Hi Can I call you frompa? Which #4 are you talking about? The one that is fourth on the page or the one that has the 004 that was given by photobucket and where I have drawn around the flower? Did any of that make any sense to you? Remember that I'm just a rookie and know next to nothing about this stuff. So be gentle. I'm so confused. #004(the one where I drew a circle around the flower)doesn't seem like it, because the flowers are not the same. The flower in my picture hangs upside down and only has about four or six petals. The new leaves are sage green and soft and fuzzy. If you are talking about the fourth page on my layout page I know nothing. I wish I had a jasmine like those you speak of. Thanks Phyllie

IF I recall I remember your post when this was all first happening. Was that you and was there a boy friend involved? I'm sorry if I'm wrong and it was someone elses post I'm thinking of. You did everything you could, things already mentioned here. I imagine you are still wanting to do what you can but feel limited by her reactions towards you. Now that you know how she reacts towards help, I'm guessing your reluctant to try to put your foot in her space. Some kids welcome the help and attention and others, they just don't know how to accept that a parent cares enough to be provide help. Your not alone. From what you've said she is immature and may not take the necessary steps towards her GED if left to her own. That would frustrate me too I'm sure. If you could somehow take her into the adult continuing ed counselor, this person could work out a plan with her to do GED studies at home. Possibly giving her weekly goals as well as a completion goal. Do you know if they can recommend another Math tutor? Could YOU put up a sign that your looking for a tutor at the local college? Do you think she would agree to that? Another idea is an online study , but from what I've found, that takes even more self motivation than just going to a class. You sound like a very caring mom, but in reality I don't know if she feels overpowered by you or she's just stubborn and immature. So from my perspective, I'm hoping that a third party can help her toward her GED and one day soon she'll spread her wings toward an independent life. (that's putting it all in a nutshell!!) I'm sure there are many answers but your the one who has to keep the peace and learn to deal with her at a level only a loving mom can do, even when she doesn't seem to want any love at all. Don't give up, just step back, just like your doing. Good positive thoughs for both of you.

"graywings, For goodness sakes, this is a healthy young couple making $140,000 a year and no credit card debt. They have a family support network. And they obviously have put some thought into this." they do have debt. they spend about $950 @ month on car and student loan debt. $950 is a lot money for the next several years. in 5 years they will have spent $57,000 in payments plus whatever interest is there. they should have paid those off with their 20% and re-save. in 2-3 years they would have had their 20% again w/o ANY debt. The poster also mentioned that he and his wife would like to have children in the next 2 or 3 years. May I point out that daycare alone is probably way more than $950/month - so that money may already be encumbered. I think the point we fiscal conservatives are making is not that the OP shouldn't buy a house, it's just that the goal of buying or building a dream house may be out of reach in these uncertain economic times. Actually it is often out of reach for one's first house. The OP absolutely has the means and ability to buy a house and he definitely should move forward. But I happen to think the cost is on the high side and may create future stresses (e.g., HAVING to work to meet a mortgage payment versus being able to downshift one's work schedule to meet family needs). My husband and I have a similar gross income as the OP without car or student loans and there is no way I could imagine paying $2600/month for P&I and taxes and insurance and still have enough money to meet our needs. OTOH, we have two children - can I say they are incredibly expensive? We spend about $100 a WEEK on tutoring, music lessons and sports on my daughter alone. While we can look forward to tutoring ending within the next 6 months (and saving $65 a week), it's not an optional item that we can cut.

You can find many private tutors online these days. Check out http://www.BestTuition.com You can have live video classes at your home with your preferred budget. You can choose tutor as per your budget. Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.BestTuition.com