Helen with possible nickname Leni Sabine Congratulations. :)

I converted an old (1930 maybe?) 3/4 size Singer to a hand crank for DS at that age. He still enjoys using it and even I use it from time to time. I did that because I was worried about him sewing over his finger if the control got away from him. With the hand crank, he essentially became the motor and could go as slowly or as quickly as he wanted and I felt more comfortable. Solid old Singers can be had very inexpensively and if you are converting them you don't have to worry about faulty wiring. Here is a place that sells anything you would need to convert a machine: http://shop.sew-classic.com/Hand-Crank-Treadle_c31.htm. In answer to your question, yes, any decent machine can be used for quilting. If I were to get a new machine for DS, I would get a Janome Hello Kitty - they get great reviews. And IKEA has a very inexpensive machine that might be a good starter machine for you DD.

Flat needle felting, finger knitting, and a knitting Nancy were all favorites with DS at that age. For weaving, DS was bored by his lap loom but enjoyed a giant version of the potholder loom, and when he was six or so liked simple backstrap loom weaving. Children can do rigid heddle weaving at that age with some help. Printmaking was a hit at that age, too (you can either cut what the child has drawn or use foam so no cutting is needed). Art Lab for Kids (or the version for smaller kids) might be a good book to have a look at for ideas.

Would mom-made underwear be too weird? I make it for DS, but he is a lot younger.

How about the Swallows and Amazons series by Arthur Ransome?

DS loved the Plan Toys Chalet dollhouse, as did (and do) all of his cousins. It has held up extremely well.

I have never been to a wedding where people brought gifts. No wait, once, and everyone was rather embarrassed for the gift givers. Just in terms of practicality, it doesn't make sense to bring gifts to a wedding because how are the recipients supposed to get them home? Gifts are always sent to the home.

just because. http://laughingsquid.com/dia-de-los-muertos-a-colorful-animated-short-film-showing-the-true-meaning-of-the-mexican-holiday/

Mortensen Math is so great for kids this age. I can't recommend it highly enough,

Have you talked to the neighbors about it? Have you and the children been introduced to the dog? Would the neighbors be willing to let the dog know that you are not intruders? I would get familiar with the dog. And also build a fence.

Do you have suggestions for other textbooks? Upper age level would be fine, since you've indicated that there are no good books for lower level. I am sure we would have to get a tutor or take a class in any case, but maybe I can check them out in the meantime. TIA!

Zippers are easy. Here is a video from Oliver and S. Also check out Coletterie. Both sites have very good tutorials. http://oliverands.com/free-videos/how-to-sew-a-zipper

I agree completely! Often I try to speak one language and the other comes out. DS is a heritage speaker, however, so manages to avoid these pitfalls for the most part. :) Harder and weird - I think we have a winner! Thanks for taking the trouble to ask Calvin (whose academic prowess I admire). :) DS plans to go have a conversation with someone in the Classics department of a nearby university to get her opinion as well. Thanks for all the helpful advice, everyone.

I dunno. I got one for DH and he doesn't like it at all (though DS and I are Shakti fans). Is it something that they could return and be comfortable returning? I don't think it is a weird gift, just that it is not for everyone.

I appreciate your input, Laura. Thank you. Has Calvin also studied Greek? I studied Latin but not Greek, so I am clueless there. I was thinking of encouraging Greek rather than Latin but maybe Greek would not have the same brain stretching qualities..?

DS has mentioned an interest in taking Latin, but he already has a very full schedule. He speaks (and studies) two Romance languages and dabbles in a third. Are there benefits to learning Latin that he wouldn't get from his current language study? I'm thinking there s currently not time enough to do all the things he wants to do, but if someone wants to really sell me on Latin, by all means...

DS picked his current teacher because she is getting her PhD where he sometimes takes classes, so he figured he could "maybe ask her out for a cup of coffee sometime." LOL Nothing like a ten year old nerd Lothario.

Good to know, It doesn't surprise me that the classes are uniformly good. AoPS has been a great experience for DS so far. Thanks for your input. :)

Is the quality of the teachers pretty much the same? It is time to sign up for Spring semester and so far only the classes have been posted, not the teachers. I don't know if I should bother waiting to see if DS's current teacher will be teaching or just sign him up. Has anyone noticed a difference among teachers that would translate to level of student enjoyment? This is DS's first class, so we have nothing to compare it to. Do most students continue at the same time? He does enjoy seeing familiar names, so maybe that is something to consider...

We converted one of my old Singers to a hand crank for DS, but if I were to buy him a new machine it would definitely be a Hello Kitty. They get great reviews on patternreview.com.

That hasn't been our experience at all - most students are friendly and kind and, if anything, amused. The professors are usually thrilled that someone is interested in their field.In the OP's situation I might go with the online class (though usually I would encourage IRL class), but definitely not because I worried about anyone else's comfort level.

Just make sure her name isn't "Maksym!" ;) http://www.businessinsider.com/airbnb-host-cant-get-squatter-to-leave-2014-7

DS is a big fan of linden tea. It smells really nice, too. I think of it more as an after meal drink, but he likes it first thing.

It happens. I'm sorry. :( Your dinner sounded yummy.

I'm forgetful, so to avoid having to throw things out I always immediately cool food to a safe temp and put it away. Soups and other high liquid foods go right into an ice water bath (I keep reusable ice packs in the freezer for this purpose), other stuff gets spread on sheet pan or a hotel pan and put on ice (snow when it's available) or otherwise cooled quickly. DH thought I was nuts when he first met me, but now he follows the same protocol. Takes very little time, and we never have waste or food sickness. :)