Need to survive 2-3 days shipping and not need refrigeration. Suggestions? english toffee fudge (??) oatmeal cookies I'd love to try some candy making, but not sure what kind. Ideas? I plan to make and ship beginning of next week.

I'll go in the somewhat dissent group: to me this article didn't seem to differentiate between reading level and reading content. And the parents in the article doesn't sound like the people I know, maybe the FOF who treat their kids like extensions of their own egos. Anyway, my 8yo dd has the decoding skill, vocab, and comprehension (incl reading inferences, which just comes naturally to her) to read just about anything. That doesn't mean I LET her read just anything or that I took away "lower level" books. Maybe it helps that she has younger siblings, so flits easily from adult nonfiction to board books. I've posted and seen other people post threads about looking for higher difficulty books that are age appropriate for younger readers. i think around here at least that's the norm: a general understanding that the mechanics of reading, the enjoyment of reading, and the content of reading are all very different things. And sorry, no Jane Eyre or Hunger Games here. :tongue_smilie: ETA: @Adventuremoms: if you mom was foolish enough to use the phrase "age appropriate" she deserved a rebellion. :D @geveryone: If a child is hs and has no idea of the "adult complex themes" out there, how would they ever know what they are 'missing'? I never understand the value in a child reading material with adult themes. Fortunately my eldest doesn't like "dark" content and books I thought might be iffy but let her read are invariably the books she says were "too dark" and didn't like. Why would I let her read romances if I have no intention of letting her date until college? :lol: If she yearns for more adult content, I'll gladly pull out my stack of college textbooks. There is some great YA material, but a lot seems to be more about porting adult content to the privacy of kids' bedrooms and is all part of the "peer-orientation" culture -- something of which I want no part. I know this sounds super conservative (I'm not), but I will decide what content my dc will benefit from, not the publishers, not Disney, not the media.

Um, I would be an example of a scientist who doesn't see any truth in that cartoon. :D Unless you reverse the titles. Scientist (including me) tend to error towards treating emotionally sensitive topics with complete disregard to the social/emotional aspects. I can't imagine Sheldon from Big Bang Theory fitting in your cartoon, and I think Sheldon is the archetype of the "say whatever you think" insensitive scientist. He's my hero. :lol: Dawkins, tho not my hero, speaks with that same disregard and I think it is completely incorrect to attribute HATRED to his dispassionate disregard of religion. I've said before that when Dawkins keeps to the facts and science, he's amazing. When he ventures into belief systems, he is condescending as heck. I think he does get disingenuous when he addresses biblical myths/stories like Adam and Eve, or Jesus turning water into wine as either: (1) a miracle, (2) mass hallucination, or (3) made up story. He doesn't consider or address the fourth option that these stories are powerful allegories or carry symbolic spiritual truths that would have been obvious to the jewish audience of the time. For example, the "water into wine" story taken literally leaves you with, "Wow, Jesus can do magic!" after the weird part where he seems to admonish Mary for asking and imply he won't, then immediately head off to do her bidding. Taken as allegory, it is a beautiful story that contains the whole story of the messiah in a nutshell. I wish Dawkins at least acknowledged the contextual option (since that is what he grew up with, so can't claim it is unknown to him). I agree with a PP that his handling of religion is probably synonymous to how Apologia or other literalist programs handle science. I hadn't thought of that before, but same (imo) "arrogant disregard" in both.

:iagree: Dh ahd the flu once and I put him in our master bedroom with orders not to emerge for FOUR days. I brought him food and liquids. As soon as he was in the bedroom (he came home sick from work), I disinfected every doorknob and surface he'd touched. We had a very fine filter on our furnace, too. Fortunately it worked and no one else got sick. SO maybe you will be lucky, too? Norwalk is nasty (we got it once on a cruise). Only other advice would be to make sure ou and the kiddos are fully hydrated and eating well NOW. Nothing worse than starting an illness already dehydrated. Try to get/keep the humidity in your home between 40-50% for a couple days. Easier on the lungs and viruses and bacteria don't float as long in the air if the humidity is higher (less static; above 50% you start risking mold, so ~40% is the sweet spot). :grouphug:

