Ignoring...

My 2nd grader has memorized this song, which lists the kings and queens of England in order from William the Conquerer to present: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkzxXLRjojM This will come in handy when we read Shakespeare and do English history. And yes, I find it a little odd that my American kid knows the kings and queens of England before learning the presidents of the US. But, you give her a song, and she'll memorize it...

I gave up sugar myself two months ago. It truly was an addiction with me. The first week was hard, but now it's no big deal. I still make desserts for my family, but not as many as I used to. And I make healthier snacks and desserts now. I recommend the book "Little Sugar Addicts." If it is a true addiction in your kids, and you have a family history of diabetes, I would start making changes now. The book gives some good ideas of where to start. :grouphug:

For knee MRIs they strap your leg down pretty well, so it's not like she has to make herself stay still. She just needs to relax and rest and wait for the time to pass. They'll give her headphones/earplugs for the noise. Only her lower body goes in the machine for knees, so claustrophobia should not be a problem.

My dd8 and I are Libera fans. We just got their new Christmas CD. Very nice.

Christmas and New Year's services are cancelled. Our Christmas service is today (Dec. 18). Pastor told us to be with our families and friends on Christmas and NY. We're a small church, and we like it that way.

I wouldn't schedule it. Basic Training doesn't always go according to schedule. He could be recycled for many reasons (setting his graduation schedule back) Tech schools may not let him out, and his first duty station may not want to be obligated to what his recruiter promised. I was not allowed to go to my brother's wedding during my first 6 months at my first duty station (but that was decades ago). Recruiters tend to promise anything.

I think it got sucked into a vortex and is now circling Saturn. I have car keys that are there too.

I had to take my niece to the airport at 5 am. I live in WA state. It was a clear, crisp morning and we got an awesome look at the eclipse! I've never seen such a complete eclipse of the moon. Fortunately, my dd7 got up to go with us, so she got to see it too. We studied eclipses earlier this year and she thought this was pretty cool! Sorry for those who didn't get a good view.

I did the shred every day last December and had no muscle problems. If I do it again, I'll probably take a day off every week. Your muscles will adjust, but if you're starting to feel too fatigued or over-trained, take a day off. Glad you like it. It was really beneficial for me.

We have had exchange students. Ours have not chosen American names, but a lot of their friends have. Unfortunately, they picked popular names from about 70 years ago. Like, Percy, Clyde, Ethel, Mabel. So, if I were you, I'd suggest names that are classic, not over-the-top trendy, but considered normal at this time. Elizabeth, Sarah, etc. If she wants a more trendy name, go with some popular ones. The thing is, they can't tell which American names sound good, so give her some options. Some students think it's cool to have an American name, and it can make it easier for them when they introduce themselves. Have fun with it. Google some baby name lists, and help steer her around the extreme or dorky names.

I'd give her $10.00 and tell her to go buy herself something nice with the change. :glare: OK. That's what I'd want to do. But, given the history, I'd just give her the $5 and leave it at that. If she was asking for a larger amount, I'd let her know I'd made other gift arrangements.

We're at day 67 of 180. We do six weeks on, one week off, with two weeks off for Christmas. We'll end in June, but have several week-long breaks before that. Works for us. It's interesting to see what everyone else is doing.

I'd want to look at the parents/potential parents of the puppy I was going to get, and I'd ask about longevity of her dogs (make sure there's not cancer that is taking them out at a young age). If she's a good breeder, she'll have all the hip/eye stuff done on the parents and have the paperwork available to you. I have found that a good breeder is usually proud of his/her dogs, and is willing to show all the paperwork and planning and expense they have put into it. I hope you have a good experience and end up with a great puppy!

Awesome news! I've been praying for you and thinking about you. Thanks for the update!

I'm very sorry. I'm praying for your sister and your whole family. Be realistic in your expectations, but don't let it rob you of hope and peace. God is with you.:grouphug:

Our retrievers happily drink out of the toilet. They think it's a wonderful source of fresh water. I make sure the toilets are clean and have no chemicals in them. I thought it was gross at first, but now it's just the way things are. We do have another water bowl available, but the boys prefer the toilet. :tongue_smilie:

I had to do this in April. I'm so sorry. If you need to, write her a note and read it to her (to get your thoughts in order). Or, just tell her you love her and thank her for ___________. I told my mom that she was a great mom; that I was thankful to have gotten her as my mom. I thanked her for my great life, thanked her for her great life and the example she was to me. I'd recommend telling her sooner than later, because once she starts to decline, it may be hard for her to talk. She may want to respond to what you have to say. It will be a great blessing to her if you thank her, no matter what you say. It will be hard for you to do, but it will bring comfort to you after she's gone. Again, I'm so sorry. :grouphug: Cherish the time you have with her.

My dh has a 401k. We both have Roths. We paid off all our debts (house too) this year and are now funneling that money into retirement. Our strategy is indexing. http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads'_Guide_To_Investing

Longtime favorite: Peace by Jim Brickman Mostly mellow instrumental, but has some songs with lyrics. Very nice cd. If you want more energy, try anything by Trans Siberian Orchestra.

"The Last American Man" ?

I'm so sorry. I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer in April. We had less than a month to prepare and say goodbyes. I would sit with her, with a notebook in hand, and write down instructions and last thoughts she had: who got what from the china cabinet; which grandchildren should get what jewelry; what to give to her brothers and sisters, etc. That seemed to take a load off her mind and give her some peace. After a while she got too sick to speak, but she was aware of visitors and could hear us speaking to her. I made sure I told her what a great mom she was and what a great life I'd had with her and my dad. She was content, joyful, and very much at peace in her final days. Death is not pretty, and it did terrible things to her body (I could barely recognize her), but her spirit was beautiful. I could tell that her inner life was growing stronger as her body wasted away. Everyone is different on this journey. I know you'll find the right way for you and your mom. Again, I'm so very sorry. :grouphug:

Spokane here. Didn't feel a thing.

Wow. I just misread your title and had to look in this thread. I thought you made a sweater out of a kitten. :001_huh: I'm glad I'm wrong. Carry on....

I smiled when my dd7 gave this narration for "Pilgrim's Progress:" "Pilgrim and Pliable fell into a muddy swamp on their way to Circuit City." (It's supposed to be "Celestial City," but I liked her version so much, I kept it.)