I am for them. They are an important reminder

Important [2008-08-26]
I think it is very important to try to get to the root of your son's problem. He may not have a real handle on what is bothering him (or what happens) either, but there should be someone qualified to help with that. Another thought is to see if those nanny shows are on DVD. It seems they are very smart about handling a lot of the situations with children and families.

Most important part of biking..wear a helmet!. [2008-07-07]
And don't forget about extra foam padding for your handlebars, they make gripping handlebars so much easier. Especially for those of us who might have carpal tunnel problems. And those BIG seats are worth their weight in gold. Also a little first aid kit and a portable tire pump. I have one of those where every time I pump the handle, all the air goes into the tire. My hubby, son, and I bike along the rails to trails here in Michigan, and they are great for learning about shifting gears, figuring out how your bike works and other things that you just can't do in your driveway or on a city street. But above all....HAVE FUN.

You are such an important and beautiful person [2008-05-25]
It sounds like you have done a lot to try to keep this marriage together, but it seems obvious your husband is not interested in that. You need to take care of yourself. Forget about him. If he is not interested in having a relationship with you I would move on. I know it has to be heartbreaking when you love someone so much but they don't return the feelings. If it was me in your shoes I would start making preparation to move closer to family or friends and start a new life for myself. You sound so down on yourself and you need to realize you have done nothing to deserve this. Again, if it was me, I would take some classes that would help feel good about yourself like some cooking, dancing, art or whatever you like to do. I think your closest friends will be your best people to talk to. You said you just want to go home to your mom, dad and brother and be happy again and that is definitely what I would do. I think you know in your heart it will not work out and I am truly sorry you are going through this. I'd say pack up what is yours, and move on back home. Your family can be your greatest ally and strength. They will help you with whatever you are going through. Also remember, there are hundreds of men out there who would be happy to share a wonderful relationship with you. First though I would take care of yourself, learn about yourself, who you are as a person, what your needs and goals are in life and then go for it! You are a beautiful person and you deserve more happiness than what you are going through with him.

VERY IMPORTANT [2008-05-07]
It's very important that you teach your daughter that someone who treats her like this is not a true friend. I have taught my daughter to BE NICE TO EVERYBODY, but you DO NOT have to be everybody's best friend. I have told her what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Help her understand that it is disappointing, but the sooner she accepts that's the way this girl is, the happier she will be. Unfortunately my daughter had to learn the same lesson at that age and I have had to reiterate it to her this year in the 7th grade. It's OKAY to not be best friends with this girl, and that friends should not treat friends this way. It's all about boundaries.

This is very important.. [2008-03-11]
the cat should be an indoor cat ONLY!! It would never survive outside without any claws. I don I let my cat out on my balcony (under supervision) to blow the stink off him but he prefers to be in the house looking out the window.

Good reminder about the two sides SM [2008-02-27]
I it's wrong and there's no two ways around it, although I have to admit that when I have been trying to go in or out of the door without coming under siege by the dogs, my foot has swung- not hard enough to do any damage whatsoever but enough that it clears a path- but my dogs are small and low to the ground so the arm or shoulder that I might use to push past my big dog converts to a foot or a leg to move the little guys. That being said, what I'm hearing as an undercurrent is that you live either in a rural or semi-rural area, and you have decided you want to move to the 'burbs and have convinced the kids that they want to move to the 'burbs, and everybody is nagging at your husband to get them out of the wasteland he calls a home and move them to the civilization of the 'burbs. Much like the rest of the animal kingdom, backing a man into a corner is going to bring about a reaction, and the whole overboard on the hunting thing may be him thumbing his nose at your suburban ideal. Also, there are a lot of people who when they recently get into a new hobby or past-time go just a bit overboard. I myself have about 300 jigsaws down in the basement from when I thought that would be fun (only about 50 of them ever completed). My son has a collection of stuff from his martial arts phase that now sit in the back of his closet. My ex has owner's manuals and extra light bulbs and a million parts for that period when he was restoring his 1950s pickup truck. And I won't even talk about all the crap I have from various crafts I decided I was going to take up at a given time. If you're looking for a reason to dump him and move to the suburbs, I guess his hunting is as good a reason as any. But obviously, at least to me, there are other issues, and I agree that if you want to save this marriage, counseling is the way to go.

