We went this past Thanksgiving weekend, but didn't check in until Sunday morning. We stayed for a week, and the weather was perfect, the cost is about the lowest of the year, and the crowds were very minimal. As a bonus, they had free dining! I personally think that end of Nov-early Dec is a great time to go - I love all the Christmas decorations and events. BTW, we live in MI now, but we are originally from FL, and lived in Orlando for 12 years, so I have been there at all the different seasons.

As soon as I read your post, I thought "vasectomy reversal". Definitely try that first. As far as IVF goes, my DH and I considered it when we first married, as I had had a partial hysterectomy. I could carry a baby, but I had no eggs, so donor eggs would be involved. At the same time, we researched adoption. We both decided adoption. The whole IVF thing sounded so draining (financially and emotionally), and we really needed a sure thing. We now have 3 children, and are in the process of adopting one more (being shown this week - fingers crossed!). The process isn't easy, but neither is IVF. For us, we went with the sure thing, and are big-time winners! Good luck with whatever you decide!

:grouphug: I'm sorry your heart is aching so. My kids are still pretty young, but I am already thinking about how hard it will be to watch them all leave me one day :-( I've got a plan - the kids are going to continue livng at home while attending community college, then attending Michigan State, right here. Yes, it sounds good. Not sure if the kids will cooperate with the plan, though!

I've been following your situation, and am so happy to hear that everything is working out for you! As others have said, I would concentrate first on horses, painting, and flooring. I know that "experts" suggest living in a house for a little while before you start tacking projects, that way you can get a feel for what you are really going to want. I didn't take this advice with this house. It was really livable, but I insisted we start updating practically the minute we moved in. Looking back, I know now that I would want some things done differently, but it's too late. But the painting is cheap and pretty easy when you don't have to move things around. Flooring next, as that's difficult once you've moved in. And of course, you need to make sure the animals are all situated. The rest sounds like it can wait and be done later, as money and time allow. Best of luck with everything!

I'm here in Lansing, it's 90 today, and I can't wait for summer to be over! Crazy, I'm a Florida native, but I knew even as a child that I hated the heat and wanted to escape. It only took me 48 years! C'mon, fall!

Olivia is a beautiful name ;-) Other pretty names are: Arabella (I'm thinking of this one for baby #4, if it's a girl) Miranda (my older daughter's name - gets compliments all the time) Lilyana Aliyah Sofia/Sophia (nice meaning...wisdom) Eva It's so hard sometimes to come up with a name you both really want to use. My problem is that I LOVE too many girl names to ever be able to use them all!

How do you get the tickets this cheap?

Just filled up yesterday @ 4.05/gal. The total cost was almost $72!!! Ouch! At least I don't drive much - this should last all month. DH is making good money, but drives about 60miles one way. I think our total gasoline cost is now topping $400/month. We live in Lansing, MI.

I LOVE the Smokie Mountains area! In fact, we are looking at going at the end of August. Favorite things: Cades Cove (churches, graveyard), and Laurel Falls. Love just exploring the National Park. Downtown Gatlinburg. We love to walk around, and we take the cable car to Ober Gatlinburg at least once each trip. Horseback Riding. We've been to 3 different stables, but I can't remember the names. Dollywood. Great family theme park. Usually, if you go after 3:00 on day, you get in the next day for free. Dixie Stampede. Good food, and FUN! Old Mill. Great food, shops are okay, nice to walk around. Have a great time!

Oh, My Gosh! :crying: How truly horrible. I'm glad they have the sicko in custody. Prayers for the family and your community.

I bought this type of suit a couple of years ago at Target. It's the most flattering style I've ever found in plus size.

I will be praying for your DH :grouphug:

My middle child was 5.5 when we brought home our 3rd. We didn't plan for there to be such an age difference (due to our ages), but that's how it worked out. We are now trying to adopt one more baby, to keep our little one company ;-) The older two just adore their little sister, and they can't wait to have another baby in the house. If you want another child, go for it!

:grouphug: I'm so sorry :grouphug:

My oldest kids' names are dropping. Olivia's name dropped by one - however, her name has been in the top ten since 2001, it just flucuates a bit every year. We are thinking of names for our next baby - they are all quite popular right now. Strangely enough, these are all names that I loved as long ago as in the 1980's (Olivia was one of them), but they weren't popular back then!

I love both names! I'm thinking that Charlotte maybe goes a little better with you other kids' names, but either would be fine. As other's have said, it's your turn - whichever one is your pick, go with that one. Veronica p.s. We considered both Charlotte and Lorelai with our last baby, but ended up going with Olivia - all were top contenders!

I think you are asking, are you old enough to know for sure what you want? That's a tough one. Yes, I think you are certainly old enough to decide NO MORE KIDS..EVER. But, as many others have offered, it's probably best to wait just a bit to be absolutely positive that you don't want anymore children before you do anything permanent.

In every speech I've heard, Obama mentions God. I never had a doubt that Obama believes in God.

I think Charles should absolutely give up his place in line. He's not too popular due to the whole Diana/Camilla thing - but I've heard that he is looking forward to being King one day. I really wish William could be the next King - and I'm not even British!

Okay, here goes.... Lady Louise Boots-Dixie My kids would be.... Lady Edwina Natalie-Whitewood Lord Charles Natasha-Bellingham Lady Adelaide Bella-Oakdale DH.... Lord Earl Squeaky-Wehnona

Preschool is free here for 4K. The 3k programs are for Head Start and special needs, and of course are free. My little one is starting SN preschool in Sept, due to speech delays. There will be a bus that will pick her up and bring her home, also free. I'll be going to school with her for that first week!

I just put the blog on my Favorites - your daughter is a very good writer!

LOVE Forest Acres! That would be my #1 choice of area to live in, but we found Lexington home prices to be more in our budget. But, neither are in the cards now....we are staying put here in MI.

Sorry, I don't know anything about Ithica, but Chicago is great! Of course, I am a city girl all the way! I think it really has to do with your own feelings about living in the city vs the country. Chicago has so much to do, is so vibrant, and is culturally diverse. Not sure about Ithica itself, but of course if you live in the country, you're going to have to travel to enjoy any of the city amenities. As far as visiting family, it would certainly be cheaper and probably easier to if you live in Chicago. Housing is pricey in Chicago - that's the only downside I can think of!

I would say it's tacky. Although I have been to engagement parties, no one ever brings gifts, just cards, and even those are not expected. It's really just a dinner (traditionally given by either or both sets of parents) to celebrate with closest family and friends.