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Welcome to the Sound Off Discussion Board, where parents from all walks of life and all parts of the world come together in one place to share their opinions and thoughts about the question of the week. Please remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion and the freedom to express it. Obscene posts are unwelcome and shall be removed from the board. Please keep in mind that this is a public board. Never post personal information that you would be uncomfortable sharing with others. Comments about this board should be sent to iParenting's Webmaster. Thank you for contributing! If you have a suggestion for the question of the week, send it to feedback@iparenting.com.

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Are you going to see the new Harry Potter movie? Will you take your kids? Do you read the books?

For archived topics, click here.

>>Anyway, our children know how we feel about religon. They've even heard some pretty harsh jokes coming for my mouth abot religion.>>

Saraj: You mock Christianity, and make harsh jokes about religion, and yet you take(steal) from a church? That is despicable and you are NOT a good person. Nasty maybe, but certainly not good.:(
Paula
Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 19:29:24 (EDT)
"Monster" WAS a terrific movie. What makes Charlize Theron a superb actor in this movie was that there was nothing beautiful about the character she played. Aileen Wuornos had a horrible life, and there was nothing beautiful whatsoever about it. She was one of those people, I believe, who came out of the womb not standing a chance at a decent/normal life. Her life started ugly, and ended ugly, and it was *almost* sad. Definitely not beautiful.

Saraj~Don't post pictures of your kids in tubs full of dogs if you don't want people to comment on it. Duh? Also, do not project your feelings on me...YOU are SO jealous of many of US, who are married to REAL men that provide for their families. If you can't feed your kids, get off your ass and work an evening job while your husband can be home with the kids. The difference between your BOY, and my MAN, is that Jake would NEVER let us go hungry, nor would he ever put us in the position to take hand-outs. Especially from a church, if he was "anti-religion" like your emasculated puppy boy. Grow up. Why should we stick to the *topic at hand*?? REally, how long can you debate whether you are going to the newest Harry Potter movie or not? Plus, I AM very nice to every real woman and real man here....where do you and LH fit in? Oh...that is correct! You don't! You need to grow a thicker skin babes.

angela
Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 14:23:25 (EDT)
How about a MOVIE club?

We watched Monster last night. That was one of the best movies I have ever seen. Charize did an amazing job with her character. She's so beautiful that her beauty came through in this movie! Hubby says you have to watch it twice...once to watch Charlize and once to get into the movie. I'd have to agree.

WOW. SUPERB FLICK! (Has anyone here seen it?)

Off to my girlfriend's house.



Saraj
Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 13:24:01 (EDT)
angela~ Stop with the jealousy already. It's old hat. Not to mention, you're not following te new "be nice" rules. ;-)

I don't feel I have to explain any more about our puppies and the baths and etc. Nit picking on my life is seriously getting quite boring, IMO. Let's stick with the subject at hand.




Saraj
Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 10:54:46 (EDT)
Hello again! I have to admit that taking a bath with a dog sounds like a very gross idea! LOL! I also make everyone take their shoes off before entering the house, but that is just because I am picky like that!

Have they picked a book yet to read for the Book Club? Please let me know what it is as I might have the time to read one afterall!

When do they change the question here?
Jennie
Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 09:50:38 (EDT)
Good morning everyone.

I was wondering what your kids could bring into the house on the bottoms of their shoes, that a bunch of dogs would not bring into the house on the bottoms of their paws???
Lurker Too
Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 09:08:15 (EDT)
We don't wear shoes in the house either. BTW~Why would brand new puppies NEED to take a bath? Is their mother not the one who bathes them? The ARE cute, but bathing with a bunch of dogs is a bit gross.
angela
Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 22:01:30 (EDT)
>My hubby is also more anti-relious than just not believing in it.>

Saraj~Yet, your husband will stoop to taking hand-outs from your local CHRISTIAN CHURCH, rather than being a real man and providing for his family? Eeuuww!


We all know all we need to know about you SayRag. You're pathetic.
angela
Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 21:53:01 (EDT)
God Bless America and may God take former President Ronald Reagan into his kingdom with open arms. To this day he is considered the best President of our time!
Kerri
Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 20:30:21 (EDT)
Angela~ Stop trying tp pick a fight with me. You know nothing about my husband nor do you know a single thing about our finances. Drop it girl.


Kerri~ It's not unsanitary for the puppies to bathe with the kids. It IS unsanitary to wear your shoes in the house, though. Do you do that?

Ryan~ I'm with you on the religious stuff completely. I feel the same way, it can help people get through things that they encounter...and I guess that's a good thing for them.

Our lab is due to whelp any day now. She is so gigantic!

Well, the filming went well yesterday. (Maybe I'll start getting commercial spots! ;-) It took over 5 hours just to tape a 1/2 hour segment. Ot was a lot of fun, though.

My mom is visitng and we onyl have our 2 year old so we're getting a ton of house stuff done. I went rummaging today and found awesome clothes for CHEAP! (Didn't know I could a wear a size 6!) :-D It's great here in good ole Wisconsin!






Saraj
Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 18:18:55 (EDT)
Hello! Your mention of a book club caught my eye, and I thought I'd join in. Does one have to be a parent to post here? In that case, I'll have to wait about 10 years before posting here again. Anyway, I love to read, mostly science fiction and fantasy. I really enjoyed the Harry Potter books, and I'm glad I'm mature enough to appreciate the little messages and aspects that make the reader think about themselves. I'll probably see the movie in a few weeks with my younger sisters. We all agree that the books are much better than the movies, but we enjoy seeing the magic onscreen.
My favorite authors are Robert Jordan, Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, J. R. R. Tolkein, Terry Brooks,...
siffa
Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 17:33:00 (EDT)
I do not read the Harry Potter books, but my dd does, so I may take her when she finishes school next week.

Nikki-where were you getting advice? I have a back talking preteen myself and could use some advice! ;)
Cameragirl
Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 16:21:49 (EDT)
I wa just passing through the advice on back talking preteens and found this chat room. As far as Harry Potter ...I have read the books, seen the movies and plan to see the new one tomorrow night with my son. They are great!!
Nikki
Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 00:14:59 (EDT)
Hey yall~

Ryan~ Welcome to the board...it is always nice to have new "faces" around...and a man to boot...wow! Maybe you could help me understand some of those annoying *male* habits that my husband has...we have been married only a year and I know everyone keeps telling me the first year of marriage is the hardest! LOL Are you up for the challenge??? LOL

Fatima~Thanks so much for listening to all my medical drama! Sometimes it is nice to just vent about it all.