Thanks for the reminder Cat! [2008-02-20]
It is a GORGEOUS crystal clear (but freezing!) night here in Maine and the moon is like a spotlight out there lighting up the whole yard! I hope the weather clears out for others as well. I have personally never seen an eclipse because I I actually took a nap today so I could be up for it!

Important to check source before posting/forwarding these types of emails and misinformation [2008-02-19]
Please, actually GO to www.snopes.com and read what they have to say about this negative e-email that has been circulating for months now. Right there at snopes, they debunk/clarify all of these mean-spirited accusations. Specifically about it being factual and verified by snopes, it is NOT verified by them. Below I copied one paragraph from snopes.com but please go there read it in full so that you can hopefully choose not to pass on this Internet e-mail full of misinformation. FROM snopes.com - Variations: One version of the e-mail in circulation claims We were told this was checked out on and includes a link to this web site. It's our guess that whoever included that bit was counting on folks to not check, as our article says the opposite: that the polemic is not factual but rather is false. Me again - Even if you do not care for Barack Obama, surely you do not wish to pass on lies or misinformation and engage in or extend the negative campaigning we all hope to NOT see much of... at least, I hope this is true, especially of people who talk about being Christian. At least open your mind enough to read what Obama has to say about all of this misinformation. Between snopes.com and his own website, then make a decision whether or not to engage in actively passing on misinformation. Snopes is a great place to verify information that comes to all of us in these emails. http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/2007/11/12/obama_has_never_been_a_muslim_1.php http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/2007/11/12/obama_is_a_patriot.php I sure hope all the good hearted folks on here won't flame me for encouraging us all to check things out before we post them or hit that FORWARD button. Peace to ALL.

Time and love is more important than things. [2008-02-14]
I'm sure she would rather you welcome her phone calls than buy her a washer and dryer.

and another thing...I wasn't trying to make myself seem more important sm [2008-02-05]
I was just saying reliable because I knew this stuff could very well be true - nothing to do with me personally. Get a grip - and I know who you are from your name. Shame on you.

IMPORTANT ADDENDUM: Please read (sm) [2007-12-24]
The Xbox 360 console supports only the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter and Xbox Live Compatible wireless-to-Ethernet bridges, routers, and gateways bearing the Xbox Live Compatible logo. If you can not get the Xbox live wireless adapter, You could buy a very long ethernet cord and just plug directly into the router without going wireless.......

You have to confront him. Your health and well being are most important. [2007-12-18]
I believe people know they are gay from a young age. Some might be confused about it, but, by adulthood, they know they are gay. I cannot imagine a straight guy watching gay porn or, worse yet, seeking gay escorts. He's gay.

It's not really as important to me as it is to you. [2007-12-12]
Why don't you take your misdirected anger and put it where it belongs instead of being mean and rude to people on the Internet who have done NOTHING to you!!! Now I remember why I stopped coming to MT Stars and that's because of rude people like YOU.

Reminder to myself... [2007-12-09]
to put that on my list for the store today. Just what I need right now, too, a little egg nog and rum! Thanks for the idea.

I am for them. They are an important reminder [2007-11-19]
Although they are considered areligious symbol, it should not offend atheists to see them on the side of the road. This is America, land of many religions, and how someone wants to honor a loved one that has passed is their business in my opinion. They are free to be atheists and should allow others their freedom as well.

Freedom first and most important [2007-10-01]
My husband has only danced with me ONCE during our entire (more than two-decade) marriage and that was under extreme pressure from his buddies (we were out with a group of friends, mostly couples). I lost my identity for a long time but after YEARS of marriage I am starting to get it back. Baby steps, but little by little...

