I guess I would ask why you want to cloth diaper...I love cloth diapers! However, the time to rinse, wash, rinse, wash, etc. is something to consider. I have a front load washing machine which is low water...which means the diapers don't get as clean. I would run 3 to 6 cycles to get them smelling clean...that's a lot of electricity and wear on my washing machine... They are rather expensive to start...the more kids you can use them with, the cheaper they are. But, again I don't know your reasons for cloth diapers so maybe that isn't a factor. There are so many good choices for cloth diapering online...let me know if you want more info. As a side note, I don't think you're crazy - I would just really clarify why you want to do this and if it fits with what is on your plate.:)

We LOVE our Vitamix - I own two of them and use them every day from making green smoothies to soup to nut butter. We use greens like kale, swiss chard, etc. and other blenders do not blend them as smooth as the Vitamix. We've even had the motor replaced on one of them - they have a 7 year warranty which is transferable if you sell it. Blendtec only has a 3 year warranty... For some who wanted recipes, here are a few of our favorites: 1. Young coconut water and meat, peaches, vanilla, almonds, lacinato (dino) kale and agave. 2. Frozen cherries, coconut milk, spinach, vanilla 3. Pinapple, mango, coconut milk, vanilla, swiss chard 4. Strawberries, almonds, coconut milk, spinach We don't do dairy, but you could substitute any milk for coconut milk - we also use almond, flax and hemp seed milk.

Boy, I agree with so many of you. Several of my boys are well behaved and then, well, there's that one...it makes me wonder if they really have the same parents (except I know he does because I've been there all along!) I do think many people do not have high expectations of their children, and the "norm" is not well-behaved children. My DH was out of town one time, and I took the boys out to eat...rare event for me with all the kids...anyway, we were enjoying our meal and I got ready to pay. The waitress comes to me and says "someone has paid for your meal because they think you have the most well mannered boys and they wanted to bless you." I was, in fact, floored and probably cried because I know the struggles of behavior, etc. I've dealt with...guess all the planets aligned that day. Just to say, it's a welcome compliment when you hear that, but I know that it's not always that way - it's our goal, and that goes beyond what many parents expect..:lol: That event has also prompted me to see how I might bless others in a similar fashion, or encourage those who are struggling in public with their children.

I guess it depends on what you mean by "not very much". And what are you using it for? Do you want a compound microscope or stereo microscope? Do you want monocular or binocular? (binocular are usually twice as much)... Sonlight sells a really nice microscope for around $200? http://www.sonlight.com/250-40.html If you want to spend less than that, I would look for a used one on E-Bay. Nature's Workshop sells some nice ones as well, in a variety of price ranges: http://www.workshopplus.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=30

In Colorado, there are also numerous programs throughout Colorado Springs and Denver (I don't know about elsewhere) that offer programs, classes, etc. through the districts that are without additional cost to the homeschool families. There are a lot of different homeschool groups and sports minded homeschoolers who participate in district sports. ;) Other info was posted previously...

:iagree: And when they realized their nakedness and hid in the garden, it was God who reached out to them, sacrificing a lamb for a covering and wanting a relationship with them. They may have been unable to stay in the garden as a consequence, but they were not banned from the presence of God. The consequences were spelled out before they ate the apple - just like consequences are spelled out to our children - God didn't "do" this to them - their actions were responsible. And God did forgive - or he would have let them sit in their scratchy fig leaves, hiding - He wanted them to return to Him, which is a theme in the entire Old Testament. He continued calling them back time after time. He NEVER forsook them and said "enough". There were many consequences, as mentioned earlier, but again God continued to call them...

I would tone down on fats - and eat healthy fats like avocado, nuts, EVOO, etc. I think low carb is good, but too many fats still equals too many calories that bog your system down....:001_smile:

Our kids get 50 cents per year they are old, per week (My 11 year old gets 5.50 per week). This includes money for snacks, spending and savings - it's divided equally among the categories. My husband created a spreadsheet in Excel so they have an account, and I don't have to remember to have cash to give them. If they want to "buy" something, I pay for it and it comes out of their account. They need to know how much they have in their account, and can't spend money they don't have in their account. They get "paid" every Saturday morning - so the money goes into their account and they start the week with their allotted amount. They have chores that are required...and if they don't do a satisfactory job, they get a dock of 25 cents. They are. in essence, on salary, and get docked for jobs they don't get done, or if they do a sloppy job. They can also earn bonuses if they do things above and beyond what is required, without being asked. It works for us because: 1. I don't have to remember to pay for each chore they do. 2. I don't have to keep extra bills around each week to pay them. 3. They don't lose their money as much. 4. It's an incentive for doing their work, and all I have to say is, "you're going to be docked", and they get going... 5. It's easy to manage 6. They are learning how to manage money and only spend what they have. They cannot buy on credit!;)

Sending prayers your way, and praying also that you can rest and relax while waiting...

