be writing at least one of each letter she has practiced within one of your words to keep it fresh in her mind. I had to do the above because my daughter would forget half of what we went over and I had to have her review them all over again. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I would find the email to the head of this organization and encourage my daughter to write about discrimination and how surely that is not how they want to demonstrate leadership themselves. She could go into detail about how great leaders and discrimination contradict, ad nauseam. I would then have her ask to be interviewed a second time by unbiased interviewers for a fair chance. If there is no reply, I would check if any home schooled child has ever been chosen in your area. If not, see if your daughter is willing to contact whoever you believe is best in your area to make this an issue of discrimination. Taking a stand demonstrates true leadership. She may not win the spot, but what she will take from the experience will be invaluable and likely far more influential than the organization alone could be. But don't wait! You definitely don't want this to seem like she's a sore loser. The ball needs to begin rolling well before the winners are selected. Not taking a stand may harm her confidence, especially being a young woman. I would make the disappointing situation into something empowering that she will look upon proudly. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Grinding your teeth at night due to stress could cause the chip. Stress can cause the back pain too. But wait...Your stove caught fire!! That's enough to make anyone gain a few grey hairs. I'm glad it was just the stove and that it didn't spread. You definitely need to unwind. It sounds to me that the stove incident was traumatic. You don't need a bath, you need a full body massage, a hot cup of lavender or chamomile tea, and a big bar of chocolate. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Slavic food like potatoe perogies, sausage, and cabbage rolls served with fresh bread would feed and stuff a crowd for little money. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

At least 9 of those 18 points are common tension acupressure points, especially for those that carry tension in their shoulders, have headaches, or experience sciatic nerve pain. Being pregnant, I have at least 11 of those spots sore. I think that goes to show that quite a lot besides fibro can cause those points to be super tender. But apparently, people with fibro only need light touch to cause pain, not the deep massage that would trigger pain in pretty much anyone. That's the difference. But they were discussing throwing out the 18 point system 5 years ago anyway. Honestly, unless they can pinpoint fibromyalgia with a solid test (which they cannot), I would consider consistently hop doctors and alternative medicine practitioners until I found a diagnosis that included real treatment that worked to cure (not drugs to cover the symptoms). Western medicine has come a long way but it has a long way to go to know everything about the human body and disease. By the way bee propolis/pollen has been known to help people with fibromyalgia diagnosis. Just be sure you aren't allergic to bees before trying it. http://www.masscfids.org/news-a-events/266-tender-points-might-no-longer-be-used-for-diagnosis-of-fibromyalgia Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I just added her blog to my Facebook. All of her recipes look amazing. I enjoy recipe blogs that use natural ingredients. Thank you for sharing! Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

There are plenty of marshmallow and rice cereal brands that are gluten free. In fact, Rice Krispies offers a gluten free version, even though I prefer using Mom's Best chocolate rice crispies cereal (also gluten free). Don't deny yourself those delicious treats! :-) Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I taught my daughter through Basher Basics, "Grammar, The Bill of Writes!" by Mary Budzik. It takes each sentence part and introduces it like a person. Very easy to understand and memorize, and best of all it makes it fun for them. I wish learning Grammar was this entertaining when I grew up. I may have actually liked it! I highly recommend the Basher series for children in general. All fantastic books. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Bill Nye the Science Guy videos should be a great compliment. My daughter loves doing the experiments that he suggests. Whenever I'm teaching a subject in science, I check if Bill Nye has episodes covering it to help bring the concept to life. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

It's not "healthy" but rice crispies treats (marshmallows melted with rice cereal) are safe for all of those allergies. And who can turn down one? They should be popular. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Thank you both. :) I'm so glad she is enjoying the paper project. Let her know that it isn't just a "kid" thing, the great Henri Matisse cut out paper for many of his art pieces. https://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2014/matisse/the-cut-outs.html I used to be an assistant teacher for summer art camps throughout my teen years. It was run by local Chicago artists. When we settle down and buy a house, I will consider offering art classes/tutoring. Right now, we don't have the space I would need to do so. Thank you again for the encouragement. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I use jewelry compartments like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A2C0LQE/ref=pd_aw_sim_201_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=121DGXD5J3NRB3H5KJNE Or this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002BZL44I/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1441668990&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=jewelry+tray&dpPl=1&dpID=41wlF1cicnL&ref=plSrch It depends on whether you want it visible at all times or tucked away in a drawer. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I'm doing this with my 9 year old. Yes, with her! I want to be able to write like this too. This is the old way they don't teach in schools anymore. I used to envy my elders as a child and wonder how they learned such beautiful cursive. The idea of learning with mom makes it more enjoyable. http://www.amazon.com/Spencerian-Penmanship-Theory-Book-copybooks/dp/088062096X/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RE8MM43B0XQK162SQ6R Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I use alcohol based extracts in white vinegar (1 tsp extract per cup of vinegar) as an air freshener to spray around the house. I add Green Mountain Organic Peppermint most of the time. It's food grade so I never worry about chemicals. The vinegar gets rid of the odors, therefore when the scent disappears, the house just smells like crisp air. It also gets funky smells out of drapes, stale linens, inside my husband shoes, and carpets! I also use extracts instead of EOs for some aromatherapy remedies. I add the peppermint to a little olive oil to rub on my temples to ease or cure headaches. And once I used a damp rag with it when my wisdom tooth was coming in and torturing me. I fell asleep with it and woke up pain free. I have my friend with fibromyalgia hooked on it because nothing else soothes his migraines but my peppermint extract mixed in oil. So you don't have to feel ostracized from safe aromatherapy for the sake of your feline friends. There are other natural solutions. :-) I don't have cats anymore, but I did many years ago. I also had a roommate with three cats at one point. But! Nowadays, I am free to use essential oils. I add a few drops to cotton balls I put on top shelves. I'll also add a few drops to my vacuum hepa filter. When it blows that hot air out, it doesn't make the house smell weird! But I'm very picky about the quality of my EOs and research thoroughly to make sure that what I get is pure and 100% safe. Some are naturally toxic too, no matter how free of additives. It's just the constituents of the herb itself that can be dangerous. My main arsenal is rosemary, peppermint, citrus fruits, and lavender. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk