Sons in Military Thank You

We only buy for our two sons, and they are older. [2008-11-19]
The youngest (18) wants a decent digital camera, so I think about $250 to $300 range plus some stocking stuffers. Oldest son is easily pleased. HeIndiana Jones style hat, and a book so far. We may round out his gifts with cash, since he's a starving college student. Husband and I do not exchange gifts. My birthday is the day after Christmas, and that is just dinner out for the two of us. Our 24th anniversary is in January, and I already know that I want to get him an iPod. His 50th birthday is in April, and I would love to have a party for him. I'm definitely saving up for that, but it will be a relaxed party. While are Christmas will be fairly simple, looking ahead, I'm trying to budget for some other things.

My sons are 18 and 20. [2008-11-04]
One lives at college and the other is living at home while attending college. When they were both at home and under 18 I had the same rules as you, basically. During the week, except for their activity obligations of school, sports, scouts, they didnhang out time. It did help that their high school was in the next county, and most of their school friends lived some distance away. When girlfriends came along, life was a little different. My oldest dated a girl who lived down the street. My youngest dated a girl who lived a good 30-minute drive away. Lucky for me, their parents had the same rules for hanging out. It was pretty much weekends only. My boys accepted it all in stride. But I have to say that I've been pretty strict about their attitude all of their lives. Since they first began to speak, they learned not to give attitude to their parents. In return, we always treated them with respect. The few times that they did raise their voices as teenagers, our conversation came to an end, and their requests were denied with no chance for a reversal of that decision. Worked nicely. But, again, I have to say we were very lucky in that most of their friends weren't right in our neighborhood and their girlfriends had the same rules. The payoff is that now as responsible young adults, they've developed a good work ethic. Even my son living at college does well managing his free time, and will be an RA in his dorm next year, partly because he's shown maturity and isn't goofing off at college. (And I'm glad not to have to pay all of the room and board! Hooray!)

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!

military school? it worked for a guy i know. nm [2008-08-26]
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18 ONLY if they are in the military [2008-08-19]
xx

Military [2008-08-05]
Well, I was in the military, and that is one of the big reasons I chose to get out! I got out in 94, so I'm not exactly sure what has changed, but here goes... First, my mouth dropped open when I read your post! I have a 14 and 7 year old and can't imagine leaving them, sick or not! But a 3-month-old baby! When I was in, it used to be if you got pregnant, you had the choice of being discharged. Last I knew, you could request a hardship discharge, based on the circumstances of the baby being in the hospital, preemie, etc. But here's the catcher to all this...it IS the military! If they don't want to let you out, they don't have to! They can do anything they feel like! That's what is BS! Sorry, this mom should NOT be going anywhere, let alone Iraq, with her baby in this state! Wow! Okay now you got me going!

My sons have been in Scouts for some time now...sm [2008-07-03]
My youngest (11 years old) was in Cub Scouts for about 3 years and crossed over into a newly chartered troop. My oldest son (17 years old) joined the troop also, mostly out of necessity (we needed his warm body in order to have enough boys to charter). My youngest loves it and my oldest is kind of lukewarm about it. I have also been a leader at the pack, troop, district and council level for over 4 years now. We are basically a scouting family and love it. With that said, however, I will say that scouting is not for everyone, and everyone does not get out of scouting what is there for them to learn simply because everyone is not interested in learning those things or because of poor leadership within the scouting unit. In your case, it sounds to me as if the latter may be true. You didn't say how old your son is or how long he has been in scouting, but it sounds to me like he has a very poor leader if he makes them camp this way. Some overly self-glorified scout leaders try to turn scouting into junior Army training which is not what it is meant to be. If there is another pack or troop in the area, you might consider changing and see if that improves his scouting experience by a new leader and better camping conditions. When we camp, each boy has his own tent (can be bought at Walmart for about $15) and we always have a campfire in a designated fire ring that burns pretty much all night. Each boy is safely enclosed in his own tent that zips up which greatly reduces the chances of spiders, snakes, bugs, etc. Of course the boys have to be trained to keep their tent flaps zipped closed at all times so that nothing gets in. My advice from a scouter's viewpoint is to talk to your son and then you and your son and husband talk to the scout leader and see what can be done to improve the scouting experience for your son as well as the other boys in the unit. If the leader does not want to chanage his ways to more closely follow the scouting ideals, then find another troop or pack to join. Sounds like there is a LOT of room for improvement here. Here is a link that may help, too. http://netcommish.com/askandy.asp

military appreciation [2008-05-07]
Can he send a letter to a deployed soldier and write about doing that for school? When my husband was in Iraq, he loved getting mail from kids. Also, he could look up different occupations they do, such as Seabees help rebuild war torn countries. They also built a bridge in Maine to help the sea life. Let me know, I can email articles.

