If it's anything like Disney World in Orlando, the week after Labor Day is an AWESOME time to visit!!! We did this twice in Orlando and never had a line; we could just get off a ride and right back on it if we liked. Typically, kids are just getting back to school so parents don't want to take them out so soon.

I couldn't watch all of it, either. It was making me anxious just seeing how high up he was.

We also used Turbo Tax and keep getting the message on the "Where's My Refund" link that they do not have our information. I have read several comments on the Turbo Tax forum and it appears MANY people are having this issue. I spoke with an IRS representative today and she told me the IRS has implemented new software to check for identity theft. Unfortunately, it was not tested out before tax season (go figure!). This is the reason for the delay. It is also causing issues on their website. So, the info on the website may not even be accurate. She reiterated the processing time is 10-21 days from the time they receive it. :confused: Turbo Tax claims 7-10 days, which has always been the case. I guess I should be seeking a refund from Turbo Tax of our processing fees. One good thing - they will now be doing direct deposits Mon.-Fri. instead of just Fridays. :)

I usually fold and separate the clothes according to who they belong to. As soon as one load is folded, I call all the kids to take their clothes and put them away. For dh and I, I just put our folded clothes in a basket and leave them in the laundry room until all the loads are done. Typically, I will also put all the towels, washcloths, dishtowels, etc in the basket and put them away as I go to put my clothes away.

This is a recipe I have used for years and never had it fail: 1 1/2 cups sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1/2 cup butter 2 cups tiny marshmallows 1 cup peanut butter chips 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1. Line 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foi over the edges of the pan. Butter the foil; set aside. 2. Butter the sides of a 2-quart heavy saucepan. In saucepan combine sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils (about 10 minutes). Reduce heat to medium; continue cooking, stirring constantly for 6 minutes. 3. Remove saucepan from heat. Add marshmallows, peanut butter chips, and vanilla; stir until marshmallows and chips melt and mixture is combined. Beat by hand for 1 minute. 4. Spread fudge evenly in the prepared pan. Score into squares while warm. Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours or until firm. When foil is firm, use foil to lift it out of pan. Cut fudge into squares. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Merry Christmas!

Shhhhh.... we do it at our house too! ;)

Oh boy! I just found another.... A Question for Atheists I'm sure the horse is dead, but... (Duggar content)

Here are some I saw just after reading this thread: Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful, but inside Did anyone ever get their OD paper? Looking for party ideas Leapfrog Tag? If you meant to do "Christmas Shoeboxes" this year but didn't... I give up :lol:

Oh, yes! I have had a pity party, yet continue to try and hide it from our dc. I wasn't even going to decorate because I felt it was useless. However, I decided to keep up with our traditions and pray that something works out. We are so far behind on our rent I am truly thankful for a landlord that is understanding and hasn't even mentioned it. I was able to pick up some stocking stuffers a couple of months ago and someone had given me some "like new" used toys that I will wrap up for the kids. So, at least they will be getting something. I will try to make it fun for them. My ds9 asked if we could do a hunt for the gifts so I will be trying that this year. Most people I know IRL that complain about not being able to get their dc anything for Christmas have family that buys. Both my parents passed away two years ago and my FIL doesn't keep in touch. He doesn't even know all of our dc's names. :confused: It's also been hard not being able to be with my extended family because they all live several states away. Anyway, all of you have been encouraging. I will also be trying some of those ideas for the upcoming year (Zoom Panel). :grouphug:

Sorry! I messed up on my quote. :confused:

I am so frustrated. My dd will tell me how much she loves the meal I have put in front of her, but then minutes later tells me she hates it and isn't going to eat. I try so hard to vary our food choices and make what I know everyone will eat, but how can I keep track when she changes her mind in the middle of the meal? Actually, she and her sister are both notorious for this. Is it just a control issue?

