Does thinking about gifts I might get for people count?

:grouphug:

:grouphug:

Anyone? I'd love a second, third, etc. opinion.

We just discovered that my almost 16yo daughter has PCOS. I don't have it, but my sister does. My daughter is now taking birth control pills (partially to regulate her cycles and partially because she is going to start taking Accutane next month.) As you can see, two of her symptoms are irregular cycles and severe acne. She also has hair loss (on her head) and excessive hair on her body. She hasn't had the weight gain issue yet, but she's started eating a low carb diet (which I've been doing for 6 years anyway, so that helps.) Low carb eating is recommended for those with PCOS. We had to take my daughter to the hospital a month ago for severe pain due to her ovarian cysts. She currently takes Motrin or Tylenol as needed for pain. I just hate that she has to deal with this. I've seen my sister go through infertility, and it's tough. I hope that more research will be done and better treatment options will be available soon.

Done. Thanks!

This is my tenth grade daughter's essay. I can easily spot the grammar and spelling mistakes, but I'd like some feedback for the actual content of the paper. Thanks! A best friend can be one of the greatest things a person can have; however, a close friendship may also lead to jealousy and rivalry. In the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles, we see the painful reality of a damaged friendship in the characters of Gene and Finny. They begin as best friends, but as the novel progresses, the friendship dies. Gene’s admiration of Finny turns into resentment, which leads to tragedy. Gene admires many aspects of Finny’s character. We see Gene’s admiration for Finny’s athletic abilities after the blitzball game when he states that “Phineas always had a steady and formidable flow of usable energy.†(40) Phineas even won awards like the Devon School Contact Sport Award and the Winslow Galbraith Memorial Football Trophy. Gene has immense admiration for Finny’s humble nature, we see this when Finny beats a swimming record held by a former Devon student. Gene times him and Finny ends up beating the record by 0.7 seconds. Gene tells Finny that he should beat it again and be officially timed so he can hold the new record. Finny replies “we aren’t going to talk about this. It’s just between you and me. Don’t say anything about it, to . . . anyone.†Gene says Finny is “to good to be true.†(44) This shows us just how much Gene admires Finny’s humbleness. Gene has admiration for Finny’s bravery. While most of the Devon boys were to afraid to jump from the tree, Finny was filled with excitement and was the first to jump. Gene also admires the charming characteristics of Finny that draws everyone to him and continually claims how happy he is to have Finny as a “best friend.†He says “I laughed along with Finny, my best friend, and also unique, able to get away with anything at all. And not because he was a conniver either; I was sure of that. He got away with everything because of the extraordinary person he was. It was quite a compliment to me, as a matter of fact, to have such a person choose me for his best friend.†(28-29) Gene later on also states, “Finny could shine with everyone, he attracted everyone he met. I was glad of that too. Naturally. He was my roommate and my best friend.†(40) Gene feels a vast amount of admiration and appreciation for Finny, so much that it almost seems unbreakable. As the story develops, Gene’s admiration for Finny grows into jealousy and resentment. Gene begins to wish he had the characteristics and abilities Finny possess. Gene was very book smart, which didn’t seem as rewarding to Gene. Gene begins feeling that Finny is purposefully attempting to distract him from studying, which in turn would cause him to make bad grades. His grades were where he felt superior. Finny convinces him to take a beach trip with him. He willingly goes, despite it being against school rules. Everything seemed alright until the next morning. Gene knew he needed to get back to Devon in order to study for a test. Finny insisted they swim again, which takes time away from Gene’s studying. When the boys finally reach Devon, Gene begins studying but is then interrupted by Finny asking him if he wants to go to the tree. Even though he feels he needs to study, he exclaims “Never mind my studying.†(59) As the boys walked to the tree, Gene’s mind filled with jealous thoughts such as “he had never been jealous of me for a second,†and “I was not of the same quality as he.