It's important to know these things [2007-09-26]
You'd know if you hadn't had a BM in 5 days or if you hadn't peed in an entire day. (I'm not suggesting people are writing these things down, I'm just sayin'...) Both might signal that something wasn't right. Periods that are not right in frequency definitely can signal things not right with the body. I think it's a great practice and will do so when my 3 start with their periods. I have PCOS, so I'm a little anal about it, but I so wished someone would have taken notice when I was a teen and showing many signs of it.

Why is the lifestyle more important? [2007-09-24]
He is a me type person. I have a grown daughter just like that. He is only thinking of himself and what he wants. This is the difference in my martial situation- if my husband wanted to move somewhere else I would go with him in a minute, no question. I love my home but I love him more. The statement about the other woman would probably make me feel a little uneasy because I feel if you are saying things like that, how do I know you are not acting on them? I have a cousin spent loads of time hunting, going to all kinds of meetings of things he was involved with, had 2 almost grown sons, left his wife of 30+ years, had met another woman and gave up a paid for 4 bedroom brick home to live with this woman in a trailer� It happens.

Not together I hope.. you could burn something important LOL [2007-08-14]

Thank you for a great reminder. nm [2007-08-10]
!

If you're asking and the love is long gone, it's time. Make copies of all important papers, [2007-07-06]
s

Some important questions [2007-07-06]
Are there people around who can look in on the grandparents and get back with you? If I were unable to get in touch with grandparents, aunts, siblings or the like and had always been able to, I would contact the police to get them to intervene. I would think they could check up just to ease your mind and make sure they are ok. Oh, by the way, you might text or leave message on cousins phones since you are unable to hear from them this is your plan-- It is surprising how putting this out there will get the attention you are wanting. I just recently got some wonderful results from a person not responding to my emails, realtor to be exact- told him what I planned on doing, no need for him to reply, 4th email and that afternoon a phone call and an email. Works wonders!

Health care is important, but.. [2007-07-03]

Anybody see the movie Sicko yet? Important movie! [2007-07-02]
//

Make sure you have copies of all important papers, addresses for mortgage, insurance, etc. [2007-06-02]
s

You are both so kind, and you are right [2008-11-19]
on the mark. Yes, the credit cards are his. He lived off credit cards for several years to support himself and his kids after he and his wife split up. His wife never paid child support and he paid for daycare and everything, so had to pay for extras outside of his salary on credit. Then when I came along I was doing real well as a hospital MT, but had to quit because I was here and he needed me to watch the kids. He did not understand I had a shift like a regular job. So, after several months of my back and forth work and being with the kids, the boss gave me an ultimatum daycare for the kids or I leave my job. I told my DH that my income which was very good at the time was important to me as I have supported myself my whole life including being a single mom. But he would not budge. So, I quit. It has been 3 years and most of our marriage my trying to balance kids (I love them don Next time you get money mommy, GO FOOD SHOPPING. He said that right in front of DH. But, I just know when I do that the gorging goes on. I explained to DH about telling his son about gluttony, but he laughs at me. So, when I see him and his son eat this way, I get grossed out and am not hungry at all. I am sorry to say all this here. I actually just came back from the doc who gives me nerve pills because of my situation and he says I am doing really well coping with the situation. Which he knows what is going on. He is sending me to see a good counselor who he says, will validate me and give me support and confidence. Last time I went to see a counselor she told me to leave. But, my son loves his step sister and brother and so I want to stay. Well, sorry for the soap opera. I think when I start making more money I will get food and tires for my car, etc. but I will hide some food and snacks and siphon it into the general population here. That way they don't get snorted up by certain people. LOL. (And yes, I am putting an emergency fund away. But this is why I wish there was more transcription out there!) Thanks for your kind words and support. Between you and the doc today, it makes me feel I am not alone! :)

I don't think so [2008-11-16]
I don Obviously if it has been bothering you lately, you felt it was something you needed to do. How the other person reacts and if they want to accept the apology, it But maybe the other person needed the closure, even after all those years, you never know. I think it was very nice of you and I give you credit. Some people would have said just forget it, it's not important after all this time.