Another scientist here, and as to method, I agree that there just is too much stuff to discover on your own -- it took many, many generations of brilliant scientists to get to where we are now. Also, some kids are more hands-on and like to tinker with things, while others like to tinker with ideas. To my knowledge, Einstein never did any of the experiments he imagined (though others did, which validated his theories): for some, mind experiments are as valid as experimental work. ;) I am doing BSFU, ancient science, and some unit study work (mainly interest led or tied to history/prehistory) now. Next year I plan to start with Story of Science -- I like the idea of exploring science from its historical context. To the OP's question on WHY science takes a backseat here a lot: IMO that has a lot to do with the SWB/WTM bias towards history and LA. I don't think SWB is especially scientifically knowledgeable to speak on scientific education, but hey, that's not her passion. Also, to some fundamentalists, science isn't particularly popular and is seen as conflicting with religious beliefs, thus there is a preference to not study science too seriously or make too big of a deal of it lest it leads their children astray. In some groups there is a deep distrust and even deeper misunderstanding of what science even IS, let alone how to teach it. For hs publishers, the second they include any rigorous science they lose 70% of their market to cries of being "biased". I don't think it is any surprise that in that same timeframe we've seen scientists go from being an admired profession to nerdy losers or outright demonized and presidential candidates saying, "they don't trust science". So, the US continues to fall farther behind the rest of the developed world... If you want to make science a priority in your own hs, you'll need to do it yourself outside the WTM model. But then, just about everyone here tweaks things, so that isn't a big deal on it's own. ;)

Basic relaxation/medication you can learn/lead. If you have/find a yoga video, they usually end with a relaxation/meditation section. ;) A really simple, fast tool is "ki breathing" (used in different forms in yoga and martial arts): all you do is teach them to take a slow, deep breath in thru their nose and then slowly breathe out their mouth. Repeat for a total of maybe 3 times, the last time try to exhale ALL the air in your body. Whenever they are feeling agitated or squirrelly, I ask them to do their ki breathing and it works wonders. :D Try it -- I dare you not to feel more relaxed! :lol:

What 100EZ does well is that you blend from Day 1 and always read left to right. It marks the sounds that can be held and those that can't. In your case, you may just do parts of the exercises (not the whole thing) to work through. For letters you can hold, you simply keep making the letter sound until you're ready for the next. So instead of /m/-/a/-/n/ you would say mmmmmmmaaaaaaannnnn. The nice thing is you're already blending and all you need to do is speed it up to say the word. MUCH easier to *hea* the word. For words like cat, instead of figuring out the "at" first (since the /k/ can't be held), try putting your mouth in the position for the /k/ sound and then making the next sound /a/ (start voicing before you begin moving your tongue to the /a/) -- that will automatically blend you without having to "look ahead". Then keep making the /aaaaaa/ sound until you read the last letter, /t/. Most phonics programs have lots of special cases for sounds (teach r-controlled, st, sr, etc like separate sounds), which is fine, but may overwhelm your ds. When you learn to blend to start, most of those special cases are not necessary, which might be easier on your ds. A different approach might help things click for ds. Good luck!

I don't know where you read that, but sounds like BS to me. That's just not who the feedback loop works. Your pituitary (in your brain) produces TSH to tell your thyroid to make thyroxine (T4) which your body converts to T3 as needed. If your TSH is elevated it means your pituitary is pushing on the gas pedal but the thyroid can't (or won't) produce enough. At DX the Dr is incompetent if they don't do a full panel (TSH, T4, T3, and antibodies) to know for sure what is going on. Taking T4 (the pills) reduces the demand on the thyroid. They monitor the TSH to make sure that they are only replacing the part your thyroid cannot make. If they give you too much, your TSH would drop, since your pituitary would say, "hey, don't need more!" Taking T4 does NOT change your pituitary (which is controlling things) or your thyroid (which is doing the best it can). Most people are on levothyroxine for a lifetime because 90% of people who are hypo have an autoimmune disease where their own immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the thyroid that produce the T4 (Hashimoto's). Sometimes transient hypothyroidism occurs (esp postpartum), so they should test for antibodies (chemicals produced by the body to destroy the thyroid cells, if you have any, you have Hashimotos and will probably need pills for life). Especially in the first few years it can vary a lot (as the thyroid flared and fails), so most Drs will test every 3 to 6 months until you've been on a stable dosage for a while. Then they should test (at least TSH) every year, and I'd push for T4/T3 as well. Another thing to note is any TSH>2.5 is considered an indication that the thyroid is failing even though the lab cutoffs are often 3.3-5.5 for normal and many Drs won't RX until TSH>10. However even having untreated subclinical hypothyroidism (no symptoms and a 2.5<TSH<12) is associated with increased risk of heart disease. In fact, one of the big endocrinologist associations recommends that no one be put on statins for high cholesterol without first testing the thyroid, since treating even mild hypothyroidism can drop your cholesterol 25% (better than any statin and a heck of a lot cheaper, plus treats the problem). As to your dd, *if* she has hypothyroidism she NEEDS to be medicated. Those hormones have lots of affects and on a developing child they are crucial. This is one of the few times the drug they are giving is identical to the missing hormone so to me it is a no-brainer. As to you, consider posting to a thyroid support board. Post your numbers and info and you'll probably get a ton of helpful advice, including finding a better Dr. ;)