military appreciation?? [2008-05-06]
I the subject is military appreciation. I can't think of anything they do for us other than fight for our country/rights and help out in times of need (such as in Katrina) anybody have any ideas?

yes her husband is in the military. [2008-04-24]
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LOL! Love it! Thanks. I'll be using this on my 3 sons! nm [2007-11-29]
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Happy Thanksgiving & we thank our military! (sm) [2007-11-19]
http://www.sgtstrader.org/msg/2006tdm1.html You will have to cut and paste this link I guess - it is worth it - very beautiful and touching!

Military wife with a suggestion [2007-11-18]
Beef jerky is a great gift and Jolly Ranchers. My husband is very popular at mail call time.

My sons both learned that lesson the hard way [2007-10-23]
One had 1200 text messages in a month (I pay for 300) and the other did the same download thing. I wish there was some way you could block their phones after a certain amount of $$. Needless to say, both had a nice chunk of money to pay mom back.

Prayers for your sons and all our soldiers! nm [2007-10-16]
!

Sons in Military - Thank You [2007-10-16]
Thanks, next time I hear from either one of my children, I'll ask them about this. I wonder why the military just doesn't supply them with it ????? Thanks so much.

Mary, I offer my prayers for the safety of your sons. SM [2007-10-16]
I thought brothers could not be in battle zones at the same time. Did they choose to?

She needs her keester booted into the military! [2007-09-15]
Let them apply that tough love and discipline and she can even get herself an education, food, medical care,and housing.

I understand your fear! I have three sons between [2007-08-30]
17 and 20 years old. Now and then they talk about enlisting, and of course I worry about the draft. For selfish reasons, I want them always to stay close to home, where it seems to be safe. But it's a very high calling to serve one's country, and I would support that decision if my sons decided upon it. If the draft were brought back, I'd be terrified. I do not support this war. I don't think it was the right thing to do. But I do support the people who serve and respect their decisions and am incredibly grateful to them for their sacrifices. I will also continue to support them by doing whatever I can, small though it may be, to help bring them home AND keep peace for us all. I wish it were a simple thing. As for our children, the fact is, once they are 18, they can make the decision to join without our consent. Talk to each other, love her and appreciate her. If she decides to serve her country, you do not want to part in anger, and trust me, you will want to support her in any way you can.

Was that supervisor in the military or something? [2007-07-29]
One day you should have all plotted together and when she came in the room, jumped up and saluted. ROFL I had a barium enema quite a while ago and my splenic flexure goes up really high and then twists. Sometimes gas will get stuck in there and it will hurt like the dickens. I'm glad I had the BE, though, because I know what it is and that it will pass in a little while. If it didn't, I would be at the urgent care pronto.

Either the bank or Military Surplus store. [2007-07-26]
There would be only two reasons for me to run away from my home. One reason would be voluntarily, as in winning the lottery--hence the bank. The other would also be voluntary but there would be retribution involved--hence the Military Surplus store.

A military man shot his wife [2007-07-15]
This man was our sonfun guy to be around, always smiling, always happy. But now, this and I can't get over the sick feeling in my stomach. He is on the run, of course. He left behind his little boy, with no mother and now no father. Temporary insanity?????

Please remember our military today! [2007-07-04]
Happy 4th to everyone! Please just take a minute today to remember all of our wonderful, brave men and women who have fought to make this day possible. This is not just another holiday to get time and a half, or just another day to complain about no work, bad hours, etc. This is a day to celebrate our freedom, the freedom that is made possible by every member of our military!! Please remember them in your prayers today.

If I had a child in the military now, [2007-02-02]
sorry but probably would do as a lot of families did for Vietnam war and that was to head for the border, namely Canada. I thought if gay in the military, supposed to try and keep it quiet?? These to me are ever bit as bad as protesting at funeral of AIDS patients. You have some really sick people in this world to do things like this and please, like you, I don't want to get started on the other folks president in Washington.