I do pity you...sm [2008-11-13]
It sucks when you have a parent who has chosen to put other things/people before their children. I donjob and not coming home to see his family for long periods of time. So you kind of feel like why should I feel guilty when he didn't? It is up to you if you want to see him more than the holidays and b-days. My dad has chosen another family over his family. I am 31 years old and my parents divorced this year because my dad was running around. Well according to bank statements he is paying not only the woman's bills but is paying her daughter's car note and her son's electric bill, etc. Anything they want they got it. This woman's kids are in their 20s. I have to work to pay my car note and I am his own daughter. Which I realize it isn't his place anyways. But it is the principal. He has NEVER payed anything for me and I mean NOTHING. He has never given me money at all. My mom has helped me when I needed it but not him. But yet he can give them anything. He doesn't know I have seen those bank statements so he doesn't know what I know. It kind of makes it hard to want to be around him when I know what he does for them and has never done for me or my sister. I kind of know where you are coming from in that I don't specifically care to be around my dad either and sometimes I feel guilty about it. But then again does he feel guilty for what he is doing? Apparently not.

Slightly different perspective. [2008-11-13]
So maybe I shouldn't post about this since I have not exactly been in your shoes but I think possibly I can lend a help perspective. I lost my father to cancer when I was 19. My FIL is an alcoholic. No I didn't grow up in a divorced family or without a father through my childhood and no I haven't experienced my father being an alcoholic. What I feel I can tell you is there is such a thing as being too late to say the things you wanted to say, good or bad. If it does come to that, you will never let it go. He is still your father regardless of the choices he has made in his life. You only have 1 father. After seeing my FIL, I believe alcoholism is an illness. Sure people can fight it and get help if they wan, but it takes a very, very strong person to overcome it and it is a constant battle. From the sounds of your post it seems as though you have some things you need to get off of your chest. Whether that means sitting down and talking to him or putting the past in the past and moving on with any kind of relationship - I think only you can figure that out. Even a relationship that is only on holidays and important events is still a relationship. Who knows, maybe talking to your mom would help her as much as it might help you. It certainly can't be a short conversation, it needs to be thorough to get through the surface feelings and to the nitty gritty. Maybe, just maybe, your mom could shed some light for you on why she has been able to forget the past to a certain extent and move on. If nothing else, this might make you and your mom even closer and it sounds like no one else (professional or otherwise) would understand better than her. With my FIL, we do not stay when he is drunk or starts drinking. The entire family knows we pack up and leave, regardless of the situation. It hurts his feelings sometimes I can tell, but he knows the circumstances and we have small children that we will not subject to that. It was difficult at first but over the years it is just the way it is and no one says a word anymore and respects where we are coming from.

One more link from CDC.... [2008-11-12]
Here I clicked on Gardasil Vaccine Reports on the CDC website. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaers/FDA_and_CDC_Statement.htm Information from FDA and CDCon Gardasil and its Safety July 22, 2008 Gardasil was tested in over 11,000 women in the United States and around the world, and found to be safe and effective in preventing serious HPV-related diseases. These studies showed that in women who have never been infected by HPV types 6, 11, 16 or 18, the vaccine is highly effective, both in preventing precancerous lesions that often develop into cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, and in preventing genital warts often caused by these HPV types. This vaccine is an important cervical cancer prevention tool that will potentially benefit the health of millions of women. Every year, about 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and almost 4,000 die from this disease in the United States. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, causing an estimated 470,000 new cases and 233,000 deaths per year. Summary Based on the review of available information by FDA and CDC, Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks. CDC has not changed its recommendations for use of Gardasil. FDA has not made any changes to the prescribing information for how the vaccine is used or to the vaccine�s Precautions. In addition, FDA routinely reviews manufacturing information, and has not identified any issues affecting the safety, purity and potency of Gardasil.