†(59) Gene’s envious thoughts were about to blind his judgment and cause him to hurt his “best friend†The boys finally reach the tree, the tree which will soon symbolize death and treachery in their friendship. Finny proceeds to climb it first. Finny tells Gene “We’ll go together, a double jump! Neat, eh?†(59) Gene didn’t like the idea, but he hesitantly climbed up behind Finny. When he reached the top of the limb with Finny, something in Gene snapped. All the silent envy and resentment that built up caused Gene to have a moment of blind ignorance. Gene grabbed the trunk, bent his knees, and jounced the limb. This caused Finny to lose his balance, and he fell onto the bank. Gene heard a “sickening, and unnatural thud.†(60) Gene then jumped into the river forgetting any trace of fear he once had. Gene’s “best friend†had become his greatest rival, in his mind at least. Gene’s growing anger caused him to make a rash and harmful decision that crippled both Finny and his friendship with him. Just like Finny, their friendship could never be fully healed. Later on in the book, Brinker decides to hold a trial to discover the truth behind Finny’s injury. He gathers Finny, Gene, and a few other Devon boys into the Assembly Room for the trial. Upon entering, Gene is struck with fear. He knows what he did, he knows why he did it, and knowing that he could be exposed made him terrified of the trial. Finny had always denied the possibility the incident happened because of Gene. It was hard for Finny to accept that Gene had intentionally caused him to fall off of the limb. When the trial commences, Brinker begins by asking Finny what he remembers of the incident. He claims he lost his balance, and said “I’ve had a feeling that the tree did it by itself. It’s an impression I’ve had. Almost as though the tree shook me out by itself.†(169) He also says he doesn’t remember anyone being in the tree with him around the time he fell. Finny wants to deny any scenario that could bring to light the fact that the fall was of Gene’s fault. As the trial continues, Brinker continues asking Finny who all was in the tree. After claiming he thought he was the only one, he finally quits denying what he knows to be the truth. Finny says he remembers telling Gene “Let’s make a double jump,†(171) and then adds “I said that to you on the ground, and then the two of us started to climb...†Finny slowly and painfully realizes that he can no longer deny the facts about the situation. Gene stands in silent desperation as he has no defense against the truth. The trial gets worse for both Gene and Finny when Brinker brings forth a witness who remembers everything about the incident in crucial detail. Finny for so long had tried to block that day from his memory, but now had to face the ugly truth. Before the trial could come to an official end, Finny breaks. He runs out of the room in tears and exclaims “I just don’t care. Never mind. You get all your facts.†(177) Moments after storming out, Finny falls down the white marble stairs. The fall causes Finny to re-break his leg, just like the trial re-opens old wounds. Finny is sent back to stay in the infirmary. Gene at first is afraid to go see Finny. Gene knows he’s to blame for both of Finny’s trips to the infirmary. Gene is now also aware that Finny knows exactly what happened that day at the tree. Despite this, Gene decides to pay Finny a visit. He walks into the dark infirmary where he put his best friend, and when he makes his presence known, Finny yells “You want to break something else in me! Is that why you’re here.†It was in this very moment Gene realized the permanent damage he caused his friendship. It was the death of their friendship, and also the death of Phineas himself. Gene finds out from Dr. Stanpole, a few days after their last encounter, that Finny passed away. There is an encounter earlier in the book that I feel brings an immense amount of symbolism. This encounter also happens at the tree. This encounter took place not long before the encounter that crippled Finny. Gene and Finny both climbed the tree together. Once they reached the limb, Gene turned to say something to Finny. In doing this, Gene began loosing his balance and started to fall backwards. Without any hesitation Finny extended his arm and grabbed Gene so he could restore his balance. If Finny had not done so, Gene would have fallen out of the tree. Later that night Gene realizes that “if he(Finny) hadn’t been there. . . I could have fallen on the bank and broken my back! If I had fallen awkwardly enough I could have been killed. Finny had practically saved my life.†(32) It’s ironic that while Finny saved Gene, Gene “killed†Finny. The tree can be seen as both life and death, innocence and guilt, loyalty and betrayal. In this novel John Knowles writes about the dark places that can exist in a friendship.