Cherokee~I hope you have a safe trip - are you getting the return ride alone???? If so...enjoy the time to yourself, girl you need it!

Angela~How are you?? Sounds like yall are going to have a great day at the park and such! Enjoy that nice weather...it is already so humid here I can't stand to go outside. I am convinced that it goes from too cold to too hot and humid all in 24 hours here! The joys of living in South Carolina....

Tanya~I am not familiar with any of those books so I really don't have a preference on this one...but I can't wait to see what is chosen....the Shopaholic one sounds cute!!

I know I missed some of yall and I am truly sorry...the neurologist put me on new meds today and now I am starting to get a bit drowsey...I will try to check back today but if not I will for sure be around tomorrow....hubby is working this weekend so it is just me, the Lifetime Movie Channel and a ton of laundry! LOL
Melissa
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 17:10:17 (EDT)
Good day all! It is a beautiful day here in Chicago today! The lake is an amazing blue!

Cherokee-have a safe trip!

Saraj-I checked out your website and the puppies are very cute. Although I will have to agree that taking a bath with them is just plain gross, not to mention unsanitary. But to each his own!

Tanya-Where do you live?
Kerri
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 13:45:40 (EDT)
Angela - I got it ;o) thanks. Yes, she is tall - people are always asking me if she is 4. She wears shirts in 4T and sometimes even 5T but only 3T pants - so maybe one day her legs will catch up with her torso!!! LOL.


Margarita
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 11:39:08 (EDT)
Ryan, Saraj - I don't agree that one should force religion on kids either... if my daughter (when she gets old enough to know that staying home to watch cartoons instead of going to church isn't a good enough reason) tells us that she doesn't want to go to church when she is older, I am not going to force her to go. Right now, she enjoys going. She does fun arts and crafts and is starting to learn some scriptures. She talks about God alot, but I know she doesn't completely understand. She enjoys the extended family she has at church.
Our church has a large number (for such a small church) of teens and yong adults who come to church on their own, without any parental support. We have some great programs for them and the responsibilty, maturity and choices they make amaze me. They also have a very good rock and roll band.
Well, I need to finish getting ready for school.

Cherokee - thank you ;o).

Ellyn - that's good to know - I always feel so bad for them.
Margarita
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 11:37:02 (EDT)
>My hubby is also more anti-relious than just not believing in it.>

Saraj~Yet, your husband will stoop to taking hand-outs from your local CHRISTIAN CHURCH, rather than being a real man and providing for his family? Eeuuww!

Margarita~ I sent you back an email~I will look for your tall/lanky daughter in a few years on ESPN in the High School Girls All-Star basketball tournament! =)

Cherokee~Have a good and safe trip today! Hope your son has fun!

Ryan~What do you do for a living? Any *marriage* material girls there for you to meet? Nice to see you here again.=)

It looks like a BEEEEYOOOOTEEEFUL day here in Iowa, and I have the day OFF! Yay for me! Maranda is in Vacation Bible School this morning, then I think we will go to the park and let the *littles* play while Maranda hits a few in the batting cage, then maybe go swimming. Then, Maranda has an away game tonight. Fun stuff!

TC all!


angela
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 11:29:02 (EDT)
Morning All....

I am looking forward to seeing what book is chosen.

Margarita~ I got the latest pics of your little girl. She is such a doll. LOL on the "pilates" pic. Too cute. BTW my boys have a huge fish tank at their dads. They are quite devoted to it, and have some large bright colored fish swimming about in it. They are red/black/white striped. I'll have to ask them what they are.

I have a long road trip today. I'm driving my son Dylan (he is 12) up to Pinetop. My parents live there in the summer and in Fountain Hills in the winter. He is going to a golf camp for a week at the club my parents belong to. He loves to golf and is actually not bad at it. My other son enjoys the team sports like soccer, baseball, basketball and football. His dad is always coaching his teams. But Dylan received his black belt in Taikwondo last spring, and he enjoys golfing - the more individual sports. Anyhoo- it is like almost a four hour drive each way, I'm not staying overnite, so I'm doing the turn around thing. We are finishing up some painting projects around the house this weekend. We always have had white walls everywhere and we are throwing a little color around. It's fun.

Take care everyone ....having a nice day
Cherokee
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 11:16:12 (EDT)
I agree with the non forcing religion attitude. When children are forced they often begin to resent it as teens and then any chance they had of believing. I am not religious however I am not anti-religious. I do believe however that most organized religions take away from the true meaning of the religion in that when most people practice it like going to church for example they do not pay attention. They are there because they feel guilty and some believe just going and sitting there is enough. I am not saying all people are like that and that religion is not good. It helps many people get through things. I dont no. I guess I don't have a certain opinion on religion. To each their own I guess.
Have you tried checking websites for fish pictures and getting the name? Are they comets?
Anyways I should be getting to work.
Have a great day all of you.
Ryan
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 10:09:58 (EDT)
Margarita~ Guppies! :-)

How long will you be in Germany? Will this be the first time away from your daughter for this long?

The religious question. I actually have to agree with you that I AM anti-religion. Again, I have many friends who are quite relgious, just to remind you that religion does not always make someone who they are inside. My hubby is also more anti-relious than just not believing in it. (These two kind of sound the same now) Anyway, our children know how we feel about religon. They've even heard some pretty harsh jokes coming for my mouth abot religion. BUT, I am VERY careful about making sure our children know that THEY have their own thoughts and desires, and that they can express them. They know that if they chose a life with some form of religion, that we would still love them with our entire hearts.

It;s hard to say what they may chose. There are plenty of families who are strict on the relgious thing all throughout their children's lives, and then ...poof! You have a rebelling teen who starts her/his own cult and goes against everything his parents wanted. We're a real laid back family. Anything goes.

I HAVE read The Bible. Not the entire thing, but enough. I attended three different Catholic Schools as a kid. My mom wanted to keep me out of the public schools in Milwaukee because they were so nasty. (She isn't religious.) I actually went in thinking there MUST be a God, but I left knowing there wasn't. It's a long story.

Yakking your ears off..and about nothing. Sorry. :-O







Saraj
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 09:02:54 (EDT)
Margarita -

You probably don't have to worry too much about the betas in their little cups. In the wild, they're frequently found living in what amounts to little more than a mud puddle. I had a big turquoise male for a couple of years in college, but we can't seem to keep one alive now. I think we've lost three -- the last one lasted less than eight hours!