That stinks. [2008-11-10]
I'd be mad too. I know my friend's who text and those who don't. I also know some of my friends use their cell for everything and others only for emergency. I would call them according to their preference. If we were all in the same hotel, I wouldn't think of a cell phone but would think of the room phones and/or knocking on the door if you were in the same hallway. Personally, I think its rude to be tied to a cell phone when you are with other people. Everyone knows that if I am busy (that means even just eating dinner at home with my family) I do not answer a cell phone. If its important they will leave a message or call back. If I get 2 calls back to back, I will answer. I think it's disrespectful. Unless of course you have kids but even so my kids would know not to call me to ask where the peanut butter is while I'm out with a friend or at work. It better be a real emergency. With all that said, I think this is becoming a problem in society in general, not just your group of friends. I went to dinner with several friends recently and they all had their cell phones out. One was taking calls and/or calling those who were missing to see where they were. I was the only one who apparently turned their ringer completely off and left it in my pocket. When I excused myself to the bathroom I checked to see if I had any messages, otherwise things can certainly wait 30 minutes to an hour.

Pit bull or not he is a loving dog ...sm [2008-11-09]
who has never attacked and I honestly with all my heart know he would never hurt me. I believe in all honesty he would die to protect me to make sure I wasn't harmed if that is what it took. I know some pits have attacked owners and I believe these were either unstable dogs or abused or provoked. My dog has a respect for me also. He knows I am the boss and when I take a firm tone and let him know I am not happy with him he just bows his head and lays down. I didn't set out to own a pit bull he kind of fell into my lap you could say and I fell in love with him and he with me. I rocked him as a baby and nurtured him and he loves me with everything in him and I love him the same. My ownership of him just happened unexpectedly and I am so grateful it did. When I am sad he licks my tears and is so loving. I know other breeds are capable of this but CJ just happens to be a pitbull. I dont care. His breed is not important. It is the love in his heart. What is inside him. I don't judge a dog for what they are but who they are.

Why, no matter how carefully [2008-11-03]
I plan my list, do I always forget one very important item at the grocery store?

I know your pain! [2008-10-30]
I went through the same type of thing years ago. I remember after a repeated battles with them, I saw a segment on the local news (talking about the outbreak) and that it's important not to make a big deal about it (so the kids don't think it's so bad). I remember thinking ... right, you go through this crap over and over and then say not to make a big deal about it!! Anyway, I saw on the show The Doctors that mayo works, but I see you already know about that. I don't know any other good tricks but know people who have cut their girls' hair very short to make the whole process easier. Maybe you could make sure you kids wear something on their heads on the bus as a barrier. Also, I know sometimes at school for young ones who hang coats near each other, they will have them put garbage bags over their coats. One time when my kids got them, I also got them, and they got really bad before I realized why I was itching in my occiput so badly at night. Eeeew! My husband never got them (figures). :)

The Stink in Farts Controls Blood Pressure... [2008-10-30]
Amelia TomasLiveScience StaffLiveScience.com amelia Tomaslivescience Stafflivescience.com � Thu Oct 23, 3:21 pm ET A smelly rotten-egg gas in farts controls blood pressure in mice, a new study finds. The unpleasant aroma of the gas, called hydrogen sulfide (H2S), can be a little too familiar, as it is expelled by bacteria living in the human colon and eventually makes its way, well, out. The new research found that cells lining miceno doubt produced in cells lining human blood vessels too, the researchers said. Now that we know hydrogen sulfide said Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Solomon H. Snyder, M.D., a co-author of the study detailed in the Oct. 24th issue of the journal Science. Snyder and his colleagues compared normal mice to mice that were missing a gene for an enzyme known as CSE, long suspected as being responsible for making hydrogen sulfide. As they measured hydrogen sulfide levels taken from tissues of the CSE-deficient mice, the scientists found that the gas was depleted in the cardiovascular systems of the altered mice. By contrast, normal mice had higher levels of the gas, thereby showing that hydrogen sulfide is naturally made by mammalian tissues using CSE. Next, the mice were subjected to higher blood pressures comparable to serious hypertension in humans. Scientists had them respond to a chemical called methacholine that relaxes normal blood vessels. The blood vessels of the CSE-lacking mice hardly relaxed, indicating that hydrogen sulfide is a huge contender for regulating blood pressure. Hydrogen sulfide is the most recently discovered member of a family of gasotransmitters, small molecules inside our bodies with important physiological functions. This study is the first to reveal that the CSE enzyme that triggers hydrogen sulfide is activated itself in the same way as other enzymes when they trigger their respective gasotransmitter, such as a nitric oxide-forming enzyme that also regulates blood pressure, Dr. Snyder said. Because gasotransmitters are common in mammals all over the evolutionary tree, these findings on the importance of hydrogen sulfide are thought to have broad applications to human diseases, such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The research was supported by grants from the U.S. Public Health Service and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research as well as a Research Scientist Award.

