I am so very sorry :-( Prayers for all of you. Veronica

We dated for about 5 months before we got engaged. We got married 13 months later (we wanted to plan a wedding for a certain month). DH says he knew almost immediately that I was the one for him - I knew pretty early on too, that we were meant to be together! Veronica

Another snapfish.com user here! I store all my photos and video there, and I'm always pleased with their products. Prints are very reasonably priced and come out great! The photo books are wonderful, and I usually work on one or two, then wait to order them when there's a sale. In fact, I do the photo books in-lieu of scrapbooking - much easier for me, and I like the sleekness of the albums. If you need the photos in a hurry, you can order them thru the site for pick-up at a local store, but they cost more that way. And I find I usually am happiest with the snapfish printing (though our Walgreens does a very good job too). Veronica

Wow, this sounds like you're describing MY daughter! TOTAL slob! She's nine, and I've tried for a couple of years all kinds of things to help her become more organized and neater, but to no avail. I think I'll try that suggestion to take things away that aren't being cared for properly, and making her earn them back. Veronica

Gosh, this brings back memories! When I was growing up, my mother was wild for angel hair. She would gently pull it apart, just so, and place it over each light. It did look really nice. My Granny, OTOH, loved tinsel (I grew up with my grandparents, but would spend time with Mom too). This is the kind of tree I remember most - the tree with tinsel! I've used tinsel as an adult a few times, but since I usually have at least one cat, I haven't in recent years. I know some people think it's "tacky", but when I pass some in the store, I'm always tempted to buy it! In fact, this year, after we finished decorating the tree, I thought "okay, now all it needs is some tinsel"! Veronica

I have tears in my eyes as I read - how tragic! My prayers are with you and your son, and Brandon's family. I think you should definitely seek some counseling, and I also think you should plan on attending the service if possible. The obits are many times posted within the next day or two. As hard as it was for you, it was a wonderful thing that this young man didn't have to die alone. Hugs, Veronica

I second Karen's suggestion on Corolle, Lee Middleton, and Gotz dolls. Also, Madame Alexander has good quality play babies.

I've heard it said that "children aren't expensive; lifestyles are" and I think this is true to a great extent. There are so many ways to save $$$ on most things a baby needs. It sounds like you REALLY want another child - I would say as long as you and your hubby are in agreement, you should go for it. I don't believe you would ever regret it, but you may very well regret NOT having another baby. Oh, and don't worry about your age, or your older kids. Many women are having children into their 40's, and there are plenty of families where there is a large age-range of siblings - I'm sure your older two would totally dote on their little brother or sister! Veronica

So, where do I find this amazing stuff??? Just a regular grocery store? A convenience store? A liquor store (even though it's without alcohol)? I'm already going crazy, trying to plan how I might get my hands on some! Veronica

You know, I always hated chain letters back in the day, and now we have chain letters online! Why do people do this??? It's such a waste of my time (and everyone else's, IMO). Anyway, I appreciate some of the funny stuff I get - and if it's really good, I will pass it on to friends who might appreciate it. But alot of the junk I just delete! Veronica

DH and I love this show! It's funny, it's clean, and we can sooo relate! Last night's show was great, I loved it when the dad got bent out of shape with how mean the girl was, and then he and his daughter had the "father-daughter" night. I thought it was so sweet. Veronica

Cat, I am so very sorry to hear about Saint :-( I was hoping she would pull thru, but I'm glad you were able to spend some time with her, talking to her, before she passed. Hugs, Veronica

What kind of pixie dust?? We did our reservations online. Do you think if I call Disney to check in, we can get some more pixie dust?? BTW, our older daughter turns 9 on the 26th, so I keep telling her she is having the BEST bday party EVER! We head home on Dec 5th :-( Veronica

Thanks for all the replies! It seems that many of you do something similar to what I'm thinking, but there is a lot of variation - I guess whatever we go with (more or less), there's a big range of what people do about gifts, so I don't have to feel too badly if their friends get more than they do! I mentioned that I got tons of gifts as a child - I rarely if ever got any toys or special items during the year. Christmas and birthday only. My kids do get occasional items that they really want thru the year, so that's part of the difference, I guess. Veronica

Okay, me again! I wanted to add that you can have 5 in a room at the All-Star Resorts, if one of them is under 3. Our littlest just turned 2, so her vacation is basically free - she can eat free off the buffets, or share a plate with us, or we can buy her a meal if she needs one. But no extra costs for a larger room/pricier hotel or for tickets. Veronica