Wonderful news! Thank you.

I'm so heartbroken and grieved over this horrific tragedy. Prayers for the families who lost loved ones, for those who survived the attack and will have to live with this fear each and every day, and for the souls of all of the victims. :grouphug:

I get time to relax on some days, but definitely not every day. I plan things for myself and have to schedule them a couple of weeks in advance. Recently I've decided to take one Saturday a month to go do something by myself or with friends. I love it! My husband and I try to have date nights (out of the home) every couple of months. We also try to have the kids in bed at a decent hour so we can have couple time at night - doesn't always happen. My youngest child has special needs, so I understand that it must be challenging to find time to relax since you have four with special needs.

I can't answer your questions, but I want to say that I'm sorry and you are in my prayers. :grouphug:

My 7th grader is just finishing Core G. He has really enjoyed most of the books. I plan to do Core H with him next year.

I felt "old" and a little sad when I turned 30, but I partied anyway. My family threw me an 80's themed party and we had a blast! I felt young and free when I turned 40. It didn't bother me a bit. I'm loving my 40's so far (I'm 41 now.) I really have figured out who I am now. I'm not afraid of what other people think. I enjoy life more and make time to do the things that I want to do. I'm braver now. Here's to (hopefully) turning 50 in nine years!!!

Sweet Home Alabama

I like vodka mixed with diet cranberry juice. Another favorite of mine is Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple, rum, and a splash of heavy cream - it's like a pina colada. Wine slushies are also great, especially during the summer months: https://www.buzzfeed.com/emmacooke24/wine-slushies-are-my-one-true-love?utm_term=.mnLN2QVN0n#.fdqQYOLQW0

I didn't get to read your original post, but I want to say that I'm sorry someone treated you that way. I'm glad you let the organizers know. I hope they handle this properly. I'm hosting a brunch for moms in my home in a couple of weeks, and I'd love to have you here. :grouphug:

Lost Breaking Bad The Walking Dead

:grouphug: Prayers. And, yes, I have hoped for something that much.

I do frequently. I voted for all the situations above. My kids tease me about it.

:grouphug: Prayers.

:grouphug:

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

I am so sorry.