Same here - military fixed him tho [2007-01-18]
His pants were hanging down really low and I had asked him a million times to just pull them up a little bit. He wouldn't do it. Went to the recruiter's office with him and his recruiter met us out in the foyer between all the military offices. Son reached out to shake his hand and the recruiter instead reached over and jerked his pants down. Didn't say one word. Turned around walked into his office. Son pulled his pants up to where they should have been. The recruiter then comes right back out, says hello, and shakes his hand. Son never wore his pants like that again and, yes, he still enlisted. :)

This is what thanksgiving is all about...a must read [2008-11-28]
At turkey time last year, Monique White was unemployed, living in a cramped motel room and pining for the Thanksgivings of her childhood, when dozens of people would gather for a holiday feast. Today a receptionist at a dentist's office, she has a townhouse in Littleton, Colo. And, thanks to an Internet posting, a list of Thanksgiving dinner guests � strangers all � who will help her eat nine turkeys, four hams, 16 boxes of stuffing and a dozen or so pies. How did this happen? White, 36, was feeling a bit lonesome a week ago; her two sons were planning to spend the holiday with their father. And though her longtime partner, Doug White, would be there for her on Thanksgiving, she longed to be surrounded by many more people. So she posted invitations on Craigslist, the Internet classifieds site. In part, one read: Maybe you are someone who is new in town and doesn She figured four folks, maybe five would answer. But then the replies poured in: People laid off from work. People with no family. People ashamed to bring their children to a Thanksgiving dinner at a soup kitchen. I thought: There White says. In all, 32 people are expected for dinner. When White's boss heard what she was doing, he offered to pay for the food. Then a local hotel offered to provide tables and chairs. Then a professional magician said he would like to perform for the kids. Certainly a far cry from Thanksgiving 2007, White says. Last year it was just us two. It was horrible. Doug White has been busy baking turkeys, putting one in the oven as soon as another comes out. People need to stop being so worried about me, me, me, my bills, my life, he says. You stop worrying, and look what happens?

As women, I think we all tend to have issues with our MILs... [2008-11-26]
No one is ever good enough for their sons, kind of thing--lol

Hanging out at your house is a good thing [2008-11-26]
as long as you are there. My house became the hang out house, and it was hard, especially when I was trying to get my work done. But I knew where they were and could step in and keep things under control when necessary. I donrule of 16 which meant my sons could not date until they were 16 years old. Boys don't really seem to fight this so much. My oldest didn't have a steady girlfriend until he was 18. My youngest was 17 when he first started dating. I also had problems with some of their friends being just plain rude. They'd swear, never say please or thank you, and just generally act like snotty brats at times. That wasn't a problem for me. I corrected them and taught them manners. I used humor, which again boys seem to respond to. Usually, when we had girls over who acted that way, the boys were quick to correct them, and I didn't have to step in myself. As far as going out, my boys did go out to hang at the local pizza parlor in mixed groups when they were 13. I never had a problem, but they were held to time limits. I think itYou know, I Good luck!