Something nice my DD said to me last night sm [2008-10-29]
She is away at college and out of the blue, my IM flashed and this is what she said: I just wanted to tell you that I am very grateful to have a mother like you. I have heard about other mothers and read in books and none of their moms listen to them like you do for me. you try to understand me and usually do. you don't tell me what to do, you make suggestions. you don�t treat me like a child and you are just awesome. I know that when I make a mistake it is not the end of the world for you and that is so important to me. You are always there for me when i need and even when I don�t. Thank you so much for being the mother that you are. You mean so much to me and I would never trade you for anyone else. I love you mom. I IMd back: OMG I don't know what to say. You know, you bring out the best in me. She said: No mom, YOU bring out the best in ME. Thank you.

holiday quandry [2008-10-29]
I toothink it would be good for everyone to come to your home, as this is your first Christmas as husband and wife - this is very important to the two of you and family should respect that.

Some insight [2008-10-25]
The information provided about the time-consuming paperwork, etc. probably should be a hint to the rest of us that those people who choose that way of life rather than work have reasons other than laziness for living that way. Kind of reinforces in my mind that our society needs to do so many things differently and realize there are even more important things to be taught than math, reading, and science. Bless you for having to raise 6 kids! :)

For your future and that of your kids [2008-10-24]
You may not think so, but you've got a lot of things going for you, the most important being that you realize you need to do something. Short term: You've gotten great advice about making small changes, like exercising, losing weight, etc. Go for it. Long term: YouThe journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step? Take that step and you will be surprised what you can do.

Think it through sm [2008-10-24]
This profession can be very depressing, you can feel so isolated, sit too long which makes you gain weight, have health problems, etc. It is demanding, overhelming, andnot to mention these days, very demeaning and a lot more negative stuff. We are greatly misunderstood. No one knows but us what we put up with. You have to get yourself feeling better about you before you make any decisions. This economy has everyone down because it looks so bleak. In divorce everyone loses, you, the husband, the kids. Self-esteem is very important. I donschools in your area which teach massage, hair dressing,dental hygiene, etc., these people will see you as a client at almost no cost to you. You could get a massage, a new haircut, or have your teeth cleaned for zilch.I found when I got down, I would get myself a manicure at Wal-Mart for $12.00 and if I couldnSupercuts for a quick cut and go home and set my hair myself. (Regis Salons - Google them) owns many of these places, the fancy ones in the mall, along with the walk-in el-cheapo franchises). Do all you can to uplift yourself which is hard with the hours and demands you have to put up with donWhen you have had a personal and spiritual (just say a prayer is all) makeover, your self-esteem will start to return and then you can probably have a talk with the hub about how lonely and rejected you feel and how you feel you are being ignored and lonely. Dondepressed because my husband throws a fit when I use that word. Many times I felt like you as my husband worked over 12 hour days, ate, went to bed, etc., and everything was left to me to handle. I almost felt as if he were avoiding being home. However, we have stuck together, my kids did well (I think because they were not from a broken home) and to tell the truth, Iflame you and if it doesnComes the Dawn and I try to live by it, Google it and print it out. My very, very best to you. Perhaps the prayer board can help. I do not claim to be religious, but I do believe in miracles!!.You are worth it, feel better about yourself, we love you and if no one else has told you that today, we will!! We are the brain behind the machine, not the machine.