Ellyn
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 06:15:32 (EDT)
Barb,
I just had to pop back in here real quick because I just watched the news: it was a meteor. I saw some of the footage and it was amazingly bright. What a cool place that was made for us to live in :o).
Margarita
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 02:23:53 (EDT)
I did a quick search on guppies, and they definitely are guppies.
Margarita
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 02:00:09 (EDT)
Saraj - hmmmm, maybe they are guppies. I know for sure they are NOT Betas ... I asked my dh to try to sell my dd on one so we could rescue it from the little cups they are kept in, but he got these little guys instead. They are probably half the size of a Beta, or maybe 2/3 the size.

I know what you mean about the kids being gone... dh and I are planning on a trip to Germany NEXT summer to stay with his best friend, and dd will be 4 at that time - we won't be taking her so she will stay with my mom or sister. BUT we are already dreading it... not as much as taking a toddler on a transatlantic flight though.
Here is a question for you, and I don't mean it offensively. From what you have posted in the past, it sounded like your kids were being raised in an environment which was more than free from religion - actually anti-God. Is that how you would describe it? If so, do you believe that they are really learning to be free thinkers, and have freedom of choice where religion in concerned? The way I see it, that wouldn't be any different than growing up in a religious household.
I hate the word "religious" because I don't really care for "organized religion," so to speak... I believe the Bible is the truth, and I attend a nondenominational Christian church (sounds a bit like a contradiction, but it's not really).
Also, and again, I don't mean this offensively but am only trying to determine where you are coming from when we discuss and debate over religion - have you read the Bible yourself?

Well, I have to get busy writing a concert review for my music class. It is a music class for teachers - lol. I attended a junior high concert last night - they had a jazz band, a 7th grade concert band, an 8th grade concert band, a percussion band (steel drums, bongos, etc) and I guess that is it. They played some VERY ambitious pieces for a junior high band.
Margarita
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 00:41:35 (EDT)
Margarita~ Are they Siamese Fighting Fish (betas)? They do sound a lot like guppies. Hmmm...
Let me sleep on this one. :-)

Tomorrow morning I go in for the taping of the show I'll be on. Ugh. I'm nervous!

The kiddies will be gone for the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa. (well, not Anthony) This is a first for me! Two nights..and three days without my babies! I'll miss them terribly! It's a religious camp..and ofcourse , the kids don't have to participate in the religious stuff if they don't want to. But it will be a good experience for them. And a fun, but nervous break for hubby and I. ;-)

What are all of you doing this weekend?


Saraj
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 00:31:21 (EDT)
Saraj - Washington State University.
I don't think they are guppies - they are sort of long and skinny (for a small fish, about the same size as a small feeder golfish) and have fanned tail fins and long, sort of fancy top fins. The mail is blue-ish with red fins, the female is pale with goldish yellow fins. Any ideas??
Well, my Dora posters are drawn - I am saving the painting for Sat night when my sis is staying over.
Barb - no I didn't hear anything about them - I will have to watch the news tonight.
Welcome Ryan!!
Margarita
Friday, June 04, 2004 at 00:20:37 (EDT)
Hello! I am here!!! Wow a book club sounds sooo neat. I don't care what book, LOL I will just read it. Anyway I just wanted to say hi and that I was checking in!!!
Megan
email:
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 23:19:34 (EDT)
Thank you all for the welcome. You all seem to be a caring bunch. What's this hear of a book club? They sounds more geared towards women.. but I am always up for new reads. I am sure whatever you will choose i will read along. Anyways I'm going to be off to get chinese food, my favorite. Goodnight ladies. All other "Y" chromosome holders as well lol.
Ryan
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 23:12:21 (EDT)
Margarita~ What's WSU? I had numerous fish as a child...I know that guppies are good parents. They're born swimming (not eggs) and are usually eaten by any other fish in the tank other than guppies. Those guppy babies are sooo little!

Hi Ryan! Welcome! I think you'll get a kick out of us "ladies"...Hope to see you around often! And, btw... I think there's plenty of testosterone around here already, but a little more couldn't hurt. ;-)
Saraj
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 22:38:24 (EDT)
Well, if you guys read Summer Sisters, then I will join in on the discussion, even though I won't be reading along with other books; I have read that one several times.
DD got a small fish tank from my sister today and we got 2 small neons, and 2 small "other" fish - I don't know what type they are - dh took her and he got a pair! Hope they don't have babies - the female looks awfully round in the belly.
I can't really chat tonight - have a ton of stuff to do - am making and painting a swiper for pinning a tail on at dd's party Sun. and also a birthday banner, plus homework - only 2 weeks left. Then I get 5 days off, and then start my WSU classes.
Gotta go.
Hugs.
Margarita
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 22:22:49 (EDT)
Melissa~ I was finally able to send you the pics via e-mail, now I hope that you can see them, let me know....And I hope you are feeling better, don't forget to let me know how your doing.....
Fatima
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 21:54:52 (EDT)
Evening all....

Ryan~ LOL....we need some testosterone around here! Welcome!

Angela~ Hey..I got your email. LOL...GO MARANDA! And..Good for you mama!

Tanya ~ I read the synopsis on all three....my first choice I think would be "Book Ends"...second would be "Summer Sisters". I think I would dig all three actually. I love the idea of a book club. I am going to make some "me time" to do this.

Have a good night everyone!
Cherokee
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 20:49:49 (EDT)
Gosh. That is a shame.
angela
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 20:13:16 (EDT)
I'm not into any of those books. (and ofcourse, the time thing) Guess I won't be yakking or voting about these! ;-)
Saraj
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 19:52:46 (EDT)
Hi all!

Ryan~LOL! There are others of the *Y* chromosome club here, and you are MORE than welcome to stay!=)

Ellyn~I thought of Wifey too~Summer Sisters IS pretty good, but not *quite* as racey as Wifey.=)

Tanya~I'll read anything that is chosen. I've read Summer Sisters, and liked it. Also, Confessions of a Shopaholic sounds pretty good too. I'll be happy with anything chosen though!
angela
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 18:38:10 (EDT)
Hello. I have never been to this message board before, but the question caught my eye. I very much enjoyed the first two Harry Potter movies and am looking forward to the third. I do not have any kids of my own but I think I may ake my niece and nephew with me.
How are you ladies today? I hope you are all good and healthy. I have notcied however that this mesage board seems to be only women. So I apologize if I am intruding in your space. If that is the case say the word and I shall be gone.

Ryan
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 18:23:38 (EDT)
Tanya -

I'll read any of your suggestions, but I'll cast a vote for "Summer Sisters". Judy Blume is usually a good read... and I remember how racy "Wifey" seemed after all of her books that I had read as a kid.