Wow! Was a nerve hit??? [2008-11-24]
I didnLeave it to Beaver. That's just not the case. By the end of the 1960s and into the 1970s the pendulum had started to swing so far toward women having careers that we were often belittled for choosing to be home with the children. Remember Hillary Clinton's cookie baking comment during her husband's first campaign? In fact, stay-at-home moms were the norm for only one brief period in our history right after WW II in the post war boom times. There was a pretty awful recession in the 1970s, and I remember gas rationing and long lines at the pumps. My mother had to work two jobs, and my father, who was in construction, was often one of the first to feel economic ups and downs in his paycheck. But we had dinner together every night at the kitchen table. Before the stay-at-home mothers of 1950's t.v. fame, most mothers worked. They had to. Only the very privileged stayed home and waited for Ward Cleaver to come home from the office. My grandmother, who lived to be 94, God bless her soul, was born in 1908. Her mother died during the great Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. My grandmother was the eldest of four children, and at the age of 10 she became the woman of the house. She stopped going to school so that she could cook and clean and took care of her father and siblings. And no one thought that was wrong. It was expected because there really weren't any government social services -- no welfare, no foster care. Eventually, when her father's depression over the loss of his wife became so great that he couldn't manage to bring home an income, people in the neighborhood just took over. The two eldest children went to live with other families. The two youngest went to an orphanage. My grandmother's father just drifted away and his children never saw him again. My grandmother married at age 20 and had four children during the depression. Talk about having it hard. When I was a young mother trying to make ends meet and I'd cry to my grandmother, she brought me around to reality. She told me what it was like for her to raise children during that time. Many a night she cried over whether or not she could even feed her children or if they would have a roof over their heads. And she wasn't alone. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, was in the same boat. The Great Depression was enormous. She and my grandfather worked wherever and whenever they could. They brought home a dollar or two at a time and fed their children buttermilk and potatoes. They didn't sleep, they worried all the time. Today, my grandmother's washboard hangs in my kitchen on the wall next to my dishwasher. It reminds me that I have no right to ever say that things are harder on us today. They aren't. Generally speaking, most Americans have so many more advantages, choices and opportunities than those who came before us. Yet many in my generation and the one or two generations behind me are just whiners and crybabies who don't think about the big picture. They even dare to say they have a harder time as parents today. Please. Not even close! Every generation seems to believe that, but just a short trip through a history book proves otherwise. I'm not that very old. But I've raised my children and I raised them well. I know what it takes to do that. It takes self-discipline, sacrifice and consistency. And you know what? That's exhausting. Parents today are tired. So what? All parents are tired. Offer it up, as the old nuns used to say. The kids have homework an hour a night. So what? They should have homework, and parents should make sure that it gets done, because education is important. There are parent-teacher meetings to attend, coaches association meetings, scout meetings, dance lessons, school recitals, etc. etc. etc. So what? Balance it out, quit what can't be done, do what can. Work because you have to. The kids have to be fed. It's still easier than it was a generation ago, two generations ago, three and on and on. We're parents to young ones for only a short time. Which reminds me, let's not forget about birth control. Most of us have 2-point-whatever children these days. I'm the youngest of 7. Most of the families in my neighborhood when I was growing up had 4 or more children. Today women can choose to have as many or as few children as they want. That means that we parent for far fewer years than the generations before us. I'm done with day-to-day parenting after just 20 years, and in fact, it got much easier on my day-to-day schedule once my boys were in high school. But my mother had children at home for 34 years. Imagine the number of cloth diapers for 7 children for year after year after year. Yes. I had it far easier, and I know it. So when I was exhausted raising my two boys, I just sucked it up and kept at it. The OP, I think, probably didn't want to be as blunt as I'm willing to be. She IS helping by babysitting her grandchildren while her children work. I'm sure she loves her children and grandkids, but I'm willing to bet that if she dared to say to her children the things I've posted, her children would react just as you did and she'd end up cut off from her family. To the OP: I hope it helped to vent a little, and I want you to know that I understand.

Selfish parents [2008-11-24]
People are selfish these days...no one wants to be bothered with their own kids...and before you think I am TOO old, I am only 49 with 18 and 24 year old sons. I A DD too sounds like she resents having to help her children with homework and extracurricular activities. That is the price you pay for the joy of raising your children...get over it. My dh and I have been active in our kids sports and school all their lives and it just shocks me at how many people give their 8-10 year olds $20 and tell them go play somewhere while they are out at a hockey rink, or school gym and these are the kids causing trouble or running around like banchees. Someone could snatch them up at any time and then they Also I Before my kids started kindergarten they knew their numbers, colors, letters, could print their name and could read some words, because my husband and I spent the time with them to teach them, spent time WITH them. that is what you do when you're a parent...sorry but this is my biggest pet peeve about parents today.

Not a grandmother but parent myself [2008-11-24]
Well maybe you were a little defensive then and not resentful but reading your post it sounded like the things you do with/for your kids were more like chores instead of things you chose to do. I am not a grandparent but still a parent as both my sons still live at home as they go to college. I see toomany people who just leave their kids to fend for themselves, 2-3 nights every week and every weekend during hockey season and other sports seasons...sorry if I offended you but that's the way you came off.