Think it through sm [2008-10-24]
This profession can be very depressing, you can feel so isolated, sit too long which makes you gain weight, have health problems, etc. It is demanding, overhelming, andnot to mention these days, very demeaning and a lot more negative stuff. We are greatly misunderstood. No one knows but us what we put up with. You have to get yourself feeling better about you before you make any decisions. This economy has everyone down because it looks so bleak. In divorce everyone loses, you, the husband, the kids. Self-esteem is very important. I donschools in your area which teach massage, hair dressing,dental hygiene, etc., these people will see you as a client at almost no cost to you. You could get a massage, a new haircut, or have your teeth cleaned for zilch.I found when I got down, I would get myself a manicure at Wal-Mart for $12.00 and if I couldnSupercuts for a quick cut and go home and set my hair myself. (Regis Salons - Google them) owns many of these places, the fancy ones in the mall, along with the walk-in el-cheapo franchises). Do all you can to uplift yourself which is hard with the hours and demands you have to put up with donWhen you have had a personal and spiritual (just say a prayer is all) makeover, your self-esteem will start to return and then you can probably have a talk with the hub about how lonely and rejected you feel and how you feel you are being ignored and lonely. Dondepressed because my husband throws a fit when I use that word. Many times I felt like you as my husband worked over 12 hour days, ate, went to bed, etc., and everything was left to me to handle. I almost felt as if he were avoiding being home. However, we have stuck together, my kids did well (I think because they were not from a broken home) and to tell the truth, Iflame you and if it doesnComes the Dawn and I try to live by it, Google it and print it out. My very, very best to you. Perhaps the prayer board can help. I do not claim to be religious, but I do believe in miracles!!.You are worth it, feel better about yourself, we love you and if no one else has told you that today, we will!! We are the brain behind the machine, not the machine.

Thanks for your support sm [2008-10-21]
The subject just hit a nerve and I think this girl has a legitimate complaint and her Mom needs help.I just hate my new situation, all brought on by switching churches and thatI love them so much and I think my DIL just needs to lighten up with her new church who are very anti-Catholic. I truly never talk about religion or any private matters, just get down on the floor and get busy playing. There is really no comparison tothe OPsituation, I wouldn't tolerate that either. Sounds like her mom is taking the Bible out of context - a lot of that going around these days!! God would be very upset with it all - family is so important, I can't stand that a church family has taken the place of the biological family. Nobody wins, everybody loses. The original poster has my heartfelt sympathy, that's no way to talk to kids, they are blank slates and we shouldn't fill them up with nonsense in their little brains. Sorry for the raw edges, sensitive lately.

mine are not that age yet [2008-10-20]
thought about what i would do should that happen... i did it when i was young and i made some very poor choices during the time i smoked. though that's not happened yet, should it happen, i believe i would try to be with my kids as much as i possibly could. i would take them to school, i would pick them up, if they have a school function, guess what? mom's going too. you know, when i was younger and did that, my parents DID have a clue... they may have wanted to act all naive but they KNEW.. and as ticked off at them as i would have been had they ever confronted me about it, i look back and truly wish they had and maybe shown some tough love. i think your son's father may be going overboard with wanting to kick him out. the most important thing is, regardless of how you decide to deal with this, is to let him know how much you love him. bottom line is, if you didn't love him, you wouldn't care what he does.

how I spent my Monday morning...sm [2008-10-17]
Just wanted to say how much I missed this community while I was away...take a look at the picture I

So that's why they can't read and write!! Now I know [2008-10-16]
Instead of teaching them the fundamentals, it is more important for our schools to teach them to be tolerant, and to love. That will get them a good paycheck, What was I thinking! Guess I was dreaming when I heard about the separation of church and state.

The word we should be using here is [2008-10-16]
God teaches us to be accountable one to another. Christians are also accountable to one another. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, we read that Christians are all part of the same body - the body of Christ - and each member needs or belongs to the other. This Scripture suggests the importance of strong accountability between Believers. It is important for every Believer to have at least one other person in which to confide, pray with, listen to, and encourage. Galatians 6:1-2 gives a helpful principle, Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other If your accountability friend has done something contrary to the Bible, you are called to confront him gently, forgive him, and comfort him. It also admonishes you to consider yourself because no one is above temptation.

