I'm due in September, so I understand your concern. I DID go with Sonlight for next year. I am REALLY trying to make things easier for myself. We will be doing Sonlight for history/lit/geography/some bible. Kinetic Books for Algebra I (all online...teaches and grades it), Monarch for Spanish (again, all online), Essentials in Writing (video lessons) for writing and a bit of grammar, a quick daily punctuation book for more grammar (totally written to the student, and he can check his own work if need be), and an computer course on Java programming he can do himself, and ask DH for help with if he needs it. Logic will be the Thinking Toolbox, which he can read himself. Maybe some vocab flashcards or something, oh, and Noeo Physics for science..he is old enough to do it all himself. I'm going to try to have everything planned and in Homeschool Tracker by the time the baby comes, so I can just print out his schedule and let him go to work.

Many groups collect hand sewn/stuffed teddy bears, for police officers to give to kids that are in car accidents, bad situations, anytime they might be scared or traumatized. Often they will supply the fabric, directions, etc...you just have to put it together. My church where I lived before did this. You could sew them in the evenings while sitting with hubby, and feel good about helping kids.

ooh...good point. The entire house is not level, lol. Walls are crooked, floor isn't level, etc. Thanks for pointing this issue out!

We are redoing the tile in the kitchen after our flood. The tile we like comes in 12 inch or 18 inch. It isn't a large kitchen. Not tiny, not galley, but not huge either. I'm thinking 12 would be best....what do you think? (previously it had 8inc, which was too small for sure). Edited to Add: I just measured. The floor space (not counter space) is 18 ft long. At the counter/sink end it is 7 feet wide, and a few feet wider at the other end, where the kitchen table is.

ooh..baby gate isn't a bad idea! We've already got gates all over, I hate to add one more, but at least I wouldn't worry about the baby trying to get to us. Or I could try closing the door...she knows how to knock, and usually can open it herself...it could be much worse, he at least doesn't do it when we are around and awake.

GRRR!!!! He is the sweetest dog, but just not right. (had a head injury as a young puppy, probably hit by a car, had seizures every 2 hours for days, etc etc). His new thing is he has figured out that if he wants to go potty at night he can just go on the floor!!!! Mind you, he is almost 3 years old. He has been fully potty trained for years. It isn't a bladder infection because sometimes it is poop, sometimes it is pee, sometimes it is both, and it doens't smelll too bad (I'm a vet tech and you learn that bad infection smells BAD). But YUCK! If we kennel him at night he is fine, but he whines...and whines....and it is a small house and I'm pregnant and need my sleep. I could close him in our room with us, and he would probably be fine, but I like having the door cracked so the toddler can come get me if she needs me. We'd gone a week with no issues, at least, but this morning I stepped in a puddle of cold pee again. GRR!! We are remodeling, maybe it is stressing him out. I know it is stressing ME out. And his new habit is NOT helping.

How about eggs? A fritatta with veggies in it, with a side of fruit? Ratatouille with bread. Soup with beans, veggies, etc....a small amount of sausage added in would really make it good. Serve with bread or biscuits.

It doesn't have to look like family dinners! How about a weekly manicure, or trip to the mall, or something, with the older daughter? Can you steal away for a night at a hotel with her, and eat room service in bed and watch movies? Or something? Can you TELL her, hey, I'm really looking forward to not having to be your teacher, so I can spend more time just being your mom. I love you SO much and am SO proud of who you have turned into. Cause that means more than family dinners, really.

That SCREAMS medical issue. That is NOT NOT NOT normal. No one (that isn't pregnant or dealing with prostate problems) should have to urinate that often during the night. There are hormones that are supposed to slow down urine production during the night so that you don't have to get up and go. Obviously that isn't happening, and needs to be addressed medically.

It doesn't help if someone says "I liked it" or "I didn't like it." But if they say why that can help you a lot. If someone says, "I didn't like it because it had a lot of graphic violence" than I can skip it, as graphic violence makes me ill. Same with coffee...if someone LOVES a new type because it is so dark and rich I can skip it, as I prefer a lighter roast.

NPR. I know some say it has a liberal slant, but I find the in depth reporting really good, and they usually have someone from both sides on political issues.