Ellyn
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 17:53:56 (EDT)
Tanya, thanks for pulling this book club together. Since you’re looking for input on the three listed books, my vote is for “Summer Sisters” by Judy Blume. I loved her books growing up, and actually within the past few weeks I just re-read her “Tiger Eyes”.

However, I think that “Book Ends” looks good, too. I already read “Confessions of a Shopaholic”, so if that’s chosen, I’ll have done my homework early!

Barb
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 17:09:21 (EDT)
Okay everyone! I put a little thought into the book club and here is what I came up with. Since it is summer, I am sure there are several of us with kids at home now because school is out. We should pick a somewhat easy light hearted read that really does not require too much thinking so we can get through the book in a months time. :) If we decide after the first month that we would like a much deeper book we can try it out.
For now, I am going to throw three books out there and we can take a vote on it and see which one everyone likes. =)

Summer Sisters by Judy Blum
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0440226430/qid=1086291218/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-7562152-7368732?v=glance&s=books


Book Ends by Jane Greene
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0767907817/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/104-7562152-7368732#product-details

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385335482/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/104-7562152-7368732#product-details


I think a months time will be a good time frame so everyone can get through the book. Once we pick the book we will begin reading on June 15th!! :)

Tanya from IParenting
email: tanya@iParenting.com
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 15:36:23 (EDT)
Thanks Barb and Lyne. I know what you're saying, Lyne. The pups were only a day old, though..they were clean and fresh. ;-) And, I figure, the kids swim in the lake..it really smells...the water from our dogs bathing HAS to be cleaner! (Because, the kids HAVE bathed with the older dogs before.)
Saraj
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 14:15:43 (EDT)
saraj... Im a dog lover. Your Labs are gorgeous. They look very well taken care of. But, not to take anything away from how you take care of the animals, taking a bath with you is just gross, sorry. They are great looking dogs tho.
Lyne
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 13:33:39 (EDT)
Saraj, your dogs are so cute! I can never pass up the opportunity to oogle them; thanks for sharing.

Barb
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 13:30:45 (EDT)
DOGGIE WEBSITE UPDATES!

http://www.geocities.com/nalaspups1/

(I stuck some pix up of yesterday at the Lake. :-)

Who are you "......" ?
Saraj
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 13:04:39 (EDT)
"UNEDUCATED" as in not being able to look at the postings and see that it is actually spelled "Ellyn"??? DUHHHHH! LMAO!
****
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 12:53:04 (EDT)
Yes, Ellyn is right. Unschooling is a very individual choice. Basically, unschooling focuses on the real world. Unschoolers don't like the prison-like settings of public schools, the regular testing, or the labels children are given. I learn with my children much of the time. Most of it is hands on. We use the library and the internet often, and we don't have any special curriculum. My oldest is into science and he likes to do experiments. He's reading Chemistry in Context (picked it uo at a rummage sale) which is actually a college book. He teaches ME some things sometimes! He's really into the Ozone Layer and how to protect it these days. It's great to see my kids learn what they WANT to learn. My 7 year old is now a vegetarian. Her choice her idea... and she did it after she did a little reading of her own about slaughter houses and diseases. I could go on. Bottom line, my kids are doing better than I could ever imagine. No worries on my end! :-)
Saraj
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 12:25:15 (EDT)
Um, nooo...I said I didn't have time for MYSELF in the reading department. Regardless, unschooling my children does not mean I read to them all day long. Unschooling is an unconventional way to teach children. It is becoming more known, which makes me quite excited! In fact, I "ran into" a family much like ours in Madison a few weeks ago. We'll be getting together soon.

Oscar~ I will support my children in whatever they want to achieve. This is as unselfish as any parent can be. I don't force religion on them or anything else for that matter. This makes a strong individual. (Do you know this?) My kids have full access to all of the money they earn and choices in where it should go (IRA's, savings, etc.). They also have the choice of whether or not to go to public school. (Now wouldn't most parents PREVENT their children from doing something they themselves disagree with?) My kids are people, with their own ideas and thoughts...I can lead them and love them. Oscar, I'm sorry you are so insecure in your life and yourself that you must pick on mine. It may be better for you for find soneone else to pick on, someone who might actually be effected by what you say. You are only a source of entertainment for me. ;-)
Saraj
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 12:14:16 (EDT)
Yes, and along with what Ellen has stated, it appears the way that uneducated adults themselves "teach" their children so as to not allow them to acheive more than them. It is pure selfishness. But that should not surprise anyone here with the person doing it. I would love to put my child against hers in 10 years and compare IQ's however. You up for it SARAJ? That way we can see what a "success" you have done in "un" educating your children.
Oscar
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 11:36:01 (EDT)
Barb - "Unschooling" is a term that was coined by John Holt, who is a pioneer of sorts in the homeschooling movement. And it has become a form of homeschooling adopted by some families. We're educating our daughter in the public school system, so I'm not any kind of expert on the philosophy behind it. What I know I have picked up from reading. You might try some of these sites if you want to understand it better: www.holtgws.com (John Holt's website); www.unschooling.com ; or www.unschooling.org .

Ellyn
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 11:21:22 (EDT)
I’m so lost as to what all this “unschooling” talk is about. I mean, I’ve seen it mentioned forever, but what does it mean? Is “unschooling” another term for “home-schooled”?

Barb
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 10:58:03 (EDT)
saraj.... I have to agree. You are UN-schooling your children, but you say you dont have time to read to or with them? Doesnt make much sense to me. Dont your kids have to take State Mandated tests and pass them? Just curious.
Lyne
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 10:33:09 (EDT)
SARAJ-Why am I not surprised. You don't read yet you are "un-schooling" your children at home. I would say that is "un" conventional. A teacher who does not read is an ignorant moron...just like you!
Are your dogs inbred? Just curious since you seem to know nothing about anything.
Oscar
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 09:52:20 (EDT)
Margarita, I read about the skybursts over the Puget Sound. Did you happen to see or hear anything?

Good morning, everyone! Isabelle is doing a lot better today. She was her normal self this morning. Her yeast infection doesn’t seem much better yet, but we only got the cream for it last night. In addition to using the cream, her nanny is going to give her yogurt today.

Barb
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 08:46:27 (EDT)
Saraj is right. Little A-Merrick-a is a great place to take kids. It's reasonably priced and it has something for most ages of kids... even the littles. We've had great luck with getting on any ride during the week, but it does get a lot busier on the weekend. If anyone is going to be in the Madison area, you might want to check it out. Their website is www.littleamerricka.com.

