Yes, more than can be expressed. Blessings, Lucinda

I have been dealing with Bipolar issues in my family for the past 35+ years, and I can't agree with the bolded statement above enough. This is the sad truth, and please believe me when I say that I've been to hell and back in learning it. My late first husband was bipolar and was in and out of the hospital a number of times after a suicide attempt (jumped a bridge) and I have an adult son who has suffered horribly as well and has been hospitalized more times than I can count because of refusing to follow treatment and get stabilization. You really must protect your family and yourself. If a person refuses treatment then you have to draw firm boundaries. I know it pulls at your heartstrings, but in order to keep yourself and your family from going down in flames with your loved one with bipolar disorder, you really must do it. You can be firm and loving, stating that in order to remain in close contact with you they must submit to doctor's orders. Otherwise, you will have very limited contact. High maintenance sufferers of bipolar are completely self absorbed and will suck the life out of the people in their lives without even realizing what they are doing. That is why those that are healthy need to make the decisions, set the boundaries and stand firm. I'd highly recommend that you turn over your payee role to a neutral agent that is not related to your brother. I was my son's payee for a number of years and learned this the hard way. I cannot even begin to tell you how much a relief it was to turn the finances over to someone else. You may not have issues now, but up ahead if your brother resists treatment it can get very ugly. Please, please believe me. I don't want to be all gloom and doom about this, but bipolar is a horrible disease that requires a tenacious position for family members. The repercussions can be a matter of life or death for the person affected as well as all the people around them. It can be emotionally painful beyond description for the entire family, especially those that are closest to the person who is ill. The severity of the disease varies person to person, and some respond to meds well and have stable, productive lives. But by your description, it seems that your brother may be going down a dangerous road and you would be wise to evaluate things carefully now before your situation escalates. I had reached a place where I had nearly lost hope because my ds had been so sick for so long and had been going from bad to worse at a fast rate of speed. But I'd like you to know that even when a person goes through multiple episodes, they may gradually come to grips with what needs to be done. My ds fathered a child when he was ill and although the circumstances weren't ideal, becoming a father caused him to realize that he has to stay on his meds and seek care. He has been stable now for the past five years and is able to spend time with his dd each week. That was his wake up call, and I offer it to you as hope. Your brother may find his own wake up call that causes him to make better decisions about his health. But he must come to that place on his own, without any help from others. Blessings to you and your family as you walk through this. I pray that you find the support that you need and are able to sort through it all and are able to make wise decisions for the sake of your whole family. Lucinda

That's what we ended up doing last weekend and it was so much fun! I found out there was a Sephora at JCP near my son's home, so we planned to go there the afternoon of our monthly family birthday celebration. The technician there was just wonderful and it was all free. She gave her undivided attention to dd and we learned a lot. My dil, dd's great aunt and I went with dd and she loved all the attention she got. It was kinda like a rite of passage for her, welcoming her to grownup sisterhood. Anyway, here's a picture of my beautiful girl after her makeover. Thanks for all the input, and thank you Briartell for suggesting Sephora. I had never heard of it before since our own JCP is a small town version. :) Blessings, Lucinda

This is our fifth year of hs'ing, and we haven't used the library either. If we want to go there, we have to pay out the nose because we're not within the city limits so I've gotten used to living with no library. But really, with the Internet's resources and Amazon we've done just fine. Blessings, Lucinda

I'm confused. It says that it's the software version of TWPD, but there are no technical specs and everyone is talking about it being online. Hmmmm. Is it one, the other, or both? I've loved using TWPD hardcopy planners for a few years now, but I have to say I'd be tempted to get the software if I didn't already have my new planners for the coming school year. Oh well. :D Blessings, Lucinda

I'm another fan of TWPD. This is my third year using it and I love it. I only have one student and it has plenty of room, but I could see using it for 1-2 additional students. I think the only drawback might be for someone with a large family. But then again, there is the new software and that might be more flexible. Why do I like TWPD? Well, for starters, I love the pretty graphics. But more than that I love the organization, the layout and the little extras such as the highlighted calendars at the top of the page and the space for menu planning. I don't follow or use the catechism especially, but I do appreciate the quotes. Blessings, Lucinda