You'll definitely want to take clothing for both warm and cold weather. Layering works well, as many times the mornings and evenings are cool/cold and it warms up during the day, but sometimes it's cold even in the daytime! I grew up in Florida, and lived 12 yrs in the Orlando area, so I went to Disney almost every weekend! WDW is the only thing I miss about Florida :-( Veronica

We'll be arriving on Sunday, Nov 28th - Yippee!! Not only are the 2 weeks after Thanksgiving the least crowded weeks, they are also the least expensive. This is important if you are planning on staying at a WDW resort. Most years lately, they include the free Disney Dining in your package (but not during Christmas week), which saves you a ton of money, too. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Disney at Christmas! The weather is wonderful - not usually raining, and nice moderate temperatures. Again, not crowded on certain weeks, and the decorations and special events are spectacular! One of my favorite resorts is the Port Orleans/Riverside. You can stay in a regular room (so no suite or additional room is needed) if your youngest is small (I believe that 8 or 9 yrs is the limit, as the spare bed is a trundle and not full size). Have fun planning! Veronica

Hi. I am wondering how many gifts to buy for my kids this year. Our oldest daughter will be 9, our son is 7, and the "baby" girl is 2. DH was unemployed for a short while, but now has a good job. Our finances are okay (I don't work outside the home), but we are hoping to save money to adopt one more baby in the coming year (fingers crossed!). So far, I have 2 "mid-price" items for DS (about $30 each), and 2 less expensive (about $10-15 each). For DD1, I have the Leapster Explorer she has been begging for ($60), along with one game, and then 2 doll outfits for the Karito Kid doll she is getting for her birthday a week from today. DD2 is getting a doll that talks when it's moved around, super cute ($35) and so far only one other toy (a play purse, $15). I'm thinking that I'm almost done. DD1 really wants the FurReal Gogo pup, but that's another $50. I plan on getting DD2 two more gifts. Then perhaps a book for each, and a new set of PJ's for each. Is this enough?? I remember getting probably 15-20 presents under the tree every year when I was growing up, but the kids seem to have so much stuff already. And they always want more! How many gifts do you think *most* kids get for Christmas (let's assume solid middle class family income)? How much do people spend on average? Veronica

I think it depends on what type of job your DH would be looking for. My DH was laid off at the end of Sept, due to the company selling off that division. He is a mechanical engineer, designed ambulances. Five weeks later, he was working again, at a good job (higher pay, but longer commute). And he is still getting emails and phone calls regarding other jobs. We are in Lansing, and he was willing to commute about an hour each way - so as far as west/south Grand Rapids, or Ann Arbor, which is where he is working now. I have to admit - we were both surprised that he found something comparable so quickly. Very blessed! It's probably a good idea to apply now for jobs, and wait for a position, before you move. Personally, I love MI. We moved here from SC (lived in FL before that) last year, and I don't ever want to move again! Good luck in your decision!

I'm a total Anglophile, so this is very exciting to me! I remember getting up really early to watch Charles and Diana get married, and I plan to do the same for William and Kate! I've got a feeling these two will make it, and live happily ever-after! Veronica

I think they have beautiful faces, and are of a good quality. AG and Gotz dolls are probably at the top, quality-wise, but I would say the Forever Friends dolls are a close second. If your budget is tight and you want a great 18" doll, get one of the Forever Friends. On amazon.com, I just ordered another doll for $30, with free shipping. Veronica

Bringing a stroller can be a pain, but you may still want to bring it. Walking around the parks all day is VERY tiring for younger kids (heck, for the adults too!). They may need a rest every now and then. Also, strollers are handy for other "stuff" you might be walking around with. I've never had a problem bringing in snacks and drinks, but I've never tried a day's worth of food! Veronica

We short-saled our house in SC this year, after DH's company moved us to MI. And now we have to pay over $30,000 on the HELOC. So, yes, they WILL come after the balance after a short sale. Veronica

I like Ella, Eva, Sofie, Ava, and Grace the best. If we are ever blessed with another daughter, she will be named Sophie Adelaide (Adelaide is MIL's middle name). Veronica p.s. Ever thought about Miranda? That's my oldest's name, and she get compliments all the time - not "strange" but not too commom, and very pretty.

I think Hezakiah is a little bit too unusual these days, but I do like many OT names. Carson seems an odd choice, considering your other kids' names. How about Caleb? Jacob? Adam? David? Those are all some of my favorite OT names! If you do decide to go with Hezakiah, he will no doubt make it his own, and people will decide that Hezakiah is really cool! Veronica