Ellyn
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 07:06:24 (EDT)
I am new to this sight and was very interested for my two boys. My o;der son and I both love the Harry Potter books and movies. I do have one question though. How old are you women? To be on a sight like this to chat about our kids and to help eachother out and you get on to gripe about eachother. I don't want to join in on this mess nor do I ever wish to come back to this sight just for this reason.
Skye
email: slittles122399@earthlink.net
Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 00:41:25 (EDT)
Kerri~Will do.=)
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 23:24:36 (EDT)
Yes, reading is important for the psyche, but with four kids and three dogs, it is so hard for me to find time. We went fishing today...took all of the dogs, too. The kids caught numerous fish...also got a few good shots of the dogs for our Lab site. I'll have plenty of time for books when the kids are older. Unless I'm lucky enough to have them and their potential families over every day! :-)
Saraj
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 23:11:55 (EDT)
Hi everyone!
Tanya...do you live in Chicago?
Cherokee...how ya feeling sweetie? :)
Angela...London is the destination this summer. You will have to give me some "must see" places!
Kerri
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 22:59:43 (EDT)
where do i live? why does it matter? and no i did not spit on them when they came back from nam. unlike you people i am not in 40's+ and i dont really care about american history or any of you people. i just find it hilarious that you people come log on everyday just to argue about all your illnesses and your goodness and your greatness. a truely great person doesnt strive for recognition on msg boards. so give up. if you have a problem e-mail me. i find you idiots amusing. hope you guys like this one.
au revoir
amanda
email: scooby_49@hotmail.com
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 22:20:02 (EDT)
Haven't forgotten about you guys-- today has been crazy because the last day of school is tomm. :)
I will list a couple book options tomm. morning and we can disuss which ones we would like to read and iron out the rest of the details.
Until then have a GREAT night!

Ps--- I can't remember who asked-- but we are getting a Cavalier Prince Charles Spanial. :) His name will Wrigley ( as in Wrigley Field--- big Cubs fans here ).

Tanya from IParenting
email: tanya@iParenting.com
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 21:04:46 (EDT)
LH-I wasn't talking to you
Oscar
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 20:06:43 (EDT)
Oscar-
If you have nothing nice to say....say nothing at all
and with THAT said....I have nothing more to say about you
..
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 19:58:53 (EDT)
20 Acres...that might be just enough space between you and the rest of civilized society SARAJ.
Oscar
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 19:43:33 (EDT)
Ellyn~I've read The Thorn Birds, cover to cover, three times! Loved it. Loved the mini-series too.=)
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 19:43:11 (EDT)
Hi all. I'd be interested in sharing thoughts on books, but like Marie, I need a fair amount of time to get them finished these days. Oh for the days when I was right out of college. I was renewing my love for recreational reading (which I had pretty much given up while I was earning my degree) and could read copious amounts in a small time. I remember one cold, rainy November Saturday when I read The Thornbirds cover to cover. Now it takes me at least a month on a large novel. But that's okay... I wouldn't trade that seven-year-old distraction for all the reading time in the world!

Angela -- I did watch MOST of the Reversible Errors mini-series. A friend needed an emergency ride somewhere with 20 minutes left in the show. I guess it's okay, though. That's the part of the book that I'm reading now, so the ending hasn't be ruined! ;-)

Ellyn
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 18:43:43 (EDT)
MELISSA,

Sorry to hear you are still feeling bad,,, I can't even imagine how it feels,, I only know what my sister goes through when she gets them,,even now that she is pg, she'll get them from time to time, unfortunatly she cannot take her regular meds for it only Tylenol, and that really is not strong enough for her....
I wanted to send you the pics I sent Cherokee, but I am having issues with my e-mail, so as soon as get that taken care of I'll send them to you.......hang in there babe, you'll get the cause of your migraines soon, and you can feel just like a teenager again...LOL!!!!!!!!
Fatima
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 17:06:38 (EDT)
Fatima~ Thanks for asking but unfortunately no, I am not feeling any better in fact my head hurts worse today than it did yesterday. I finally got back through to the neurologists office though and they said that the doctor will not do anything until after the MRI of my brain tomorrow, which of course they won't have the results of until Friday morning. So basically I just suffer till then. But again, thanks for asking you are soo sweet.
Melissa
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 15:43:18 (EDT)
CHEROKEE,

thanks for the kuddos!!!! I think so too!! LOL......

MELISSA,

How are you feeling???? any better, I hope......
Fatima
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 14:54:23 (EDT)
Hi Everybody,

Barb~ Ohhh poor Izzy! I hope she starts feeling better soon. I'm not too sure what causes yeast infections but I heard that antibiotics can.

The book club sounds like a great idea. except I'm not sure if I can commit myself to it, unless we had like a month to read it.

Hi's to....Cherokee, Angela , J-mo , Wendy , Lyne , Fatima ,Margarita , and everyone else I may have forgot.
Jen glad to see you posting here again!!!!
Marie
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 14:27:05 (EDT)
Barb~I don't think I DO know what causes them exactly, but I do remember they look so red and ugly! The ointment usually cleared it up in a few days, and worked fast enough that it would look much better just overnight.
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 14:22:41 (EDT)
I hope the yeast infection clears up soon. It looks awful. Do you know what causes them?

Barb
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 13:51:41 (EDT)
Oh Barb~I NEVER thought of yeast! Duh for me! Yep, Maranda AND Mason have both had yeast in their diaper area. Fortunately, the prescription ointment they give you clears it RIGHT up!
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 13:25:47 (EDT)
Well, hubby and Izzy just stopped by my work (needed to get our new insurance cards from me – we just got them)… she has roseola and a yeast infection, the poor girl. Yesterday morning I gave her a bath at about 7:30 a.m., then her doc appointment was for 8:35 a.m. She had a few bumps in her crotch area when I wiped her down from her bath, so I asked the doc to look, and in that hour it had doubled! I was shocked and told him that it had gotten much worse. He said it was a diaper rash (which would’ve been her first) and to put cortisone cream on it, which I did. Then this morning my hubby said it was really bad, so showed the doc again (same guy) and he said it was a yeast infection. My poor baby!

Barb
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 13:21:14 (EDT)
Okay, that is done. Things went a little better than I expected - my gelding hates having his feet trimmed ever since he had an abcess last winter. So, we have to play "make the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy," which takes a lot of time if you are doing it gently and correctly. So... what normally takes 10 - 15 minutes takes a half hour with him. LOL farriers get paid pretty well when you think about it - $60 for an hours work, and it normally would have been only a half hour to 45 minutes work.