My 82 yo mother with health issues lives with us, I hs our youngest child who is now 13 yo AND I work two part-time jobs. I don't have the luxury of help from my siblings because both of them are not interested in any part of our mother's care. Yes, this is challenging, but not impossible. Women have, after all, been doing this type of thing for loved ones over the centuries. I personally believe that's one reason God gave us so much inner strength and fortitude. One issue is to not let one person take the whole focus of the family. We are all special and have needs. As for my dear mother - we are just beginning to access help from outside agencies that can help carry some of the burden with her care. Having someone available to provide transportation to and from shopping and medical appointments for her a couple times per month makes a huge difference for us. Having had a father who suffered from dementia many years, I also know that when Mom reaches the point that she is needing more constant care we will have to get outside help to come in. I believe it is possible for us to care for our elderly loved one at home, but I know that I have to find some help. I cannot do it all alone or there will be nothing left for my dd, my spouse and marriage or for myself for that matter. Our family (dh, dd and I) needs to work together to keep a balance, and we all have to be willing to contribute. Where I lack from support from siblings, my own family makes up a lot of the difference. Even dd helps with her grandma and household chores in addition to doing her studies. Dh runs errands and is good at sitting with mom, lending a hand or just listening when she needs it. Those are the things that really mean a lot and go a long way. We will do this as long as we can, but at some point we know we may have to turn to nursing home care. Even then, it will require time and energy on my part. But I will do as I do now by taking one day at a time, holding on to my faith, getting plenty of rest and good nutrition and delegating some things to others. Blessings, Lucinda

I'm with joanqn! As much as I enjoy camping and love to go whenever we get the chance, I personally wouldn't compromise on what we can afford. I'd feel even more so if camping wasn't my favorite pastime and I didn't like to vacation with others. Honestly, I think you are within your rights to back out and suggest another option. And I have to say that you're a wonderful sport to support your family's love for camping the way you are. What a woman you are! Blessings, Lucinda

Thanks for posting this, Rosie. I just got my copy books and theory manual in the mail today and didn't even consider that there are no numbers instructions. How timely can you get? I'm planning to learn this style over the summer because I'm such a lover of preserving handwriting traditions. I teach calligraphy and thought this would be a nice course to offer students of all ages. My late father had such beautiful handwriting and it was very similar to Spencarian. Whenever I find his signature in our family papers I'm so touched. One of my goals in life is to encourage all my art students to improve their handwriting and use it whenever possible. Blessings, Lucinda

I became a Christian at about that age, and it was very important that I had the freedom to make that personal decision for myself. My family was supportive and I'm so thankful because it was a life changing decision that I made, and I've continued to follow that path of faith all my life. Faith is a journey that teaches each step along the way. One does not need to be an expert on the Bible or about Christianity itself prior to becoming a Christian. Honestly, your daughter is old enough to make this decision. People that are very spiritual usually know at a pretty young age. I can only imagine how grateful she would be to know that you respect her decision and that you would allow her to follow her conscience and her heart. Blessings, Lucinda

Yes, this is what I've found too. I've been buying and selling curriculum for five years now myself, and it took a long time to figure all of this out. But now I consider those fees along with the cost of postage when I calculate my prices for items I'm selling and I offer pretty much everything as ppd. I'd rather have it clean and simple and for people to feel confident when they purchase from me, just as I've come to the place where I want the same for my own purchases. How disappointing to find people out there conning homeschool families. But then again, finding new ways to be dishonest has been with the human race for a very long time. Crime has followed technology and trends every step of the way. Still, what a bummer! Blessings, Lucinda

What amounts do you recommend? Do you mix up a batch or what? Sounds really good to me and I'd like to learn more about it. Blessings, Lucinda

Forgot to add this to my post. I, too, sort by genre. First separated by baking spices vs savory dishes; then divided into groups such as Mexican, Indian, Italian dishes, etc. I have to admit, I'm kind of anal about keeping them all sorted correctly. Blessings, Lucinda

I bought about 50 of these little jars and some nice labels a few years ago and they work beautifully. The jars sit in the cupboard on wire racks (the little riser type that look like stairs). We buy our spices in bulk and have the overflow in zip lock bags kept in a bin that is stowed up above out of sight. As the jars need filling we just look in the bin or add the spice to our shopping list. I love our system better than anything I've used before. Blessings, Lucinda

Well fellow minions, I've got some news. PATRICIA E-MAILED ME TODAY AND I'M ON THE BETA TEST LIST!!!! WOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!! :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :party: That is all, Lucinda

You'd get more mileage with the brown. And I agree the others, that's a whole lotta gold. Blessings, Lucinda

Gosh, let's see. I have one personal e-mail address that is mainly for friends, family and official family business. I have another e-mail account that goes with private teaching I do and is connected to my self employment website. Then I have an e-mail address for all things homeschool related. I also have an e-mail address that I use for online purchases and for signing up for anything that will generate ads, junk mail, etc. Then there's the official e-mail for a school where I am on faculty. And then let's not forget that there are the FB messages and also message here on the boards. :lol: This may seem over the top to some, but I like things organized and tidy. If they all came to the same address I'd go crazy. Blessings, Lucinda