This is my 9th grade daughter's revised paper. I gave her more detailed instructions this time and sat with her as she wrote. She's been working on it for over a week. Thanks! To Kill A Mockingbird To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel that should bring about a strong response in those who read it. This book teaches us about the innocence of childhood. It also shows us the harsh reality of racism. Finally, in the character of Atticus, we see one man’s strength and determination to do that which is right instead of that which is easy. The theme of childhood innocence is seen several times throughout this novel. The character of Arthur “Boo†Radley can be seen as symbolic of childhood. He is awkward and shy, much like a child hiding behind a parent in certain social situations. He laughs when he sees Scout hit his house when the children are playing in the tire. He leaves gifts for Jem and Scout. He protects the children when they are attacked by Bob Ewell. In his mind, Arthur probably saw this as a simple case of protecting Jem and Scout from the “bad man.†After this, Arthur’s innocence is in need of protection. This is evidenced by Sheriff Tate’s statement, “All the ladies in Maycomb includin’ my wife’d be knocking on his door bringing angel food cakes. To my way of thinkin’, Mr. Finch, taking the one man who’s done you and this town a great service an’ draggin’ him with his shy ways into the limelight-to me that’s a sin.†Scout even recognizes the need to protect Arthur when she says, “Well, it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingird...†We see another example of childhood innocence in Dill. He is deeply hurt and confused by the way in which Tom is treated by the prosecuting attorney. When Scout tells Dill that Tom is “just a Negro,†Dill responds, “I don’t care one speck. It ain’t right, somehow it ain’t right to do ‘em that way. Hasn’t anybody got any business talkin’ like that - it just makes me sick.†In this case, we see a child, in his innocence, speak the truth. The adults have become accustomed to and have accepted a certain degree of racism. Dill believes that Tom should be treated with respect, no matter what his skin color is. Scout also shows us the innocence of childhood. When Jem and Scout discuss the classes of people, Scout says, “I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.†Scout fails to see that people often put barriers between themselves and other classes or races, particularly during this time in history. We also see that Scout doesn’t understand that the mob outside the courthouse is there to kill Tom, and, if necessary, even Atticus. In her innocence, Scout speaks to one of the mob leaders, Mr. Cunningham, and asks about his legal matters. She also asks about his son Walter and asks Mr. Cunningham to tell Walter hello for her. She is completely unaware of the possibility that Mr. Cunningham would hurt or kill Tom and her father. Jem faces a loss of his childhood innocence as a result of the trial. He felt confident that Tom would be acquitted. When instead he’s found guilty, Jem must face the ugly reality that the racism in his community is strong enough to convict an innocent man. Finally, a loss of innocence occurs when Jem and Scout were almost killed by Bob Ewell. The injustice of racism is also a theme of this book. Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping a white girl by the name of Mayella Ewell. In spite of overwhelming evidence that supports Tom’s innocence, the all-white jury finds him guilty. It’s obvious to me that this decision is based on Tom’s skin color rather than on the facts presented by Atticus. Also, most of the white people in Maycomb see themselves as superior to the black people. They feel as if the black people owe them simply because they have “allowed†the black people to co-exist with them. This is evidenced by Mrs. Merriweather’s comments: “If we just let them know we forgive ‘em, that we’ve forgotten it, then this whole thing’ll blow over.†She goes on to say, “…there’s nothing more distracting than a sulky darky.…You know what I said to my Sophy, Gertrude? ‘Sophy, you simply are not being a Christian today. Jesus Christ never went around grumbling and complaining.’†There is also Mrs. Farrow, who says, “…looks like we’re fighting a losing battle, a losing battle...doesn’t matter to ‘em one bit. We can educate ‘em till we’re blue in the face, we can try till we drop to make Christians out of ‘em, but there’s no lady safe in her bed these nights.†This attitude is sickening. It’s as if the black people have no right to feel outraged and hurt by Tom’s conviction. They are simply expected to keep quiet, do what they’re told, and be content with their lower place in society. Atticus is known for being an honorable man. He is the kind of character that one should not only respect and admire, but also strive to imitate. He is a good father. He works hard to provide for Jem and Scout but also has time to talk with and teach them as well. He explains difficult things in a way that makes sense to Jem and Scout. We see many examples of how much respect he has from the community. Atticus is specifically chosen by Judge Taylor to take Tom’s case because Judge Taylor trusts that Atticus will truly defend Tom to the best of his ability. Atticus takes the case despite knowing the potential threats and humiliation that it could cause his family. A neighbor, Mrs. Dubose, calls Atticus a “nigger-loverâ€, and Scout also hears it being said at school. Eventually, when Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout, the case almost costs Atticus the life of his children. Because Atticus believes in Tom’s innocence and his right to justice, he is willing to take whatever consequences come with his defending Tom. In short, Atticus takes the case because it’s the right thing to do. He says he could never face his children if he didn’t take the case. During the trial, Atticus presents an excellent case for Tom’s defense. He has worked to gather enough evidence to exonerate Tom. In his closing arguments Atticus says, “To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white...I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the state, but my pity does not extend so far as to her putting a man’s life at stake...and so a quiet, respectable, humble Negro who had the unmitigated temerity to ‘feel sorry’ for a white woman has had to put his word against two white people’s...you know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negros lie, some Negros are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women-black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men.†Atticus attempts to get the jury to see things as he sees them - in the light of truth and justice. When one finishes this novel, there are many things on which to reflect. Jem and Scout are harshly introduced to the reality of racism and injustice in their community. They are almost murdered by Bob Ewell, which is certainly an experience that forces them into an adult world. Tom is found guilty, even though he is innocent. In Atticus, we see an honorable and moral character. It is the kind of character that we hope to be.

I've never used a specific program. I've always taught writing as part of other subjects. I now feel like my high schooler needs more directed instruction. What program do you all recommend?