I spoke to my dentist about this last week. He is REALLY good and will never try to sell you something you don't need. Number one he said NEVER go to the places where you go in for an hour and are done. They are a scam he said (he bought the machine and had to refund a lot of patients money...years ago). The best way is to have trays made for you and then use the gel. The trays can basically last forever and the gels last a long time - you need to redo it every six months or so. My dentist sells this service (custom trays, gels) for $200, which is cheaper than others - most seem to sell for $300.

The one from Rainbow Resources looks wonderful. I may have to order both that the company has to offer! (Macbeth also)

The Good Wife (absolutely love) Fringe (really good, hope it doesn't get cancelled) The Office

For those who use Atelier, I was wondering if you could advise a good start level for us. My daughter is 7.5 - she LOVES art, very artistic, draws all the time (among many other kinds of things), and has taken several art classes. We have finished the first book of Artistic Pursuits. I have book 2 (K-3) but we've not started yet. Was thinking about buying the Atelier in addition. I've looked at their site to try and decide, but was wondering if those who have experience might give advice? Thanks so much :)

The responses so far are really helping me understand - thank you! So then the question is - would a Harry Potter set (something my kids would love because they love the story itself) be good or bad? They might not want to take it apart after putting together because they love Harry Potter. They might focus on the Harry Potter aspect vs creating something unique of their own. Any thoughts on that? My kids are 7.5 and 4. ETA: Are there better sets to "bulk up" our Lego stash? I understand sometimes you need MORE to be able to build something substantial. We're thinking about Christmas.

I know lots of kids love it. We've had a few sets. My dd had one set (the Creator house) - she set it up with her dad's help and then it sat there forever until we moved when it was taken apart. I love the idea of cute lego sets (like the Harry Potter sets), but then I think about the fact that they're not really so creative - they're all about following the directions, and then when you're done, what do you do with them? I'm asking in all seriousness because we've never been a big Lego family, so i'm wondering, What are we missing? Thanks so much for cluing me in :)

We let ours eat as much as they want for two days (so they get sick of it) and then the rest goes to work with Daddy to leave out at his office.

My dd is 7.5 and we just started with it this year. We've actually gone through most of book 1 already (she knows most of this already so it's really review). We don't do it every day. probably 3 times per week, only one lesson at a time.

Thanks so much Kristina!

May I ask where you got Joy Hakim's books on audio? I would love to get them also but am having a hard time finding them! Thanks!