:iagree: I also agree with a previous comment that clearly her name matters to her, so to ignore that to save a few seconds writing would be rude. I don't hyphenate, I kept my maiden name (dh considered changing to mine since he doesn't have any connection to his, long story). Our kids all have my last name (dh's idea). I don't like being referred to Mrs. X (dh's name) but I HATE it when stuff comes addressed to the kid's with dh's last name. Is not and never has been their legal name. If people were going to just use one name, prolly should be MINE since it is the legal last name for 4 of the 5 in our household. :lol: ETA: I don't mind if stuff comes addressed to "The X family", or better yet, "Mr. dh X and family" but I sincerely appreciate it when someone takes the effort to properly address the envelop and use both names. :) It always gives me a "that was so thoughtful of so-and-so" pause.

lansinohl lanolin. Best stuff I've ever found for lips, or any chapped skin. Only need to apply once or twice a day. Avoid if you are allergic to wool, but otherwise it's clean and natural. ;)

Gotta say these posts are making me sad. Sad that a 12yo has to be MADE to wear something for OUR comfort with "modesty". Could as well be discussing a burka. Or maybe I'm just grumpy because it's raining. Anyways...I never wore camis or such. My first bra as an A cup (skipped the aaa and aa "training bras", like breast need to be trained -- do they do tricks?) which seemed about right (was at the point a bra was worth the hassle). Personally, I think it's a matter of when dd either wants one because her friends have them or because she is uncomfortable (esp when running, etc, but that takes a certain amount of heft to matter). I like PP's idea of discussing it as a comfort issue. No surprise that I would make the suggestion about comfort and then leave it up to DD. Since my side of the family is very busty, I'm not inclined to rush them into bras, but pretty confident sooner or later they'll really need them.

Other than maintaining legacy VB code on a PC, all the programming I do for work is on a Mac. I program in C/C#, Java, and Fortran. Even the legacy code we're talking about recoding in a platform-independent form since more and more of our users aren't using PCs. Underneath the smooth Mac interface is a hardcore UNIX beast. Serious computing work isn't done on Windows (big PITA), it's done on OSX/Linux/UNIX systems. There is a HUGE open-source community using the Mac since OSX is basically UNIX. Best of all, all the developer software you need (source code editors, emulators, including for testing apps you write for the iPad/iphone/etc, compilers) are FREE. You can register as a developer with Apple to access their developer tools (all for FREE and without a big "developer vetting process ala MS"). Yep, 100% FREE. Being UNIX, there's cool utilities like VSN to make sure you have the most current source code. Search for "Terminal" on your Mac to access the UNIX core. As long as your Mac is intel-based (anything in the last 5-10 years), you can even put windows on it. But looking 10 years down the road, who's going to be programming on a PC? What's come out from MS since .NET (which likely won't even be supported by the time your ds gets out of college)?? IME, programmers are moving away from Windows to develop platform independent programs (and internet based), not towards them. ETA: I should qualify this that my exp is among people doing computationally intense programming, not mass-market commercial software development. But whether you NEED a PC to learn to program? No. Plus, it's a changing field, so better to focus on the skills rather than platform and see what is the hot thing when he gets into upper level college work. ;) And NOT saying another computer wouldn't be nice, but gotta say I HATE programming on a laptop. Screen is too small. I don't like programming on anything less than 21" so I can see full routines and the UI at the same time. I only program on my laptop (Macbook Pro) when I have no other choice (traveling). Just saying'....

:iagree::iagree::iagree: I have no idea where this myth that somehow boys fart more than girls (or enjoy the spectacle more) started. My 2 dd get far more mileage out of farting than any boy I ever knew and now they are teaching ds the fine art. I just think girls are often reprimanded harder or told it's "unladylike" and boys get the "ewww, don't" with the boys-will-be-boys wink. You know, when I was younger, like in my 20s, it was a big deal. Now, not so much. As long as it's not in public, not at the dinner table, and not in anyone's face, we're all good here! ;) I'm glad my girls aren't worried about farting like I was at their age. We all do it, no use pretending, just learn to do it without harming others. :lol:

Do you want a small dog or a big dog? What criteria are important to you? WHY do you want a dog? I'd do a LOT of research -- make it ds' hs project for a while. THere are nice short descriptive videos on most breeds on Animal Planet's website (search a breed name and "Dog 101". If you want something to get along with your bunnies, you probably want to avoid terriers (hunt bunnies) and look for animals bred for companionship (tend to be smaller dogs). The bichon family seems to be less happy and non-agressive and get along with other pets: bichon frise, Havanese, etc. They have a reputation for being harder to housebreak. I agree on avoiding mall pets (Google "puppy mills" for the why, it's SAD). You might consider a rescue pup, just check for those terrier fangs. If you want a purebred pup (or a 'designer breed' like labradoodles, for which you better familiarize yourself with things like F1b), expect to take some time finding a good breeder. I'd look AFTER Christmas (life settles down, you'll have more time, and better selection). Good luck! Have fun! Read, research, and read some more! ETA: if you like we sties and corgis, you might really like the bichon breeds -- cheery, playful, learn tricks (common circus dogs), stay "puppy like" most of their lives. Less food (cost), and less poo than a bigger breed. Generally no interest chasing cats and other pets.

I think we take it a step further than "one at a time and watch" -- extended family isn't invited for our main Christmas time, so with just the five of us, each person selects one present, we take turns opening it (ok, sometimes we let the kids unwrap at the same time and then show each other what they got), THEN they get to play with the present....for however long they want. If they chose the present of "socks" we might let them choose another or they'll play with their siblings. EVENTUALLY (often hours later), someone will say, "can we open another?" and if they're all ready to "move on" they pick the next gift. It usually takes a few days to open all the presents (and they really do NOT have that many, maybe 6-8 presents and that can still take DAYS to unwrap). Basically, we spent years watching my niece opening presents, being excited, only to have them grabbed away and a new present put in her hands that we opted to really ENJOY each present (and they do, plus they remember when they got each present and from whom). This year I'm thinking about having them write one thank you note each day. This year my mom will be coming over Christmas evening, so she can give her presents to the kids then and they'll open them together. Another tradition we have is Epiphany gifts. Basically, it's a second chance to get that gift you REALLY wanted but didn't get (usually an issue that MIL said she wanted to get but then didn't, and the kids' "wish list" is usually just a couple smaller items anyways). That means I can order them during the after Christmas sale and have time to get them shipped. :D

:iagree::iagree: That's me. Just add in, not too early because the house is cold (in winter). Not too close to bedtime, because I don't like to go to bed with wet hair. Recently, it seems to be either because we're going somewhere and I want to look ok, or because I cannot remember the last time I managed to get a real shower. :D Prekids I liked to take a bath every 5 days (plus quick showers after I was working out or sweating).

Mine were each sooner (and my EDDs were exact WRT when I conceived): #1: 3 days AFTER my EDD #2: ON my EDD #3: 3 days BEFORE my EDD

We definitely use it. No, it isn't close to everything they have (only small fraction is free), and no first run movies, but a lot of the educational stuff (BBC and NOVA), some kids movies, PBS shows (nice when you want 25min, just click on SuperWhy or whatever), older tv shows (whole star trek franchise of shows, I had fun rewatching Scarecrow and Mrs King, heehee), and some movies I'd missed. They had a BBC series we were staying up to watch, now can see on our schedule. We don't have Netflix or cable tv, so it definitely adds more options. I got Prime this spring for the same reason you did (shipping fast would have been most of the cost) and now I'm addicted to the free 2-day shipping. Really does make shopping online replace running to the store for stuff. :D You can look thru their Prime selection to see if there's much you'd watch.

I think the mantra, "Your kids have friends, they need a parent" is in response to some parents who use their kids to fill social needs in their own lives (co-dependent), put the kids "liking them" ahead of doing what is in the best interest of the child in the long run, or don't discipline because they are afraid that someday the kids will hate them (most kids will sooner or later tell a parent "I hate you!" and you can't be destroyed by that). I also think that you need to have clearer boundaries with your kids than with your friends (for example, dc isn't the one to complain about dh to, obviously). It does creep me out a bit when I hear mom's say that their dc is their BEST friend. I mean, a BEST friend should be someone with few boundaries and tons of support, and I don't even thing adult kids are up to providing that sort of intimacy or emotional support to their parents, nor should they. And when they are younger...what would you think if a coworker told you that their best friend is an 8yo in their neighborhood?? Like I said, creepy. With kids, I'd define being a friend as treating them as sentient individuals, respecting and enjoying their quirks, uniqueness, and spending time with them and really listening to what they have to say. I think in that sense being their friend helps you be their parent. Your parental authority stems from that bond and ideally mutual respect. I think as long as you always remember you are a parent first and a friend second, that's fine. As they get older I think you spend less time parenting and more time just enjoying their friendship.