Hey [2008-10-09]
Well first off I don't think you're being ridiculous, I think that she is more than a little spoiled. But let me say from a stepchild's point of view, that she is probably just as jealous of you as you are of her! This is a tricky case to deal with, as if you seem like you are against her, then he might become against you, but if you give in to her in every instance, then she will learn really quickly to walk all over you. I donsteal my daddy she was a drunk and a little crazy and ended their relationship with it's either me or the kids! BTW...don't do that! :) ) but I love my step dad. Plus I was a lot older when my mom and step dad got married. I would say try to sit down and talk with him when she isn't around and when you aren't angry and he isn't angry. Wait until a neutral time, when he isn't just coming in from work or on his way out the door or, as I tend to do, at midnight when your lying in bed and it's bugging you but he's half asleep! Good luck, I hope it works out for you! It's not fair to you at all, but just remember this little girl has to deal with figuring out where to place you in her mind. She knows your not mommy but she knows your important to her dad, and at that age I think its sometimes hard for them to comprehend. Hope this helped a little!

Both of my sons are in college now. [2008-10-06]
It's very easy to become overwhelmed quickly during the search. My husband and I approached the process a little differently. We didn't do anything like the other parents and high school juniors/seniors were doing. We did pretty much... well nothing. We let our kids lead in the process. We didn't even look at the applications unless our sons asked us to. We felt that our job was to guide them and to keep them from getting caught up in the college search mania that seems to grip everyone during those last two years in high school. My husband and I went to the same, very large university (Temple U). Back all those years ago, it just seemed that there wasncollege experience for us was living at home and going to school. College was more of a practical work-and-study experience for us. And we received very good educations. Fast forward to our own children. We told both of our sons that they should think of their college experience as the preliminary work for their careers. They didnexperience. Our oldest son was not quite sure what he wanted to do, so he wisely chose to spend a year at the local community college. We were thrilled! It cost us less than his high school tuition! He checked out different options and settled on a meteorology major. With that decided, he discovered that there was only one school that we could afford and that had a great program. He applied, was accepted, and his community college credits transferred. He is now a junior. Our younger son wants to be an engineer, though heoptions and fits. Why such a long post that seems a bit off-topic? Well, because I see so many people stress over this decision. It really isn't the end of the world. It's four short years of a person's life. They're important years, to be sure. But they don't have to be make or break years. Most college students will change majors at some point, many will transfer to other schools. These decisions can be re-made later on. You are in the market for a product, just as if you were shopping for a car or other big ticket item. Try to keep calm about it so that your student doesn't pick up on the stress. It is stressful, but if you keep it all in perspective, the stress doesn't have to feel so overwhelming. And for the short answer: We liked visiting the schools at open house to get a general feel for the place. At that point you can usually tell if the school is a viable option or not. If not, no reason to revisit. If yes, then visit again and make an appointment for a personal tour and/or interview. Don't worry! You'll survive!

Something is amiss with husband [2008-10-06]
Been married over 10 years. Over the past year he has changed. He is in his mid 40s, active, excellent health. In the past year I would say that about 90% of the time he just does not listen to me. I end up repeating thoughts/sentences up to 3 times within about a 4 minute time span and then I say I I Then he gets angry and is already quite aggressive and bullying at his baseline. Other women laugh and say, well, that But this is quite serious as sometimes it has major consequences like he doesn He is disrespectful in other ways too. My question is, WHAT can I possibly do to make him start listening. I have thought of just not talking at all for about 3 days but that is impossible in a busy household. I have tried saying from now on I am only to tell you things once and that Doesn Please help -- any suggestions?

Is he hard of hearing? [2008-10-06]
I ask that seriously because my husband has the same problem, that and he has so many other things going through his head and for whatever reason the things I tell him seem to be the least important to remember! Could you get a bulletin board and tack notes up on it with what he needs to remember, send him emails etc. I send my husband a lot of emails as he works nights and that is the easiest way to remind him!