Getting over holding onto your stuff sm [2008-11-22]
It is hard to part with things but sometimes (depending on where you live) you can buy a table at a craft show/bazaar, etc. Check the price - they go from $10 to $500 around here for a spot. Just check to see if you can go under their license and sales tax # and just sell. Once you sell the first piece, it will give you an incentive to sell more. Also, if you trust E-bay, some people will buy anything on there. I donbarter with others, i.e., they may like a Halloween craft and you may like a Christmas ornament, so you barter and exchange. After you make your first dollar, you'll be ready to get into it. My sister does very well. I am the shy one. Perhaps that's why I chose transcription, I am a listener. Hope others can help you out with ideas.

Do you think cures are really hidden from us? [2008-11-22]
I used to think this was silly when people thought this, but as I've seen things happen in my own life and look around at our world, I think this could be true. For example, I have used several products that are not FDA approved and they work better than most things my doctor's pills didn't cure. I used a salve to cure my skin cancer when doctors didn't get it twice with surgery. I used the itworkspaste to remove my moles, skin tags and warts. I use sota instruments who bob beck recommended on youtube as the device of the future which fights all viruses and bacteria. I've seen it get rid of my moms bronchitis, my dogs paw infection, my sons mono, my flus, etc. I asked the cancer salve people why this wasncause it and if the pharmaceuticals can't get money from it, then most likely you won't see it FDA approved unless you had millions of dollars. And if the FDA cared so much about us, why in the world would we allow cigarettes to be legal? Think about it...the cigarettes keep you hooked, you get cancer, then go through the hoop of chemo. You become a great high paying customer. What are your thoughts on it. And, have you ever used a product that is not FDA that you swear by? Please share...thank you!

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation 1863 [2008-11-19]
Abraham Lincoln while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.By The President: Abraham LincolnWilliam H. Seward, Secretary of State

We eat out mostly at the local pub. [2008-11-18]
We're lucky to have a real neighborhood Irish pub, and we like to meet up with friends there, listen to music, have a beer and a sandwich. It probably costs us about $30 for two of us. Since we're nearly empty-nesters, it's just DH and I who go out. Big, fancy dinners are usually just for birthdays or anniversaries. When wefend for yourself night . My sons know how to cook. DH not so much. But he can make a sandwich, and there's usually something leftover that he can make. My youngest son is a good cook, and if I ask him he'll usually make dinner for all of us when I'm just too tired to bother. Also, a Crockpot is a marvelous thing! I love it. A little planning and effort, and dinner is in the pot cooking all day and ready for dinner time.