Cinnamon! Reduces blood glucose spikes after consuming carbs, which can help stop the cycle of cravings. In pre-diabetics, it can drop your fasting blood glucose about 10 points. Either put a teaspoon each morning on foods like oatmeal, or get it in capsule form (very cheap). If you take it with fish oil tablets, no more fish oil burp! Make sure any sweets she eats are rated with protein and/or fats to reduce the sugar buzz/hit. I have migraines and it makes me crave sweets like crazy, when I'm getting a headache. PET scans have shown the brain has a increase in sugar uptake just prior to a migraine, and the only time I've gotten reactive hypoglycemia is during a migraine (must eat every 2 hours). Migraineurs have higher incidence of reactive hypoglycemia than the general population, but not higher rates of diabetes. In contrast, non-migraine folks reactive hypoglycemia is often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. I mention this because if dd understands the migraine prodrome is causing the craving, but more sugar makes everything worse, she might have an easier time substituting lower glycemic foods if she's migrainal. I found if I exclude it from my daily coffee/tea I don't crave sweets as much. I also tell myself I can have A small sweet (like a hard candy) after 12 n -- that gets me thru half the day sugar free, and at that point I may be fine for the rest of the day without the treat at all.

It's not the same. By the time I had kids (first at 32) I'd spent a decade in college, travelled the world (met dh on one of the more exotic trips), had my sports car, did my 60hr workweek-commute thing, and earned enough money that NOW we own our home outright, which means we can raise our kids with dh just working half-time. Raising three kids with BOTH parents home most of the time and no stress over money. That's good for our relationship and health, too! We aren't rich, but we also don't worry about "what we'll do when we retire" because we've already done it. It's nicer imo to reminisce about a great trip you took together than plan for one you may not ever take or be able to afford. It's the kids and sleep deprivation that age you, not the years. ;) To each their own, and happy when it works out for young couples, too.

I'd encourage them (if at all open to the idea) to wait a year or two, or at least take a few years to enjoy being a couple before starting to have kids. I would encourage pre-marital counseling (as I would to anyone), esp if their relationship has had any "drama". Peaceful trumps passion in longevity. In any case, here's a few stats from http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/351 : << The average age of a woman getting married in the United States is 27. " Bride's Magazine The average age of a man getting married in the United States is 29. " Bride's Magazine 59 percent of marriages for women under the age of 18 end in divorce within 15 years. The divorce rate drops to 36 percent for those married at age 20 or older. " "Cohabitation, Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage in the United States," M.D. Bramlett and W.D. Mosher >> IMO if you get married that young you're just lucky if it works out. The brains of the individuals aren't done maturing, so if you grow in the same direction, that's lucky. Since the brain doesn't finish until around 21yo, I think that's why divorce rates plummet after that age. I met my EX when I was still 17yo and we got married when I was 21. BIG MISTAKE. Divorced after 3yrs, should have left after 3 weeks. Met my dh when I was 28 and it was great then, and now 12 years later everything keeps getting better. I tell my kids to not consider marriage before 25.

I would check hs laws. AZ is ridiculously easy: send in one form and you are done FOREVER. No testing, no reporting, no rules about hours or days, no annual refiling. Just opt out once. VA looks fairly hs friendly, but appears to require annual testing (and perform in the top 2/3). On the other hand, VA has access to the Smithsonian and tons of historical places. Note: in some PHX suburbs there is plenty of greenery. You'll pay a lot of AC in the summer, but we don't even run central heat in the winter (never had it connected, since it was the only thing that used natural gas). :p I don't think you could get away with that in VA. The weather in AZ is...monotonous. Sunny and dry 90% of the time. Rare rain or storms, and they go thru quickly. If it is cloudy for 2 days in a row that's news. That can be good or bad, depending on you! If you ID yourself with the East coast, I'd probably vote VA.

Nope. Not at all. DH and I know best. :lol: We consider what is in our kids' best interests, and our family's best interest (if mamma ain't happy...). I wouldn't expect a 4yo to understand the realities of complex family relationships and most likely has been seeing too much "happy family holiday" propaganda. Holidays can be stressful, bit if visiting your family is stressful, the two together can be toxic. I think you've made the right decision and when your youngest is old enough to see the dynamics, he'd probably agree. I wouldn't drive across town to spend the holidays with family, we certainly wouldn't travel over the holidays cross-country! Yuck.

In Safari, you just go to Safari->Preferences and select "remove all website data", OR you can just "reset Safari" from the Safari menu (empty cache is done as well). For IE users, follow the directions from Microsoft for your particular version: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278835 You definitely want to turn off "third party" cookies and review your security settings. :)