We had a thread sometime ago where a number of us came out of the Arminian theology "closet" and discussed the same topic you are bringing up. Here is a link to that thread. You'll find some suggestions to consider, among them Heart of Dakota and My Father's World. BTW, I've used TOG curriculum successfully, only having to tweak it here and there to suit our needs. Blessings, Lucinda

Our situation was very similar to yours also. We have one dd at home and we are just finishing our 5th year of hs'ing. We made a commitment to provide an excellent education for her, but we also recognized her need to connect with other kids. It took her a while to adjust, but eventually hs'ing became a way of life for her. What made the difference was that dh and have made every effort to get her around kids by taking her to events, groups, classes, etc. We've invited kids to our home for playtime and sleepovers and we've sent her to be with friends at their homes. Belonging to a church with a good group of kids has been a godsend for us too. I can't stress enough to you the importance of giving your child some outlets such as this away from home where he can enjoy time with other kids. Scouts, church, community classes, co-ops, summer camp, sports -- whatever you have available will be great for him. Help him stay connected with friends, even if you have to sacrifice to do it. When it comes to being an only child at home this is especially critical. We've had some changes this past year with friends moving away and now my dd has fewer people to connect with in our rural area. We're going to be moving next year and I feel that the timing is good for her. She needs friends so much now that she's in middle school. But I realize that our season of hs'ing is coming to an end after next year. I will send dd to high school because I know it's what she needs. I guess I'm telling you this because things may change for you and your family in a few years too, but for now I'd encourage you to just give your ds some time to adjust and then go out of your way to get him involved with extra activities to go along with his home education. Hs'ing an only can sometimes feel lonely, but it can also be a rich, rewarding experience. I'd say give it time. Blessings, Lucinda

I used to have to lay down with dd, read the bedtime story, say the prayers, then turn the light out and say goodnight. I'd stay there on the bed with her until she fell asleep. Then I'd VERY gently get up and leave the room. 95% of the time it worked, and yes, I got tired of doing it. But it saved me time and trouble in the long run. Eventually I started moving away from the bed, but would wait in the dark until dd fell asleep. She knew I was there with her and felt comfortable. Then after a while of doing that, I'd say good night, turn out the light, kiss her goodnight and wait for her to fall asleep, but by then I'd be closer to the door. Then at the door. Then finally we got to the point where the light went out and I kissed her goodnight and left. It was a slow process, but finally was what worked for her. On the other 5% of the time occasions dd ended up coming to bed with me. Yes, I am a patient woman. Blessings, Lucinda P.S. If I'd thought of the duct tape thing on those 5% of the time occasions, I would have done it.

No response for me either. So I'll just sit here with my minions and wait. Blessings, Lucinda

I'm an art teacher as well as hs mom, and I can't think of any product like what you've described. But I would suggest that you make a custom book for your dd and have it spiral bound at Staples. You could make a colorful cover for the front and back and lay out the pages just like you want them. You might consider using sheets of drawing paper or even what's called text weight paper rather than regular printer paper. A thicker paper would be more enjoyable used with colored pencils or markers. The only issue with combining lined paper and plain the way you've described is that when the pages are turned, the lined pages would be reversed. The only way around that would be to print lines on plain paper just on one side and place them in a way so that when it opens up you'd always have lines on the side you want them to be. Blessings, Lucinda

Thank you, Joanne. Yes, I do know there are others out there that have been through this crazy, heartbreaking experience. My heart goes out to you too because our situation is very close to the same. The REAMS of paper that I've filled out, the long line of personnel that I've spoken to -- and all for what? Like you, I just don't get it. We've been making on time payments for nearly two years now, have stayed in touch with them and jumped through all the hoops, but because of the arrears there seems to be little hope in sight. Frankly, I think we've lost the momentum we once had to finish the renovations that would make this house a wonderful place to live. I'm so ready for a new beginning! Thanks for sharing your story. God bless you and your family. L*cinda

Thank you for the input, fellow Hivers. This is such a tough place to be in. Blessings, L*cinda

I hear you, Bee. I could've written this post myself! It isn't about getting gifts and having a lot of hoopla made over you....it's the expressions of love, appreciation and honor that mothers do need occasionally. I just got done having a talk of my own with someone in my life about this very thing and am trying to gain some momentum to get past hurt feelings, just like you. It does hurt when loved ones slight you on special days. :grouphug: Blessings, Lucinda