Aubrey, Thanks for the well-written, thoughtful post. I agree with most everything you said. However, my DH was 29 when we were married, and I was 22. We've been married for 25 years, and have 2 wonderful children, 12 & 10. (Yes, we waited quite awhile to have DC!) I think the first year of marriage is the same no matter how old you are --- adjusting, compromising, etc. to others. Luckily, the first year both parties work hard at the relationship and WANT to make it work, which helps. So, the lesson is ladies, if it bothers you, SPEAK UP soon. The longer you wait, the harder he will resist. Speak up while he's still "compliant"! Melody

hmmm... I'm 40+ and didn't know that antibiotics & the pill don't mix. Does it make b/c less effective? Thanks for the information (not that I need it anymore --- but I'll have to pass the info along to my DD some day.) I, too, agree with Cadam. If you don't plan on doing it, why carry b/c? In fact, if you carry b/c, aren't you more likely to give in to the "temptation" to have s****** relations? BTW, I love your Aunt Frances quote. So true!

Tie-dye is great fun! Here's another fun activity for young ones : foot-print T-shirts! Step in tempera paint, then on the T-shirts that are spread out on the ground. It's a blast. Do it on the week-end and get Dh involved. The kids love having a Big Foot imprint.

Have you tried floor exercises? Mommy too! Teach them sit-ups, leg lifts, etc. It could be fun family time. The 2-yr old could learn to "count"! Just a thought. (I'm so old that I remember doing exercises with my mom & Jack LaLane! -- anyone remember him?)

Rebecca, Some children just don't like to read, for whatever reason. Usually, I see it in public-schooled children, but I've known a few homeschooled children to resist reading too. Have you tried books on tape? Maybe that would "spur" her into reading. Melody

I have always "heard" the words when reading. However, it does slow down reading speed. All of the speed-reading books/methods I've seen suggest NOT to say the words. Just my 2 cents.