The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 3

[Steamboat Marti]

I know this is off topic, but what isn't on this thread. I am looking for advice on framing and matting photos.

I have some 16 x 20 inch Disney pictures that I got printed back in January. My life has been so busy that unfortunately they are still sitting in the mailing tube the came in. I want to change this.

This week A.C. Moore has there frames 50% off. So I thought since I'm not working quite as much this week, if would be a good time to work on framing them. I would like to put mats on them. I have never done this before. Unfortunately the largest size pre-cut mat I have seen is for a size 11 x 14 picture to put in a 16 x 20 inch frame.

I was thinking buy 18 x 24 inch frames and then cut my own mats to fit.
Has anyone ever cut there own mats? How hard is this to do? What tools do you need to do this? Does anyone know of anyone good websites that show how to do this? I have looked but haven't seen anything.

Thank you in advance.

Becky

Becky - I have cut my own mats before. Most of the time was in high school for my photo class, and then only once since then. I had the same idea as you - I wanted to frame my wedding picture and the cost was astronomical. So I bought a mat and a mat cutter from Michael's, worked on a hard surface, used a t-square and cut the size mat I wanted. Well, it was harder than I remembered and I've become more of a perfectionist as I've gotten older. I was not thrilled with the results, but I saved a TON of money. Others don't see what I see wrong with the mat, so I guess it was ok.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I am applying for three jobs - one as a clerk/typist so I could work in the schools and have summers off with Matt. It pays the least, but has the best time frame.

The other two are related to my major, Speech Communications. A nearby town is hiring two people in their communications department and the pay is significantly better but the hours will be longer. Should be interesting to see what happens!!

UM -

I don't think we approved a job....

during the interview could you please ask them if there would be sufficient time for you to DIS during the day

 

[Tammi67]

I am at my wits end & not really sure what to do, so I thought maybe some of you could give me some advice. I am having trouble with my youngest ds, he is 9. For the past month he has been getting into trouble at school along with a couple of other boys. He has been disrespectfull to his teacher & the principle. His grades are going down & he is not being honest with me. I have had meetings at the school & they are trying to work with him.

I just do not understand where this is all coming from. I have tried talking to him & explaining that this has to end. I know he is better than this, why does he keep doing things to get into trouble? I have seperated him from these others boys(I am not blaming them, I know Riley has a mind of his own & could say no), but at school they are still together. I have asked the principal if Riley could be put in another classroom & he said there is not enough room.

I have even thought of switching Riley to another school, but I am not sure this would help either. I keep asking myself what have I done wrong or what haven't I done that has let this come about. It scares me that if I do not get this under control now that he will get worse as he gets older.

This is really hard for me to put out here for everyone to read, because Riley is a wonderful boy. I love him dearly, but my heart is breaking right now. How do you make a child understand? Apperantly my talks with him are not working. Do I seek counseling with him, is this just a phase he is going through?

Sorry for the long story & thanks for listening. I just feel likeI have lost touch somewhere & I am not feeling like I have been a very good parent at the moment.

Please don't be so hard on yourself. You are searching for answers, which means you haven't given up on him! And don't!!

Have you tried to talk to the parents of the other boys involved? Maybe they are going through the same internal turmoil as you are.

If it were me, I would not be so quick to jump into counseling. Sometimes I wonder if that does more harm than good, as the child then feels "labeled" or that there is "something wrong with me." JMO.

My advice is to just keep on him. Keep hammering it into his head what is good behavior and what is bad, what is acceptable and what is not. Come up with a discipline plan together. If you do that, then this is your punishment. Once you have it in place, stick to it. Don't let him see that you are going to back down. Hold up your end of the deal, so he sees that you mean business. And most importantly, just keep loving him, no matter what he does, although some of that love might need to be tough love. This might get worse before it gets better (I hope for your sake that it doesn't), but just remember if you need a sounding board, we are here. Good luck to you all.

 

[Steamboat Marti]

you are right - I should have said

as close to sane as I normally am!!

aaaahhhhhhh at least you saw my humor!

 

[bengalbelle]

I am at my wits end & not really sure what to do, so I thought maybe some of you could give me some advice. I am having trouble with my youngest ds, he is 9. For the past month he has been getting into trouble at school along with a couple of other boys. He has been disrespectfull to his teacher & the principle. His grades are going down & he is not being honest with me. I have had meetings at the school & they are trying to work with him.

I just do not understand where this is all coming from. I have tried talking to him & explaining that this has to end. I know he is better than this, why does he keep doing things to get into trouble? I have seperated him from these others boys(I am not blaming them, I know Riley has a mind of his own & could say no), but at school they are still together. I have asked the principal if Riley could be put in another classroom & he said there is not enough room.