Speaking of moving... we are not planning on moving but we got some encouraging news ab out the possibility of buying this place when the probate is over... depending on who ends up with it, that is. 28 acres, with a big creek that meanders through it, the house, although smallish, is in good shape and has gorgeous old windows and glass doors, and the barn is in ok shape - needs new siding - and the creek bank needs to be shored up by the barn - it is eroding and only about a foot and a half away from one corner of the barn. The bridge to the barn needs to be replaced though - it is really rickety - in fact my farrier thinks I am certifiable for using it all the time (I told her to just stay on the high side, but she was still pretty nervous). The property is all fenced and cross fenced, and there is also a forrested area on it.

Barb - yes, I loved the grandfather's autobiography, as well. I felt badly for the mother in that story, though ... weird relationship with her dad and he wasn't all that nice to her. I can't believe that a man wrote those books! ANother book I really liked was Midwives. I think that is what it was called... not sure where it is off hand so I can't check. Another one I can't believe a man wrote.

Well, it is a nice day here, I think dd and I are going to go out and finish weeding the flower beds and I have one side of the house that needs the siding and windows washed. I'll check back in here later ;o).
Margarita
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 13:18:17 (EDT)
Angela~ I know that yall aren't cut off from civilization! LOL I guess I am used to living close to everything....the Wal-Mart, the grocery store and the mall are within like 10 -15 minutes from my front door. It does sound nice though to not have to deal with the loud car steros and traffic...but there is a comfort to me that the town police ride by our house at least once an hour or so...plus since dh is a correctional at our county detention center he knows all the cops....they are forever stopping by for some of my SWEET ICED TEA! LOL I keep a special pitcher made just for them! LOL
Melissa
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 12:50:48 (EDT)
Thanks for the help in keeping vaccines straight, ladies. Without the list in front of me I get confused. I’m anxiously awaiting the news from my hubby. Today’s the first time I ever missed a doc appointment for Izzy. I have my own doc appointment this afternoon that I need to go to, but it still feels weird.

Barb
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 12:26:34 (EDT)
Barb... sorry, I forgot to add this. It could be Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. If she had spots on her feet. Check her hands and in her mouth. You can get a fever with it too, and it can be painful too. Something to consider :)
Lyne
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 12:07:59 (EDT)
Barb...its not Rosiola is it? You did say she had a fever. The Varicella Vaccine is just one shot, one time. But, I have heard of little ones getting the *pox* even tho they had the vaccine, they just didnt get a bad case of them. Look in her armpits and in the creases of her legs. The *pox* like those areas. Behind her ears, and her buttocks. But, it could be a rash from a viral infection too. Good luck :)
Lyne
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 12:05:35 (EDT)
Barb~I *think* you may be thinking of the MMR vaccine(which covers measles)that your baby got at 3 months? Mason got his Varicella vaccine at 15 months at the military hospital in Great Lakes, and Dayton's civillian doctor also waits until 15 months to give the Varicella. It SOUNDS like Izzy might have chicken pox, but maybe she just has hives? Well, if it's chicken pox you will get some nice cuddling/pampering time with the Little Miss. =)
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 12:03:50 (EDT)
Angela, so that sounds like chicken pox to you? Ew. She doesn’t seem itchy, but I think she’s only had part of the vaccine for that (that one comes in parts, doesn’t it… like a shot at 3 months, again at 6, etc.?). Well, chicken pox doesn’t seem SO bad. I’ve already had them (twice!), so if that’s what it is, I’ll have some home-time with her (I love pampering her all day yesterday. Even though she wasn’t 100%, she was still way better than being at work!). Thanks for the input!

Barb
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:55:31 (EDT)
No school today - it is advising day and I am all advised out at that particular school! I need to hurry though, my farrier will be in here in 20 minutes to trim the horses, and I need to have at least one of them haltered when she gets here ;o).

Angela - awwww, cute.

Where has our resident Jepeordy (sp?) champ been?

Shawanda - Hmmmm, we have been asked this many times before. Personally, I don't think we did much different than most parents, it's just dd's thing. We have been told many times that she is very articulate for her age - it seems like when she started talking, she started talking in sentences. FOr example, she will be 3 in a few days, and before Christmas, she was talking in compound sentences. "Yes, I DID see that big snowman, and he is white and has a big hat." I heard that every time we would go to Wal-Mart!! The only thing I can answer to that is we read to her all the time when she was a baby, and still read to her a minimum of 15 minutes a day. We also have made sure to talk to her like a person, not a baby. That's really all I can think of, and like I said, nothing special. In your situation, which I have not had to deal with, I would think telling her that you can't understand her when she whines and cries so would she please use her words to tell you what she wants? And then ignore any thing that doesn't come in words. Of course, if she doesn't know what something is called, that might be very frustrating for her, but if she knows her colors and basic directions (up there, on the counter, etc) at least she can describe it to you. ;oP

Okay, I must go!!
Check in later!
Margarita
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:44:38 (EDT)
Barb~Chicken Pox maybe? Maranda had Roseolla(sp?) and that looked more like a blotchy rash as opposed to spots. The spots on the tummy lead me to think more towards chicken pox, especially if she has had a low grade fever, runny nose, etc...

Oh, what I liked about The Lovely Bones was *heaven* too. For those of you who have not read it, in this book Heaven is whatever YOU would imagine it to be. I guess when I die, I will be transplanted back to the 1800's Midwestern Prairie(I was born in the wrong century I think.) I think in the book, didn't her school have bells that NEVER rang at recess? She was a young girl, so in HER Heaven, recess would never end.
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:34:48 (EDT)
Melissa, yes, I recommend “The Day After Tomorrow”, but as I’ve said, I love stuff about natural disasters. I think that movie got bad reviews, but I rarely listen to reviewers. I wasn’t bored during it, but my sister said that it could’ve been shorter.

Barb
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:34:21 (EDT)
LOL Melissa! We aren't completely cut off from civilization!LOL!=) We frequent the mall and grocery store, but we DO have to drive a few miles. At the same time though, we don't have to deal with traffic, booming car stereos, obnoxious neighbors, etc...we absolutely love it!
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:28:10 (EDT)
Oh, I need all your expert advice! I was home with a sick baby (she’s 13 months) yesterday… she had a fever and was whiny, so I took her to see her doctor, who said she has a virus. He said to just keep an eye on her and bring her back if she’s still fevery by Thursday. Well today my hubby stayed home with her and called and said that she has spots on her arms and stomach.

