:iagree:

The only thing that you can really do is wait. Once the current tenants are out and the owner doesn't have the $ coming in, he might be more willing to negotiate. Or he might not.

If its hot, CityGarden downtown can be a fun, free place to splash around. Magic House and the Science Center are my kids favorite places to beat the heat; the Discovery Room in the science center is great for the little ones. If its not excessively hot, the Zoo and Grant's Farm are great. St Louis has great Italian food. on the "Hill."

No. I would not. I was injured by a legal bottle rocket at a family 4th of July when I was 13; another inch or so and I could have lost an eye--the burn on my face was bad enough. Also, it was a dry winter in CA. I live in the burbs and have already witnessed two brush fires on the hillside. If the kids are setting off fireworks and something catches fire--you could be partly liable for the damage not to mention the guilt. I grew up in the midwest where fireworks can be fun if properly supervised (we bought fireworks many times after I was injured but the grownups were a little more careful about who and how the fireworks were used), but I suspect that there are few places in CA where they could be used safely. Christine

What nickname or name would you call a boy named Andrew James? DS and the kids really love the name. I'm not 100% sold but its hard to resist when my 3 year old keeps walking up to me asking to kiss "Baby Andrew" through my tummy. I have 6 months to get used to it, but if I change it, I need to do it soon.

Is there a middle ground? Somewhere closer to work for your Dh but away from crazy lady and near a Hall? Sounds like your husband feels strongly about not returning to "old town." The daily commute really has an important impact on quality of life. Our move 18 months ago knocked about 20 minutes off of Dh's commute each way and he is so much happier. He gets home sooner, has more time and energy to play with the kids and help me. If we needed to move, our old neighborhood would be "off the table."

:iagree: You need everything to break right for it to work, and risk your whole future if it doesn't. What happens if your mom gets laid off or can't work? What if she needs assisted living sooner rather than later? Christine

I need suggestions on buying a "How to Draw . . ." book for my 7 year old nephew. He's requesting one for animals or dragons for his birthday--my kids are not artists but he is quite good for his age. Any suggestions on what might be good? Thank you, Christine

:grouphug: I agree with the advice to call your doctor; s/he can tell you whether to go to the er or schedule you for the first appointment in the morning. Christine

Due to some dietary restrictions (no dye, limited preservatives, clearly marked labels regarding gluten, soy, etc), we buy our processed foods from Trader Joes (definitely a national chain). However, an independent grocery store in the same shopping center has amazing produce and I buy eggs, milk and meat from there when I can get a good sale. I also shop at a couple produce markets which are cheaper but only if I plan to use it in the next 24 hours as it seems to spoil quicker. I like having variety. Where I grew up, the two main grocery chains were locally owned and regionally operated. Christine

:iagree: The other mom made a mistake by telling you that initials were an option; the organization higher-ups probably said no b/c uniforms should be uniform. DS6 is in instructional league soccer and tee ball; the instructional league (ie K-1) doesn't have names on jerseys but anything higher does.

ITA. BTW, its much harder for me than for DH to put the marriage first. The kids know that daddy loves mommy and that she's "most important." However, since they all get love and attention from both of us, it doesn't matter to them who is "top dog". I think it makes them feel safe. Christine

We enjoyed it (me, DS6, DD5, and even DD3). The library had telescopes on the plaza. There was one large telescope with a long line and two telescopes with no line. Toward the middle, an astronomer used his telescope and eyepiece to project the transit onto an easel. The kids traced what they saw--a big round circle with a dark dot on the edge and a few lighter sunspots--this was my little one's favorite activity, We also had our own glasses. It wasn't can't turn away excitement, but it was good fun in small bits (view, go to the library, look again, visit the bookshop, wait in line, draw, go home). Not as awesome as the eclipse but worth seeing. Christine

:grouphug: I am sorry for your loss. Christine

Our local library is having an event on the plaza from 3:30 til 7. DS is taking the solar eclipse glasses we received from the eclipse celebration at our science center to show off at kindy so we might get a few viewers early on the playground. It poured yesterday but its just a few white puffy clouds this morning. Christine

I agree with SpyCar.

The Monterrey Bay Aquarium charges similar prices and is completely worth it. I always figured that caring for the animals and the Aquarium research missions were super expensive and that they probably weren't clearing much or any profit especially in this economy when foundation money and big gifts are harder to get. I haven't been to Shedd in nearly 10 years so I don't know if it is the same. Christine W

:grouphug: Hope for a happier update soon. Praying for you both. Christine

They did it. Dragon successfully docked with ISS. Hooray! http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/05/25/153683804/live-spacex-capsule-approaching-space-station-for-docking-attempt?ps=cprs

On most days, I'm good to be wearing mascara and some tinted lip balm. Morning sickness has been washing out all my color so I've started wearing a little blush to cover the pallor. (we haven't told anyone IRL yet). I do wear makeup for dates, an event for DH's work, or where I feel the need to look professional.

:iagree: Also, seek out parks with tot lots. Big kids sometimes will play in the tot lots, but not generally mobs of them. I also feel better about yelling at wild kids in the tot lot when they're too big to be there.

I'm glad you were able to resolve it.

I don't think that insurance would have helped here. THe PO has delivery confirmation--why would it pay out a claim for nondelivery? I'm really glad that the item showed up.