I'm glad others reacted to that "pillow angel" story the same way I did. I was starting to worry if I had finally turned evil.

Fay, I'm glad your sister is all right! That stupid, selfish boy ought to have his butt kicked. And never get to have sex with a girl again.

If I were ever to become a parent, I expect I'd be like Hec. Eternally vigilant. I'm all about the worst-case scenarios.

Matilda and Emmett both look suspiciously elven. Is there something you want to tell us, Hec?

{{{Fay and WeeSister}}} All kinds of ~ma.

Where is my menopause! I was promised a menopause!

5 years now and have not been sorry one moment. Yay menopause! It rocks.

Also Steph, I had an IUD which worked its way out. Very painful. Not saying this is happening here! But it sounds like it should be checked. Pain Bad.

ION, thinking of the previous letting the kids go talk. Today for the first time evah I let Brendon go to the mall with a girl type friend. (He'l be 15 later this month) By themselves. For 5 hours. He bought himself a jacket. And the girl something. They lived. Her mother picked her up and I picked him up. Here is his new jacket, that he bought himself, with his own money, by himself, at he mall. [link] passes out

((((SisterJay and Fay))))

I don't feel comfortable with any resolution to the "pillow angel" situation. When I first heard about it, I thought it was a side effect of medication instead of an intentional decision. As the facts are, it's at least defensible in this case. But I'm worried that the precedent could be used for evil -- say, to prevent an otherwise healthy child from reaching puberty because the parents fear (perhaps with reason based on the child's behavior) problem behavior after puberty. Think Carrie's mother from the book.

But you know, people who want to be evil to their children will be, one way or another. Stopping these people from doing what they did - right or wrong - won't necessarily stop any crazy people from hurting their kids. They don't need precedent. Creepy as it was, this seems like it was the right decision for this child and these parents, and that has to outweigh anything that might happen later with other people. imho

Laura - the driving thing, and letting K-Bug take off on her own in a moving hunk of metal...GAH!!!! At least I have had 9 months so far where she can't drive anyone else. That changes in 3 months and I'm already freaking out!

Finally clicked all my open tabs. Oh my, Matilda is changing so quickly and becoming quite the charmer. So expressive! So lovely!

Yes Suzi, Brendon has driver's ed as a required course in school this term. They can get a permit at 15. Driving with MILLIONS of people is not like learning on country roads. Rethinks living in the big city. Still hugs big city tight.

Driving with MILLIONS of people is not like learning on country roads.

Her first freeway drive with me was over the Bay Bridge and into the city to visit my father. She did great, but man, I was a wreak.

Hey, Laura? Which big city do you live in? I grew up in Hollywood, corner of 441 and State Road 7.

{{{{{Fay and WeeSister}}}}} I am glad she is ok.