Biblioplan. It has written assignments, etc, and puts the whole family on the same page.

YUp, still thinking asthma. As a kid the BIGGEST trigger for mine was laughing. I'd start laughing and end up coughing. And coughing was my only real symptom.

Well, I still read romance novels, lol...but I agree with the TV thing. Particularly "Reality" shows. They are soooooooo messed up, and I can only imagine what kids growing up will expect after watching these things. I watch a lot of Law and Order...maybe that makes me content because my life is so much better than those victims? But yes, ditch commercials, ditch reality TV, and find a niche with people that don't treasure material things.

I think part of this is maybe personality, or how you are raised. I'm a VERY content person. Seriously....I just am. For me, I just take the time to reflect on all the amazing things in my life. Like running water! How awesome is hot and cold water at your beck and call??? A hot shower? A song I like on the radio. Family that love you. Stop and be thankful each time something like this comes up, and you start seeing more and more of it. Focus on what you have, and you will busy your mind so much there isn't any room left for discontent. My husband was like you. Over the years I've really rubbed off on him, so I do think that pointing out the good things in life on a daily basis can change your outlook. Also, TRUST! Trust that the universe/God/whatever will provide, and you will be cared for.

I wrote about this maybe happening, but now it did. We recieved a lovely letter in the mail from my aunt, including the Cuban saying "When you have butter, spread it!" and a check for $12,000!!!!!! She very nicely mentioned that we might want to make sure we pay down some on any debt, as interest is the devil. (I'm sure this is in regards to my sister, who has car payments, a boat payment, boat storage payment, credit card debet, etc etc etc). I was happily able to tell her we will pay off the small amount we have on credit cards (for this past semester's tuition and books for DH for a certificate he is getting that will help him in his job), and probably refinance the house at a lower interest rate. Bigger than that for me, at 31 weeks pregnant, is the peace of mind this brings. WE are still finishing a remodel/repair job on half our house that started last year, as we have not been willing to put any of the cost/materials on credit. (she was glad to hear that!), and now we can afford to finish for sure before the baby comes. And I can buy the birth pool that I'm chipping in on with my friends, and the rest of next year's curriculum for my son. Things that we would have gotten to eventually, but will be so much better to get now, so I can plan and not stress as my pregnancy nears the end. Oh, and dh can get the AC in his old truck fixed...we've been holding off on that expense, but it is SO hot here, and he works hard, so that makes me happy. Just wanted to share the good news!

With antibiotics I don't know that reducing the amount like that is the way to go. It could lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria. I'd just stop it, or do once a day instead of twice a day if it works that way. I wouldn't wean down.

Mine are in my signature. Tara is the brown lab/pit/shepherd/? mix that was born at a shelter, and Luke is the border collie that was found on the side of the road at 6 weeks old with brain damage. He wasn't expected to live. He's a sweetie, but definitely has brain damage.....he is the world's dumbest border collie i'm afraid. Good thing he is handsome!

It takes about that long for sperm to get there though....and by the time the temperature has dipped it is usually too late. But more BD can't hurt.

I have friends that SWEAR by Wordy Worm for this stuff...but that is a reading program, not spelling. NOt sure if you would need that. But 4 year olds are learning the digraphs and such easily with the songs.

totally weird. I've been the 9 year old pet sitting. I would go with my mom, feed the animals, maybe sit on the floor and pet them a bit, and that was it. I have been an adult petsitter as well, and would NEVER open a closed door. Playing with toys and snooping on the corkboard? No way. Totally odd.

sounds like asthma to me.

The third chart is the most recent, after being on the Vitex a while. Secretions are on time, but she also had some post ovulation.

Get some Italian sausages and brats for the grill, to mix it up, or cook some with peppers and onions ahead of time? AS for the beer, is it for girls or guys? Do the girls even like beer? There are some great hard apple ciders out there now, and blueberry or raspberry beers are always fun and usually a big hit. (especially with women). Berryweiss is yummy and women tend to like it. Blue Moon served with some wedges of orange for those that like that.

I had an Accent for about 5 years, with no troubles with it ever. Not a single one. Loved it. My husband, who is car knowledgable, was surprised and impressed.