Yesterday I swore I saw spots on her feet — just tiny red spots, with no bumps — but it was so faint I thought I might be imagining it (I know that may seem like a strange thing to shrug off, but I’m taking prednisone right now and I have some weird side effects from it, including seeing spots). After seeing the spots on her stomach and arms, hubby agreed that she did have spots on her feet, too. The two of them are actually at the doc right this minute, but please share with me your wisdom (seems that most of you have probably been in my position before). It might help to know that a baby in her day care had roseola about two weeks ago, but he was kept out of day care once they realized that’s what it was. Do you think that’s probably what it is?

Barb
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:26:41 (EDT)
Seems there are a lot of people moving lately. We looked at a farm house yesterday with 20 acres. It needed mega work. We don't mind fixer uppers, but this one was too much. It was beautiful land, however. Trout streams, woods...ahhhhh. It'll be great to get out of town. We LOVE the country! Fresh farm eggs, a place to 4-wheel. CAN't WAIT!

Saraj
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:25:24 (EDT)
Barb~Thanks for the well wishes on my headaches. It is a nightmare....I guess I am out of ideas! The movie you saw this weekend..do you recommend it or is it one of those movies you wished you would have waited to rent?
Melissa
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:23:17 (EDT)
Wendy, I hope you’re feeling better and getting plenty of rest!

Kerri, congrats on selling the house! Where are you moving to?

I’m the opposite of you, Cherokee, I love to pack! I guess because packing means I’m going through all my stuff and I can weed out all the crap I don’t need.

I saw “The Day After Tomorrow” this weekend, too. Did you end up seeing it, LH? I liked it. I thought the teen love was lame (the girl’s line, “If you’re warmed up too fast, your heart could fail.” had me rolling my eyes) and the story line was a bit weak, but I really enjoyed watching the natural disasters. Can someone help remind me… I’m drawing a blank: did we ever learn what happened to those researchers in Scotland? I can’t remember if the movie ever cut back to them, and if it did, my memory failure is scaring me! Also, what has that kid (the son) been in before? He looks familiar and his name is familiar to me, but I can’t place him.

J-mo mama, where did you go on your trip?

Lyne, I didn’t realize the Scott Peterson trial started… thanks for the head’s up. I’m going to be following that as well, that bastard! (Yes, I’ve already convicted him!)

Tanya, what kind of puppy are you getting? This may sound insane, but I LOVE puppy breath! You know what I mean… that stinky breath that only lasts a few weeks? I miss it! About the book club, it’s a great idea! I can’t say I’ll always keep up, but I can be sort of a side member and contribute what I can! Keep us all posted!

I love the Harry Potter books, and I’ll hopefully see it this Saturday (I’ll take the 10-year-old that I mentioned being a mentor for). My daughter is only 1-year-old, so she won’t see it for a while. Her first movie, at about three or four months, was “Finding Nemo”. She was good in the theater… ate, slept, watched the movie, but at this age, she wouldn’t last.

I’m currently reading “Jemima J”… don’t know the author. I took the third Harry Potter book on my trip over the weekend (to bone up for the movie) to visit my sister and I finished it, so I asked her for a book that would catch my attention right away on the plane. It’s an OK book so far… an easy read. It’s about an overweight woman in England and how she struggles with eating, socializing and advancing in her career (it’s fiction). I’m only about a third of the way through it.

Margarita, I read “The Lovely Bones” with my book club, too (my club is now defunct!). We’ve talked in great detail about religion on this board, but I wanted to quickly mention that I if there is a heaven, I hope it’s like the heaven in that book. I loved the way each person’s heaven is specific for them… even her dog was there!

Also, I read the two Wally Lamb books, “She’s Come Undone” and “I Know This Much Is True”. They are both very moving books. I even liked the story inside the story of “I Know This…” How did you like that? I’ve heard mixed reviews. (I’m talking about the who was it?… the grandfather?’s trip to America).

Melissa, I’m sorry you’re still plagued with headaches. Best of luck!

Barb
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:19:25 (EDT)
Angela~Baby groundhogs???? That is so cool, I don't think I have ever seen a groundhog...of course I have never had a barn either! LOL I guess it comes with the territory, huh? That is so awesome that you are raising your family out in the country. I wish I could do it...but I think I would go absolutely nuts living in the country. The idea fascinates me and I think it is so awesome, quiet and serene...until I get a craving to shop and then I think "wow...it is an awful long way to the mall and grocery store!" LOL
Melissa
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:12:36 (EDT)
LOL****...Whatever......

Cherokee~Hola mi amiga!! When you are done with your tile, you can come do mine. Hey, we have pup's at our house! We had a *critter* out by our barn that we could not figure out what he was! Well, we finally figured out he was a groundhog this spring...anyhoo, I was outside this morning, and saw what I thought were baby bunnies playing by our barn. When I got closer, four little chubblets stood up on their legs, looked at me, then *poof* they were gone(down into their tunnels under the barn.) They are running around and playing like kittens, but they are the cutest little groundhogs! Jake says Baby Groundhogs are called "pups". Maranda has been wanting another puppy, so Jake told her she's got four little chubby ones out by the barn. She gave us that unamused/blank-I-don't-find-you-funny-look that only girls can do. I don't know that it is a good idea to have litters of groundhogs running aroung our farm, but they sure are a LOT cuter than the litter of possums we had running around LAST year!

Wendy~Get back on vacation!!
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:02:43 (EDT)
I was searching for a place to post with other mothers and found this site. I was posting on another site that was taken over by trolls and I must say it is terrible that some people only go to places like this to cause trouble!

I have two daughters, ages 6 and 11 and I will probably take the older one to see the new Harry Potter movie, but not the younger one as I feel she is still too young! Oh and I don't read much so I haven't read the books! Who has the time? LOL! I will check back for the Book Club info though as I might be interested in trying that!

Have a nice day! :-)
Jennie
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:01:24 (EDT)
angela~ As far as I know, none of my relatives even visit this site. What's up with THAT?

So...tell me more about the "book club" idea. Do we just pick a book and yak about it? Can it be any kind of book? (mostly fiction?) Yikes, I rarely have time for my Aerosmith book. (Steven was such a good looking little lad) ;-)

The kids and I are going to try to make soaps today. Then maybe go on a nature hike. Little America is open now...it's a great little amusement park not too far away. Real cheap and very fun! Not many people know about it, so it's never real busy.

Looks like a great day!

I'll be on tv soon. :-O

It's a local channel.


