ladyinredfromokla-homey, Are there girls living nearby that may be not in that school with whom she might develop a friendship? Does she have some hobbies or other interests which can challenge her brain and provide other outlets for her energy which are separate from the school issues? Sometimes physical activity, such as the Tae Kwun Do mentioned earlier, can help work off surplus negative energy. When Dad got mad, he'd often go split some wood to fit the kitchen stove ... and when Mom got out the dust mop for some energetic dusting ... it was a often good time to make one's self scarce for a while! Does she have an above-average academic record? Though many in our society, especially boys, pooh-pooh such achievements, especially around that age level, the young generation are in global competition and many young people from other countries have better scores in academic tests than our kids do. Those of ours who do well will be thankful, in future years. Often having other strings on our violin is helpful. Would it help to let your daughter come and read the messages that have been posted here? Does she have a close, warm relationship with her siblings (apart from occasional outbursts) and Dad? You didn't mention anything about her relationship with her Dad. Often, especially for a daughter, having a feeling of being respected by, close to and good buddies with Dad does great things for their self-esteem and confidence that they can handle the issues that develop in other areas of their lives. With aunts, uncles and cousins, as well. A feeling of solidarity with extended family often helps young ones feel that they have a solider foundation to their lives than if they feel that they are sort of alone. Assurance that they enjoy understanding, respect and affection from cousins or other friends can assure them that the nasty words that they hear from the down-putters are only a minor part of their whole life. Good wishes to the both of you and to all in your family. ole joyful

Here is the one I used for my girls pages..... My Handprints Sometimes you get discouraged Because I am so small and always leave my fingerprints On furniture and walls But everyday I'm growing . . . I'll be grown up one day. And all the tiny fingerprints Will surely fade away. So here's a real handprint Just so you can recall, Exactly how my fingers looked When I was very small. Don't know exactly if this is what you are wanting, hope it helps..

I have been thinking about you Steph and was happy to see your update. Just from the title of your post I knew the little one didn't make it but it is wonderful news that your little "cashew" is doing well. Grant is going to be a great big brother. I can just see him showing his little sister or brother how to do things and how things work. Anne

Heather, you are so sweet! I finally felt up to getting on my laptop today and find this post right at the top! Thank you all so much for the get-well wishes; it was so nice to see this post here. After getting no sleep last night, I finally slept a few hours this afternoon. My Dr. that I saw yesterday gave me 800mg ibuprofin, so I've been taking those and they are finally numbing the pain. I went to the ER first, Saturday night and they wouldn't give me anything for the pain, said to take Tylenol or Advil even when I told them I had been with no relief. At the Dr. yesterday I was in tears the pain was so bad, felt like a big baby. Of course I left feeling even more sore after they put that metal syringe thingy down my ear over and over trying to flush it out, to no avail. Anyway, thank you all, again, so much. And thank you Heather! Big Hugs!