This has happened twice in the last year with my AMEX. First time, someone bought an expensive camera lens and it was shipped to me...that was a laugh. The second time, someone tried to sign up with match.com. My husband got a laugh over that one...:001_smile: Both times, the credit card company e-mailed/called to verify charges. I'm glad they have systems in place to catch such things.

When we listed our house in Feb. of this year - we got an offer $40K less than the asking price, in the first week it was on the market. We were in the process of countering, then got another offer, and amazingly the first buyer came up $30K. Then another offer came in above the asking price.... It's a buyers market and many people are looking for a good deal, testing the waters so to speak to see what they can get....frustrating as a seller....but, I would definitely counter with a reasonable (from your perspective - not the buyers) offer, something acceptable to you.

First, I applaud your desire to help your daughter. If it were my situation, here is what I would do: I would help my child see life doesn't always work out the way we want it to. And it's not an easy pill to swallow nor to teach, but it will better prepare her for days to come. Moving around can be hard, and it's hard to make friends when you do, but I maintain it's hard to make friends no matter what. Good friends who really care about your well-being and love you are truly a rare thing. I remember how desperately I wanted to belong when I was her age and into teenage years. My parents treated me as a "victim" and felt sorry for me. It didn't help me one bit. What I wish they would have done was to help me focus on what I could do, and who I could help, and find friends who would really be friends. Instead, I was so focused on not having the right kind of friends, that I couldn't BE the right kind of friend. I've spent my life picking the wrong kinds of friends - the kind who don't really want to be friends... I am not saying you are doing anything wrong, so please do not misinterpret this post. I'm just saying that you need to believe in your dds ability to overcome - and not see her as a victim of "moving around". She will overcome, in some part, to the degree you really believe she's capable of coming out on the other side a better person and a better person for whoever is fortunate to have her as a friend.:001_smile: Blessings to you!

I just found Nutiva Coconut Oil at Costco...don't know how long it will be there, but it was a great price - I love the green label Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil, but seldom purchase with the price of shipping so high.... We use it in place of butter for everything - on pancakes, in cooking, etc.

I'm sorry! :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I think we must have the same families :glare:...in fact, my mom has said almost the exact same thing about being careful what they say :confused:...which is why we moved far away, but it isn't far enough, so we're looking for another place to move...:tongue_smilie: Blessings to you in dealing with this!

:iagree:

:lol:

We love these vitamins! Synthetic vitamins make me nauseous, but these do not. My DH take a variety of these....:)

:iagree: Even a small flick on the nose - doesn't really hurt, but does surprise the cat.

That's funny - I can't find anyone who does cosmetic issues...:001_huh:

I used to think brand made a difference - and as some others have said, it does also depend on the kid. I've used Pampers, Pampers Swaddlers, Huggies, Organic Huggies, Target brand, Kirkland brand and Wal-Mart Brand. For the price, my vote goes to the Walmart diapers (Parents Choice). They don't leak and hold a lot. (I voted other because Walmart wasn't listed.) My ultimate favorite diaper is cloth, but right now that isn't working because of my washing machine and I don't have time to take them to a coin laundry.

1. Letter of intent submitted to the school district you live. 2. Testing results required at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades. 3. Need to teach no less than 172 days, 4 hours a day. These are the basic requirements... Here's a link if you want: http://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool_faq.asp It's a great place to homeschool. Colorado Springs has so many options for homeschoolers if you're wanting a support group, extra classes, etc.

Is it cheaper from RR than from Lulu.com? I've ordered from Lulu, and they shipped extremely quickly...I would cancel my order and order from Lulu.

:iagree: There are movies that I watched like that permanently etched, and I was not even this young - but young enough to make a permanent impression. We are very careful what we let our kids watch...We will not let our kids watch gladiator for a long, long time....In fact, we hardly watch much of anything anymore because of this, and we want to fill our kids minds with good, helpful, beneficial things for being kind, helpful, loving, disciplined and God-fearing.

I love cats - had a gorgeous Tonkinese that we trained to use the toilet, so NO cat litter and smell! She was awesome. Then I had my first son. Found out at about a year old he was allergic to cats, dogs, etc. I had to get rid of my cat. My boys would love a dog, but their hair is never containable, and there would always be breathing problems with my oldest. The first day with a dog isn't too bad - it gets worse at night and he can't breathe. It's horrible - even with outdoor dogs. I don't have a solution - I just tell my boys they can look forward to getting a dog when they grow up and have their own place...

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: