:iagree: Some stores might allow you to trade up (for the original amount that you paid to go towards a newer/larger instrument). I don't know about a bass specifically, or even how much wear and tear those instruments take, but that's the deal with our piano. If the child is REALLY interested, and I could afford it, I might give it a shot. Good luck. Jodie

That's mine... both boys know all of the pokemon characters, their HP, their special powers and their evolutions! The youngest (8) is a little scary when he can recall all of that. I told them if they can learn all of that, learning poems and parts of speech will seem like a piece of cake! Jodie

Ok... Some that have already been mentioned (Titanic and Up), but also Bridges of Madison county The English patient Of course, I cry when I read these books, too! Jodie

This is what I did this year. Last January I "deleted" my account... I deleted all of the pictures and all of the posts and all of my friends (I had heard that they account wouldn't be completely deleted). This summer I decided to open it again and only friend family members (cousins, aunts, etc.) as a way to keep up with them. I ignore all other friend requests. Much better now. I realized that I didn't need to see the daily musings of people I knew in the 2nd grade. It was cool to see what everyone looks like now and look at their families, etc., but I'm over it now. :o) Jodie

That is AWESOME! Congratulations! What's your 2012 resolution: full 26.2? Jodie

Saw them at Target tonight. Jodie

I usually give our boys' piano teacher money. I figure it will come in handy this time of year! He's also a big Dr. Who fan, so this year I found a Dr. Who coffee mug and a TARDIS keychain (with a hidden money spot) to include. Oh, and a box of chocolate covered cherries because he had some one time and shared them with my boys and they will never forget that day!! Jodie

Reported PP as spam.

I thought the OP said the price was $50 less on Amazon. We haven't had problems with any Lego sets in the past so for $50, I'd still go with amazon. JMO of course. Jodie

I'm frugal...I would buy the less expensive one on amazon (if u have the extra money and assuming he likes Legos enough to buy something else with the Lego g.c.). Jodie

How about some storage or display cases for their rooms? Jodie

I have saved lists by SOTW chapter on our library website. I can print out this list for each chapter to keep in a notebook (it has a small pic of the book cover and all of the other information). I write the date and RA or IR when the book gets read by my boys. Our library website also has a tab that lists all of the books that we have checked out. I'll print this out and keep in a notebook with the history lists. This picks up the titles of all of the science and "for fun" books that they are reading. Jodie

No good deed goes unrewarded! Sounds like a win-win! Jodie

?office depot? That's where I usually bring my in for recycling. I think you get $2 each on your rewards card (it's been a few months, so that very well may have changed). Jodie

She's beautiful! We have had two Rex's for pets (still have one now). We love them! Jodie

I made these a few years ago (saw this exact website, too!). After making a few of these, I tried putting those small seed beads the whole length of the strength. They looked awesome. Much more finished looking than just the string. The seed beads were small enough that they fit into the crease of the book with out problem. Thanks for the bump... I might have to make some more this year! Jodie

I remember exactly which ones you are talking about here! And I haven't watched them in many years! Those are some of my favorites, too! Jodie

we spent many hours last summer sorting out all of the boys' legos by size into individual drawers. It didn't last very long and now I just pick up a handful and throw them into the emptiest drawer available. I don't have the energy to re-sort it again. I think a large shallow container that they can sort through works best for us now. Jodie

:iagree: I tried to show my nieces that I could do a cartwheel a few years ago...seemed possible in my mind...halfway over my body was sending the message to my brain "Hellllllloooo... what do you think you are doing????" I hurt for days after that! Jodie

:grouphug: Unfortunately, I'll bet this is going to be a common topic this week with all of the family around. I tend to not try to justify our decision with whomever is giving me their opinion. Like someone else quoted earlier this week (from Madagascar): "Just smile and wave, boys. Just smile and wave." -- it's my new motto! Jodie

That was cool! Can't wait to show the kiddos (who might not think it's quite as cool as their math geek mom does!). Thanks for sharing this. Jodie

:iagree: This is what we are doing. Planned on a three day week, but ended up having a lot of family decide to come visit. I figure we won't see them until at least lunch or later M-W, so we've planned to do some fun Thanksgiving stuff in the mornings. Hope it works out that way :) Jodie

The shiny thing in my house is usually the computer, where I log in here and take a "few" minutes to see what you ladies are up to (maybe you'll have posted some miraculous cleaning, diet, exercise, teaching, etc., etc. tip that I might use that day!!!). An hour later, I remember I'm supposed to be cleaning! Jodie

Sounded good to me. The other people who are harmed in this situation are the families who didn't get to sign up because the spots are all filled... only to later find out no one showed up and they could have gone.. ggrrrr. Looking forward to hearing whether you get any feedback. Jodie

I just signed up on the site (it's been a few weeks). I didn't get an invite from anyone. ?? Maybe I did something wrong or didn't really sign up? I have an account there. hmmmm Jodie