I would have to say an Xbox 360 hands down if you are buying it for the whole family. We have a Wii too, but really only the kids play it. Everyone plays on the 360. With an Xbox Live account you can play online, download tv shows and movies (cost extra, but about the same as itunes pricewise), play music, network it with other computers and devices, play downloaded movies and tv off a usb thumstick or stream from said networked computers, download trial games and other multimedia content. When the Fall update comes out, probably in November, it will also stream content from Netflix if you have a Netflix account. Not all I listed needs a Live account, I got carried away listing stuff, and some like the Netflix and playing online require a Gold account which is $50/year. The 360 also plays dvds and is surround sound. If you want to play games like Rock band and Guitar Hero the sound quality is much higher than the Wii, which I believe is just stereo. It really is more of a home entertainment system than only a game console. I sound like a Microsoft ad which is funny since all of our computers are Linux and the only Microsoft product in the house is the xbox and associated games.

**I am only answering the OP here, not responding to any other posters. I just want to be clear :) * I do not believe that there is any need to find anything or to look for guidance. Humans have evolved into beings that are born with the ability to think and reason. There is no need to look outside of yourself to tell right from wrong. If humanity had not evolved this ability it would not have survived and thrived. The universe is a an amazing and interesting, even awe inspiring, place without bringing mysticism into it. I was not "led" to atheism because being led indicates a belief in a power that does the leading. I have always had enough self-confidence to never feel the need to look for support or guidance in the form of religion. If I need help or an emotional pillar I turn to friends and family. I help people and donate time and money to needy causes because it is the good thing to do as a person. I take full credit for my good deeds and accomplishments as well as full blame for my failures. The only being that can bring meaning to my life is me. I may find that meaning in my interaction with other people, but it is my meaning and my purpose. I teach atheism and reasoned thought to my children with the same vehemence that many here teach Christianity to their children. My children also learn about the many religions of the world (mythologies, current and historical political significance, etc.) and the importance of being respectful, even to someone that you do not agree with.

I agree with you 100%. We do not have limits. Even more each child has his own computer. Ds11 has his computer, a tv, and a Wii in his room. Ds6 likes to keep his computer on his drawing table/school desk but he could have it moved into his room at anytime. Both have their own Nintendo DSs, actually DH and I also each have our own (mine is pink). Ds11 and DH both have their own PSPs. We have an Xbox 360 in the living room. Saying we have a lot of games would be a serious understatement. We have taught the boys the importance of being responsible and doing your important work (school and chores for them) before playing both through words and example. Neither plays excessively, at least not in that mind numbed way that I do observe in children with parents that restrict video games. People used to saying reading novels was a waste of time and addictive and rotted people's brains...all the same stuff that is said about video games and tv or any other "screen time" (I despise that term) activities. We play together as a family on the 360 for several hours every week. Sometimes for a whole day on the weekend. We played Rock Band for two hours together this afternoon. The only rule we have before someone (and it applies to the adults too) plays alone on the 360 is that they make sure no else had plans for the tv at the same time and the volume is kept reasonable. Most evenings DH will play something on xbox live while I watch and knit, crochet or read next to him.

I having been taking a board break, but I cannot resist helping you out here :) I am a long time crocheter (and pretty much every other needle and fiber art), but just recently picked knitting up. Joining Ravelry.com has been a major help and inspiration (and time sucker...lol). You have to sign up on the waiting list for an invite, but mine only took about a week and then I could jump in. There is a WTM group and other homeschool groups their too. I am going back to my board break, but feel free to PM me for more info. I am artcofeewords at Ravelry if you want to look for me there.

I use a fountain pen exclusively when I write. I have a nice high-end Waterman that is "my" pen. Then we have a ton of disposable Pilot Varsities around the house. I carry a Pilot Varsity in my purse too. There really is no reason to write differently with a fountain pen than how you normally write. You do not need to force some fancy script just because it is a fountain pen. I write in my normal cursive. Fountain pens are easier on the hands because of the need to press lighter than with ballpoint. I have wrist and hand problems and find I can write for a longer time period with a fountain pen. My kids are allowed to write with whatever they want (ballpoint, pencil, colored pencil, gel pen, computer) as long as it is neat and legible. My 11yo usually types because it is faster for him, but he will grab one of the fountain pens for a short assignment sometimes. Fountain pens are seeing a resurgence in the US fueled by the getting-things-done(GTD)/organization/hPDA/moleskine loving crowd. For an inexpensive pen with a nice tip and good pre-filled ink, I do have to recommend the Pilot Varsities. They are $3 from Staples. Hard to go wrong at that price.

A few years ago we found a great solid oak dining table and 4 chairs with extender leaf for $35 for the whole set, in great shape, and the perfect size for our dining room. Only problem was we had a tiny car and no way to get it home. We were about to leave when our next door neighbor who was out yard sale shopping too, pulled up in her big pickup truck. She happily hauled it home for us :) Oh, and another time we stopped at a yard sale on a whim after a frustrating and unsuccessful day of bed shopping at the local furniture stores only to find a king size water bed for $5 with mattress and everything. The people selling it even offered to deliver it for us. We still use that bed, although we have upgraded to a waveless mattress with lumbar support recently.

Lucas just recently released the Young Indiana Jones series in a new box set with all of the educational documentaries included. I am the crazy one here, although we are all excited about the new movie. I have been known to start loudly singing the theme music every time the commercial comes on tv.

We recently did a similar futon rehab to what you are describing, but it was to add more seating to our living room. The futon had been ds6's bed, but he recently got a new regular twin size bed. We could not find a couch we liked that would look good with the two recliners already in our living room. We needed somewhere other than the floor for the kids to sit when we watch a movie or play family video games. The rehab did not cost me much though. The only thing I bought was a tan microfiber cover (recliners are blue microfiber). I used cushions I already had. I thought I was going to hate it, but it is actually working out pretty well. If I were you I would wait until after the baby comes and you have settled into a new routine, then decide what will work best for you.

I love the TJ's insulated freezer bags! They keep everything frozen solid all the way home which is a 2 1/2 hour drive.

I have about 10 of them that I bought months ago. Now I just wish the checkers would stop sighing and complaining when I use them.

Same here, with dinner usually much closer to 6 than 7.

I choose fiction, but it is really more like 75% fiction, 25% non-fiction. I enjoy both. I mostly read sc-fi. I am drawn to sc-fi that focuses on socio-political matters. In non-fiction I read a lot of science, craft, and history topics. Japanese craft books provide a fun double challenge (the crafts and the language).

No. Absolutely, positively NO! I also will not donate to charities that require any sort of sof or religious promise in order for someone to receive services.

The backpack style is a good option for when ds is carrying it, although he may prefer a more stylish messenger bag type. I have one that came with my hp laptop that is very sturdy. However, when I did carry it around I used a padded bag I mad from a mod print heavy cotton fabric. It is basically a fitted sleeve with a shoulder strap and a big flap closure with pockets in it for accessories. The laptop is old now and relegated to the ds6, but I still use the bag as a messenger style book bag.

Diamond Age by Neil Stephenson currently. I just finished The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin which now goes on my top 10 list of best books ever.