FYI [2008-11-11]
This information comes from the Mensa International web site: Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by Roland Berrill, a barrister, and Dr. Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. They had the idea of forming a society for bright people, the only qualification for membership of which was a high IQ. The original aims were, as they are today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions. The society welcomes people from every walk of life whose IQ is in the top 2% of the population, with the objective of enjoying each other's company and participating in a wide range of social and cultural activities. Mensans range in age from 4 to 94, but most are between 20 and 60. In education they range from preschoolers to high school dropouts to people with multiple doctorates. There are Mensans on welfare and Mensans who are millionaires. As far as occupations, the range is staggering. Mensa has professors and truck drivers, scientists and firefighters, computer programmers and farmers, artists, military people, musicians, laborers, police officers, glassblowers--the diverse list goes on and on. There are famous Mensans and prize-winning Mensans, but there are many whose names you wouldn't know. The term IQ score is widely used but poorly defined. There are a large number of tests with different scales. The result on one test of 132 can be the same as a score 148 on another test. Some intelligence tests don't use IQ scores at all. Mensa has set a percentile as cutoff to avoid this confusion. Candidates for membership in Mensa must achieve a score at or above the 98th percentile on a standard test of intelligence (a score that is greater than or equal to that achieved by 98 percent of the general population taking the test). As this list suggests, Mensa is a remarkably diverse organization. While Some Mensans noted here are well known, many others lead interesting lives out of the public eye. Geena Davis: Academy-award winning actress, who has starred in The Long Kiss Goodnight, A League of Their Own, Thelma and Louise and Hero. Donald Petersen: A former chairman of Ford Motor Company. While at Ford, Petersen was involved in the development of two of Ford's most successful cars--the Mustang and the Maverick. Marilyn Vos Savant: Listed in the Guinness Hall of Fame for having the worldAsk Marilyn!, a weekly column in Parade magazine. Bobby Czyz: A former two-time World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight Champion. Czyz now commentates on many nationally-broadcasted fights. Dr. Julie Peterson: A former Playboy Playmate, Peterson is a graduate of Life School of Chiropractic. Alan Rachins: Portrays DharmaDharma Greg. Rachins, who left the Wharton School of Finance to pursue an acting career, also portrayed Douglas Brachman on the hit TV series, L.A. Law. Adrian Cronauer: Radio personality, lawyer and subject for the movie Good Morning Vietnam. Terance Black: Screenwriter of HBOTales from the Crypt, syndicated series Dark Justice and the feature film Dead Heat. Barry Nolan: Co-anchor of TVHard Copy. Deborah Yates: Member of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. Bob Speca, Jr.: Professional domino toppler. Speca travels internationally doing domino shows and has appeared on TV programs and commercials. John N. Moore: University of Virginia law professor who specializes in international law. Moore was hired by the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait to help the emirate recover damages inflicted during the August 2, 1990 invasion. Jean Auel: Best-selling author of Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of Horses, and Plains of Passage. Linda Warwick: Creator and producer of the billboard mega-hit childrensBabymugs!, and the Toddler TOGS series--the fantasy video for highly creative tots. Maurice Kanbar: Inventor and owner of Skyy Vodka. Henry Milligan: A boxer and scholar, Milligan was the 1983 National Amateur Heavyweight champion. Patricia P. Jennings: Pianist with the Pittsburgh Symphony. She is the symphony's first black member and has performed internationally. Richard Lederer: A master of the pun. Lederer has written dozens of books on word play and is a frequent guest on National Public Radio. Judge Ellen Morphonios: Nicknamed Maximum Morphonios for her strict rulings in Florida. Morphonios is a former model and beauty queen who passed a Florida exam that allowed her to enter law school without an undergraduate degree. Richard Bolles: Author of What Color is Your Parachute? which at one point had been on The New York Times Best-seller List for 228 weeks. Velma Jeremiah: A retired attorney who graduated fourth in her law school class at the age of 47. She is a former chairwoman of Mensa International. Dr. Abbie F. Salny: Author of the Mensa Quiz-a-Day books and calendars. Dr. Salny is a retired college professor and expert in intelligence who has served as Mensa's supervising psychologist. Note: most of the members listed are members of American Mensa.

And I do [2008-11-11]
Oftentimes we have a holiday meal here at home, rather than with the extended family. My husband will eat this casserole, and so will one of my sons, but usually only with the initial meal. I then live on it for 2-3 days, without the chicken breasts! It is just soooooo good. I did not review the recipe before posting, but OldMTs post reminded me that mine also has a pint of sour cream. I also forgot that it calls for 2 TBSP minced onion (don't care for onions either), and the Velveeta is not measured in cups, but calls for an 8-oz block. IThat -- along with a thank you, of course. I'm getting hungry!!!

I want to see Calie and McSteamy [2008-11-05]
I think Calie and McSteamy make a good couple. Yang and the new military doc would made a good entertaining story too so I hope they become a couple too.

Bringing your kids to see their granddad sm [2008-11-05]
My perspective: I had an uncle who was severely ill several years ago. His sons lived in different parts of the country and when he was well enough, they flew him in to visit. I could not see him so often, so I decided to write little notes to him from time to time. Talked about some funny things that he had done and how much they made me laugh. When he was gone, my aunt told me how much those trips and the notes meant to him, it was like a gift that he and the family got to experience before he was gone, a chance to say good-bye, that many people don't get. My prayers are with you and your family.

Tx for your kind words [2008-10-29]
I do feel better. His brother has always felt as though he is superior to all his brothers because his mom keeps pumping that up, telling him how smart he is and wishes his brothers were as smart as he is (it sure is amazing what parent would say such things right in front of you). DH and I do realize they are just ignorant. DH said they are like strangers to me. The moving comment was kind of idiotic. DH would have had a career (and retirement) from the service but when it came time to re-enlistment he was getting ready to sign up to go to officer training, but his parents conned him into a job. They even had a freind who was some executive at a company who offered him a job paying 2 - 3 times as much as what the military did, so we opted for that. They did that so we would move out to live near them. DH showed up for the first day of work and the guy asked him what he was doing there. He said reporting for work. The guy said what work. There is no job opening here. It was at that point he should have turned around and re-enlisted but didn't. After that we moved 5 times in 20 years. Anyway...thanks for the kind words. DH & I are past it....too much going on in our lives to even think of him anymore.