If I haven't been on in a couple of days or more I will skim through five to six pages on a couple of the boards. Otherwise, two or three. ;)

:grouphug: My almost 8yr old ds was a preemie and the hospital would not do the circ because his primary physician wasn't a rounding doctor there. We were told to have his primary physician do the circ. He was in NICU for 2 1/2 weeks so he would have been around 3 weeks when it was done. We had Medical Assistance and it paid for it. Wish I had more advice/ideas to offer you.

So many great comments! I am so glad I have a place to vent. This was my first time with this doctor. We had a doctor that I LOVED, but she moved away. It took a long time to find her and I was so devastated to have to find another. I'll either have to pray that more new doctors come to our area or find another clinic. It just irked me so much that she kept pushing her opinion when it has nothing to do with the medical field. We had already discussed that dd sees a therapist for her past (and current) issues. Oh, and yes, I was extremely shy all the way through school. It wasn't until well into my adult years that I became more outgoing and confident. As a pp said, I just kept smiling and nodding. I am very much passive-aggressive so I look so calm in the situation and then boil and steam when I leave. We have a follow-up visit scheduled and I had already told dh that I want him to take her to the appt because I don't want to deal with the lecture. Thanks again! :)

:iagree:

:grouphug: My ds was a NIGHTMARE when it came to getting his haircut. I would not only hold him in my lap, but I would try to hold his head as well. He kicked and screamed. Eventually, I started getting a complete buzz cut because it was faster and no way to mess it up. Now, he is able to sit through a regular boy's cut and even tells them he wants the front spiked. I can't think of any one thing that actually worked to calm him - just one day on the way to the salon I reminded him of the treat he would get once he was done (not sure why it worked, because he always got a sucker). He was so excited and has looked forward to the haircuts ever since. He even points out that he "didn't scream or kick." :) Sometimes it helps to have the same stylist and if they let the dc touch the clippers beforehand. Hang in there. It will get better.

So, I took my dd to the pediatrician (a new dr for us) for a w/c check-up today. She wouldn't talk to the P.A. or the Dr. They asked her many questions, but she just clammed up. Finally, I bribed her with a treat if she would cooperate and she began to talk and do as they asked. Somehow in the conversation, it was mentioned that I homeschool. The dr said she is not against homeschooling, and she's sure we are a fine family, but my little one needs to be in public school for -get this- socialization! All because she was so shy. :confused: I let the dr know that dd gets plenty of socialization as we are very active in church and our church has LOTS of children. She just kept reiterating that dd needs to be in public school. Aaaagghhh!! I just want to go back and tell her that public school is not going to change my child's personality. :glare: Thanks for letting me vent! BTW - dd is not my biological child, she was in foster care for a while before coming to us. She and her sister had been in many homes before coming to us so much of her issue is attachment disorder.

I would highly recommend the book, "Love and Respect" by Emerson Eggerichs. My husband and I read this book and found it the most helpful in understanding our differences. A man most desires unconditional respect and a woman most desires unconditional love.

Don't forget to check out the Dollar Spot at Target. I already picked up some stocking stuffers: - Books ("Frankenstein", "Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", and "Time Machine") - Stationary for my dd - Star Wars puzzles - notepads

My youngest just turned 5 yesterday. I started her in K this fall. It has been quite a challenge because for the last two years I just let her do her own thing while I worked with the other three.

Not sure what regional center is, but some states have programs to pay for it. I contacted the Son-Rise facility and was given a partial scholarship. I did fundraisers for the remainder. In MN, if a child has a waiver (which they would need to be classified as Mentally Retarded as well as autistic) it would pay for the training.

Check out http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org. Click on the webcasts. They have lots of great ideas to help get your child talking. My 7 yo ds was strictly echolalic until we incorporated this therapy. As a pp suggested, giving your child choices between things you know he likes and things he dislikes will help him understand choice-making. Best wishes! :001_smile:

I've been all over the USA and didn't hear of "Duck, Duck, Grey Duck" until I came to MN. Actually had this discussion years ago at work and we all came to the same conclusion - it's a Minnesota thing! :001_smile:

I am assuming, of course, that the funding is only for Canadian citizens, correct? This thread is certainly making me consider a look at Canada as our next possible move.