I have even thought of switching Riley to another school, but I am not sure this would help either. I keep asking myself what have I done wrong or what haven't I done that has let this come about. It scares me that if I do not get this under control now that he will get worse as he gets older.

This is really hard for me to put out here for everyone to read, because Riley is a wonderful boy. I love him dearly, but my heart is breaking right now. How do you make a child understand? Apperantly my talks with him are not working. Do I seek counseling with him, is this just a phase he is going through?

Sorry for the long story & thanks for listening. I just feel likeI have lost touch somewhere & I am not feeling like I have been a very good parent at the moment.

I think finding someone for him to talk with is good advice. Could he be doing this for attention?

 

[Steamboat Marti]

UM -

I don't think we approved a job....

during the interview could you please ask them if there would be sufficient time for you to DIS during the day

Gee, I'd better ask before I accept anything!!!

 

[babytrees]

And while we are at it - please send lots of pixie dust to our house! Paul has an MRI today for his shoulder and he was a little nervous about the whole situation.

Prayers being offered up for Paul.....I think the MRI machines are the scariest looking machines!! Hope your shoulder gets to feeling better!!

 

[kc10family]

major barf patrol going on here. Christopher has it BAD! Being a typical man in training he is a horrible patient! (just kidding guys) So far nothing makes him happy at all.

Kristine

Oh I sure hope the "Barf Patrol" has left your house now. I don't have boys, but DH is a horrible patient if he breaks a nail.
Should I send you my carpet cleaner? I works well. I got the pink strawberry milkshake decoration off my carpet that Bethie put there yesterday.

 

[Steamboat Marti]

Now I must go study -

This evening I have a happy hour with all of my college's area alumni. Does anybody know how to lose a great deal of weight in about six hours?

 

[Steamboat Marti]

Prayers being offered up for Paul.....I think the MRI machines are the scariest looking machines!! Hope your shoulder gets to feeling better!!

He was scheduled yesterday for the MRI, went through all of the prep, tried to get into the machine....

needless to say, today they scheduled an open MRI.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Amy, I've got your back! I don't know who Carnac, or whatever his name is, either (I don't think ) Do we have a picture of this guy?

Amy and I pretty close in age - I can't remember who is younger - I think it is me but I really don't want to claim to be younger to find out she is -

and can I say that is just wrong: I bet you know who he is now!!

I miss Johnny!!

 

[kc10family]

We are going to split the cost...peace has been restored in the "hood"

So good to hear.

 

[babytrees]

I am applying for three jobs - one as a clerk/typist so I could work in the schools and have summers off with Matt. It pays the least, but has the best time frame.

The other two are related to my major, Speech Communications. A nearby town is hiring two people in their communications department and the pay is significantly better but the hours will be longer. Should be interesting to see what happens!!

Good Luck on all the tests and for getting the right job for you!!!

You really do need to find out if you can DIS at work though!!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Sending Paul

Tinknme - sending you my kids are too little for me to have any advice -

 

[bengalbelle]

Amy and I pretty close in age - I can't remember who is younger - I think it is me but I really don't want to claim to be younger to find out she is -

and can I say that is just wrong: I bet you know who he is now!!

I miss Johnny!!

I'm older than you and I'm pretty sure Amy is older than me.

 

[MinnieMouseMom]

Amy and I pretty close in age - I can't remember who is younger - I think it is me but I really don't want to claim to be younger to find out she is -

and can I say that is just wrong: I bet you know who he is now!!

I miss Johnny!!

Thanks, Kate! Yep, you're right, I know who he is now

 

[kc10family]

I also noticed all the references to Chick Fil-A even after she promised she would cut back! I think you should take a road trip to Alyssa's birthday party to straighten her out!!!!

Ok, I don't get the Chick Fil-A thing?
We have one, but I have never had it.
Am I missing something?

 

[Steamboat Marti]

I bet you know who he is now!!

I miss Johnny!!

My favorite episode of all time was the second to last - Bette Midler sang to him and it is one of the only times I remember him appearing to be choked up. The only emotion you ever saw out of Johnny was laughter.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Hey Marti - here's a job for you

http://www.chick-fil-a.com/operator.asp

 

[Tammi67]

Amy and I pretty close in age - I can't remember who is younger - I think it is me but I really don't want to claim to be younger to find out she is -

and can I say that is just wrong: I bet you know who he is now!!

I miss Johnny!!

I was looking but I knew you would beat me to it!!

Johnny was the best!