Who needs them [2008-10-28]
Yesterday I was saddened beyond words. Who needs enemies with family like this. DH was talking to his half brother (15 years younger than DH) and these are some of the statements brother made to him. First let mesayhis brother is from a second marriage. MIL hates to acknowledge her3 kids from her first marrage. She has always felt they are inferior to her youngest. They live in a different state so we don So here is what his little punk half brother said to him. Even though it is brought on by political talk, this is more of a family issue post so didncomments (whichwere spoken with fake southern accent). 1. I'm not dumb, I went to a University (husband went to state colleges). 2. When told he should be prepared if he gets drafted he said oh no they wouldn't draft me, I work for a prestigious company and I went to a University and if I was drafted I would automatically be an officer, I wouldn't have to do all the other stuff the uneducated ones do. 3. Why do you live in that state you do? Only bumpkins live there. 4. Why do you keep moving? Have you done something illegal and are trying to hide? (Weve been at the same address for 2 years. 5. You should be happy is O gets in, you When DH said what in the world makes you think I donyou do? (I think it's odd that he didn't even ask DH what he does). 6. You know your just stup!d because you voted for GW. When DH said to him what makes you think we voted for him? He just said you didn We all thought you voted for him. DH said, no I didn 7. He made a comment about there might be a bloody war coming in the middle east and then said Oh I. DH said well no, why would you say that. Then the little *(% changes the subject. In the past we have been told that only the stup!d uneducated people go into the military (we were both in the military - me for 3 years and DH for 12 years. Husband also has an IQ of around 129, but he has always been told he is inferior (not in those exact words) because he didnUniversity. DH told him I wanted to go to this place or that and if mommy daddy could pay the way for me too I would have been able to go(not in those exact terms) and then his brother got upset and was trying to say DH was saying he was stup!d. Then his mom got in on it and told DH he's picking on him and jealous, etc. I just canhis own brother could say such hurtful things. I could understand if its someone you donItthat he He said their true colors really came out. And if you want to talk about intelligence DH will bring up subjects like what All he wants to talk about is sports (which DH hates sports) or who the Survivor or American Idol winner is. It is just really sad to be treated like your nothing by your own family. We have decided we will not be answering the phone from now on if he calls and just not talking to him for a long long time and let him think about what he did. Me particularly, I don Just very very sad. Okay, Sorry so long, just felt heartbroken and had to get it out.

I don't know how I can cut back any more....sm [2008-10-22]
I'm cut to the bone as it is. I only have my 2 sons and my mother and brother in my family to buy for. However, I do have a couple of friends that I buy for and my pastor and his wife. My youngest son wants a bow and arrow set at Wal-Mart that costs $97. I don't know how I will afford that, much less anything else.

I know some people may use this sm [2008-10-16]
Scripture to elevate themselves above others, and that was not my intention. I believe, as Christians, we are called to obey God's teaching, even when it may be difficult to do so. Missing an occasional worship service is not going to send a person to he!!, nor does it make them less of a Christian. BTW, I am a single parent raising 2 sons alone (yes, I have sinned and am divorced, but that is between me and God) and find that there are 6 other days of the week in which I can do my work and have the other day to worship God, even though I could make a whole lot more by working on Sunday. In spite of this, I find that God does bless me and makes it possible for me to provide for my family.

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!

I think there is some truth to this [2008-10-02]
If a young man is very close to his mother, and he looks to her as an example for what women are like, then yes it is possible they look for a girl like Mom, especially if she is a good cook. However, my daughter told my son that the June Cleaver's, from Leave it To Beaver, are about gone, and the girls from this generation are very different. My son was used to my keeping my house clean, having meals at the dinner table at night, chauffering them to their activities, staying up at night and helping with school projects, working 2 jobs to make ends meet, and being a single parent, and I raised my sons and daughters to think that a job was not a dirty word and they needed to help out too. It is funny though that the girl that my son married is similar in appearance to me, but she does not cook, nor does she clean, but she is a good mother and manager of their finances. My son said the other day that he longs for a home-cooked meal at anytime, and wishes I lived closer, although he has gotten to be a good cook.