Saraj
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 10:56:19 (EDT)
Just can't ignore the chance to throw in a few extra digs, can you now? Your baiting of certain posters is so childish! Tanya is doing a good job here trying to sidetrack you silly people into responding in a more mature way! Sheesh! Take the hint people! GROW UP!
****
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 10:50:16 (EDT)
Tanya don't hate me for checking here!! LOL I couldn't help it. :) I wanted to add that I would be really interesting in joining a book club. I love to read!!!! I wish I had more time to do so. Anyhoo around the 15th is good and also a month seems good as long as the book isn't too long (1200 LOL) count me in!!! Ok now I will go back to me being on vacation! Just wanted to let you know that I was interested.
Wendy
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 10:43:34 (EDT)
Tanya, I would be interested in joining a bookclub! I was just telling DH last night after the discussion that I haven't read any books for pleasure lately at all (that didn't have to do with the medical field). I really miss that hobby. That was a hobby I used to spend a lot of time on! I wanted to start one of the books that Margarita or Angela mentioned yesterday - they all looked great. But I will wait until we all decide what to start first. The way my time runs, I doubt I can manage two books at once LOL....

Hi Angela, Wendy, Megan (welcome....I haven't seen you too much lately :0) glad you came back), Margarita, Ellyn, Lyne and Melissa. Hi Fatima ~ I loved the pics you sent me, you guys... her son that just graduated is quite adorable. Fatima herself is one hot mama! :0)

Hi JennyG~Nice to see you! I remember you too! :0) LOL....I'll be joining you over there shortly (KWIM?) About the Babies Board thing, the only thing I ever heard was when that weirdo "Leigh" was posting there, and that they (iparenting) figured out she was also Julia (duh...we all knew that)but once they removed "them" and cleared that up - Shelley was removed as Spokesmom, that it was a nice place to be. Nobody pays (too much) attention to what trolls say anyhow. I mean "Can't take the heat.." what was that? Why SHOULD there be any heat on the Babies Board...it's a Baby Board for crying out loud....shouldn't be any heat. Remove the heat source I say LOL :0)

Shawanda~ I absolutely know what you are talking about. At first Papi and I accomodated her (this was like when she was 2.5-3yrs old). It lasted about 3 three weeks. Anytime she wanted anything she would whine and cry for it. I wouldn't tolerate this after a couple of days, because I knew she could speak and had excellent vocabulary. Joyce won't do it with her friends at school because (A) it doesn't get the reaction she wants from them (B) she knows they don't tolerate it. LOL Little friends just walk away. With Madison, in this order, I immediately told her (1)"Take a deep breath" (2)"Use your words. Tell me what you want so we can talk about it."

Like I said, it only lasted about 3 weeks (also, she did NOT do this at preschool either) :0) It was unnerving and annoying, but once she got it that we wanted to communicate with her and it just wasn't necessary to cry for everything, it improved pretty quickly. Hope it works out!

Did any of you see on the news that little boy (15 months old) who weighs 45 lbs? OMgoodness...he is going to have a tough road ahead of him. Poor little guy.

Anyhoo, better run, the kiddies aren't up yet, so I am taking advantage of my "alone" time mopping the tile. Joy!

Cherokee
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 10:38:57 (EDT)
Angela, I read Lovely Bones and found it to be quite interesting. I loved the difference of it. A friend of mine read it and hated it, thought it was morbid. I did enjoy it though. Annie is well. She is about 23 1/2 pounds and pretty much just a baby. She has no teeth and not crawling yet, but wants to ..third child I am not trying to push it much...LOL..

Tanya- I would love to join a book club. I have never been in one and would love something to feel passion for other than my kids. Let me know what book you decide on and sign me up.

Hello Marie, how are you and my pal Ryan doing this morning?? Just brought Steven to school and now am trying to get things calm down around here. Talk to you later.

Everyone else, have a swell day.
Jen
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:48:11 (EDT)
Tanya~How about a book that is not really *hard work* to read? You know, sometimes books have a story and you have to work at what the *true meaning* is of the book because everything is so symbolic? The books in Oprah's Book Club tend to be that way....they are hard to just sit and enjoy, because they are so *DEEP*. Did THAT make sense? LOL!=)
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:41:24 (EDT)
Marna~The Time Traveller's Wife WAS really good! P.S. I sometimes *sneak a read* in at work too....especially if I need to *decompress* for a few minutes, I'll read a quick chapter. Shhhh....I won't tell if you won't tell.=)

angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:38:39 (EDT)
Sorry about all the Typos in the last post-- trying to do 50 things at once.
Tanya from IParenting
email: tanya@iParenting.com
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:28:16 (EDT)
Morning girls! :) I am so glad that the book club has been a well recieved idea! Today lets iron out some of the details okay?

1.) What kind of book shoudl we pick for the first month?? Funny lighthearted, Serious intense or mystery type? What is your pick?

2.) Pick a Day of the month we start? Such as the 15th of each month?

3.) How long should we allow fo one book? A month--? I know it can someimes be hard to squeeze in reading time with little ones around.
Tanya from IParenting
email: tanya@iParenting.com
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:26:52 (EDT)
I confess that I am a readaholic. My husband and I have read all the Harry Potter books and are huge fans. We've already lined up a sitter for our 1 year old so that we can go see the movie. Recent reads from my book club are The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood which was pretty good and The Time Travelers Wife which I believe is one of my favorite books ever. The author is Audrey Neffeneger(not sure at all of the last name). It looks like a long book but the story was so fascinating that it went fast. I make time to read during work(don't tell!) but also read when I'm nursing and after the baby has gone to bed.
Marna
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:26:38 (EDT)
Shawanda~Maranda did that a lot when she was younger. She *cried* and *pointed* when she wanted something, and did not talk in sentences. I think that because she was our only baby at the time, WE understood her perfectly, and just gave her whatever we knew she wanted. When she started at the CDC then, the childminders could not understand her. We just had to MAKE her use her words...if she wanted juice for example, she could not simply point at the refrigerator. She had to TELL us she wanted juice. Now...she chatters so much, that sometimes we wonder when she is going to *come up for air*! =)
angela
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:22:25 (EDT)
Good morning to Angela, Cherokee, Shawanda, Fatima, Ellyn, Kerri, Margarita, Barb, J-Mo....hope I didn't leave anyone out.

I hope that yall are all having a good morning. I am still suffering the migraine issue...I hope this neurologist can get something figured out soon...I just don't know how much longer I can deal with it. Any prayers on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Tanya~I like the book club idea...where/how can we get that started. I don't read much now but that is only because I guess I don't seek out good books. If someone suggests something and I like the way the plot sounds I am usually all over it.

Lets see for books I am reading now...A Purpose Driven Life. I think it has been the best book I have ever read...It has totally changed my outlook on life!
Melissa
Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 09:09:19 (EDT)