If I suspected that my child was being [2008-09-24]
dangerous with driving - for any reason (drugs, alcohol, whatever), I would take the license. Not sure if that's an option in ur state, but I did it here. One of my sons let his friend drive the car while they were all drinking - result? License gone for 6 months. As far as the drugs, can you talk with your daughter? My children were always pretty upfront with me. Didn't really like some of the things that they did, but at least I knew what was going on. I took them to the PCP and had them drug tested - neither of them came up positive, but one did tell me that he had been smoking pot. In my experience (and my sons are now 21 - twins), taking away things that mean something to them is the best and only punishment at that age, but you canfreak out. Take the car and any other privileges away from her and tell her she can have them back when she earns them. These things - car, cell phones, t.v., stereo, any other toys - are not a right they are privileges. Hope this helps.

Well, the other thing that you have to [2008-09-24]
remember is that she is a teenager and most probably this will pass, the hormones, etc. There were plenty of times my kids hated me too, but they're very close to me now. They no longer live at home and I still talk to them and see them all the time. I also have a 14-yo daughter and am not looking forward to when she turns 16 that's for sure!! I hated my father too when I was a teenager, but of course, I don't now. I know this really hurts you to hear your daughter say this, but I really think it will pass. In the meantime, though, you do have to stay on top of things that endanger her life and that's not overreacting! About the phone, can you take the phone all together and only let her have it when she is away from you so that you can get in touch with her? Don't know that this will work, but it is another step to try. I took one of my sons to a therapist for a while and he hated it. Did nothing for him. He's fine now, but he was definitely an angry young man at that age. That's why I think so much of this will pass with time. She denies other drugs you say, but you still have a sense. Have you searched her room? Her computer? I always told my kids that I would respect their privacy as long as they gave me no reason not to. If I felt there was a reason, I would look through anything and everything. Good luck!!!

Tell me what to do... [2008-09-22]
I have been divorced for 5 years now. My kids spend every other holiday with their dad and all summer long, since he lives out of state. This last trip over the summer they were gone for two months. After about a month there my son tells me that he wants to come home (he is 7 and A daughter thats 5). I make him stay. I tell him that its daddy's turn to see you and that he misses you very much. Now, since he has been home, he says he does not want to go for Christmas. My ex is remarried and has another child. Mind you he only married her because he got her pregnant. He was over in Iraq when the baby was born, so he is not on the Birth Certificate. So, when it comes to putting baby on tricare, they would not recognize the child since he was not on BC so the get hitched at a justice og the peace. Now I don't care what he does with his life as long as he remains a good father. Well, my son doesn't want to go back. I always said that when he was old enough to make up his mind, if he didn't want to go I would not force it. Today, my sitter calls and tells me something my son said to her. He said that when he was with his dad, he spilled his daddy's drink by accident and daddy got really mad. He pushed him into a wall and cut his ear. She stated that his sister said it did happen. I ask him about this and he gets so defensive. I did not accuse him, I just said WE need to have a talk with him. But he blows up anyway. Ever since the divorce and his new family he doesn't call but once or twice a month and on his BDU's he has his other daughters name and says he keeps her close to his heart. Well what about the other two kids he has. Out of sight out of mind. He has never paid the court ordered amount of child support either. He goes in to the finance office and changes the amount whenever he feels like it. He is now over 4k behind. I have tried calling his commanding officer, but no luck. I can't afford an attorney. I am filing a petition for modification of child support because he is a major in the military and should be paying more. He does not help with extra activities or docotrs bills. He does nothing put pay what he feels he should be paying. Please help!

your post [2008-09-22]
Being a military widow, I would call the Jag office but think first talking to his CO would work, if no help there then the military attornys

How do you psych yourself [2008-09-04]
I I find myself constantly coming to this board. Sometimes I just feel I can I just got my first cup of coffee so that will help, but how do you psyche yourselves out to begin working a full day of typing, typing, typing, and more typing, and if you don I So I have to work. I have no choice. But I am so so tired. I I do like my job compared to others I have had, but I think I just feel so burnt out and wonder how other MTs begin their days. PS - I am not a morning person at all. I have tried, tried, tried to get up at 6 am to begin with a walk or some type of exercise but I can Is there a vitamin or something that would perk me up maybe?