Just Kate
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Posts posted by Just Kate
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We have a train table. My kids (including the 2 year old) have used them at book stores for years, but at home they turn into a catch-all for legos or blocks (which is FINE). Dd2 prefers to build trains on the floor, actually. But I do like the idea AND the price.
I wanted to add that this has been our experience as well. The table works fine for the train if I build the track for the kids. However, if they (really meaning my 4 yo) are building the track, she does better in the floor because she can make the pieces fit right on the table (if that makes sense). Her track tends to go all across the floor. But the table has been used for Lego building and Little People.
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I say get it! My then 2 year old dd loved playing with her brother's train (and at 4 she still loves it!).
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At that age, I like to do nice wooden "keeper toys". For my ds, we got a nice wooden rocking horse. For my dd, she got a nice wooden baby doll high chair. I always wanted a really nice wooden table and chair set, but it just didn't work out.
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Well, I struggle with my 7 year old ds and audio books. This kid can read...he really just picked it up this year. But he doesn't like to read. Instead, he wants to listen to audio books. His favorite thing to do is to listen to books while building with his Legos. He says that reading a book is boring because he can't do something else while he reads.
So, I agree with the premise of this post. While I do encourage ds to read to me during "school time", I am sad to say that he never just reads on his own for pleasure (although he does love books!). I want to try to start pulling away from the audio books some to encourage more reading. Suggestions?
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My brother is buying my dad a Kindle Fire for Christmas. I am going to purchase some type of case. Any suggestions?
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Thank you do much!!!
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I would love some suggestions. Thanks!
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I really don't understand ppl that don't pay their rent on time, or mess around. Its your shelter, for pity sakes! Why risk the roof over your head, your children's head?
I agree!!! We have dealt with A LOT of unemployment through the years, yet we still always paid our mortgage. I can't understand why your home (rental, owned, whatever) would not be your first priority. And the fact that they used kids' birthday parties as excuses (not one, but two different times!)...well, I knew then that we were in trouble.
I have been in touch with realtors and with property management companies this morning to discuss our options. My head is swimming with details and I don't know exactly what to do, but I am just hoping and praying that we can find a solution quickly.
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I know nothing of the legality, or how much of a hassle it is to go to court, but if you have a co-signer, aren't they then on the pony for it? If you let them out of their lease, you are doing THEM a favor. I'd expect this (November's) rent if only because it is almost over. Do you have a deposit you can keep? If you are being generous, I think getting Nov and the deposit is very reasonable. Do you trust they won't strip/trash the place? That can happen, too.
To the OP: Tell them that in good faith you will try to find a new renter, but until you do, they are obligated to pay rent. They certainly do need to pay December's rent. You can contact any co-signer as well. I understand that obviously they are flaking on you, but don't make it easy for them. And I agree, in your situation (long distance), I'd get a property manager.
Unfortunately, I have been in contact with the co-signer and he is saying now that he can't pay either. This is the fourth month that they have been late (and their excuses for two separate months was their children's birthday parties :glare:). I had a bad feeling when we went into this deal, but since we were out of state, we had a realtor handling it for us and I trusted her judgement (note to self...start trusting MY gut instinct!). The couple is young and has not-so-great credit. The realtor assured us that since the dad was willing to co-sign, it was fine (dad has great credit). Now here we are and the rent is 22 days late and the dad refuses to pay. Short of evicting them (which can be costly) I don't know what else to do? I have demanded payment, yet they haven't paid.
IS there anything else I can do? They did give us two months rent as a deposit, so obviously we will keep that. I feel like they should at least come up with November's rent. I don't know if I can press the dad and get him to pay (tried and hasn't worked so far). I really know nothing about this, as I'm sure you can tell.
Ugh...I hate being a landlord (don't they call this accidental landlord?).
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I know that I'm new here...but hoping that I am welcome to vent (and perhaps seek thoughts or advice from anyone who has BTDT).
DH and I own a home that we are upside down in (stupid, stupid second mortgage). We had to move to another state due to unemployment for my dh and we are trying to get back on our feet after several years of on and off unemployment (but dh has a good job now and things are going well). We are renting a house in our new state.
We rented our house out to a young family earlier this year. They have been severely late with their rent 4 times. Just this evening they asked to be let our of their lease.
I'm not sure what to do here. Insist that they pay this month's rent and then let them out (her dad co-signed, so I can't imagine that someone can't come up with one month's rent) or something else? I have never done this before.
Dh is so frustrated that he just wants to let them go and then walk away from our house. I am trying to be the voice of reason here. If we can get it rented again quickly, we can afford it. I just know it will be challenging to rent since we are hours away and it is holiday time. If we can't get it rented, it will be very challenging for us to pay both mortgages on the house and then our rent. Maybe for a few months...but not much more.
I guess this is just a vent. I am tired and frustrated. Every time we start to get just a little bit ahead it seems like something happens. I would love to be done with our house but I know it isn't the "right" thing to do (besides that, I am sure they would come after us for the difference and our credit would be wrecked).
If you got this far, thanks for reading.
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The idea of me posting on a baking thread is almost as pathetic as posting on a science thread. But this is more of a question for others....
If op wants the least taste difference, would it be better to use salted or unsalted butter? (just curious)
OP here...great question! I didn't even think of that.
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My family has a chocolate cake recipe that is served at every family gathering. Either my mom or my aunt make the cake and they use margarine. I have made the cake before at my mom's house using her ingredients, but never on my own.
So I just learned that the cake is not being made for Thanksgiving and I am afraid there will be a revolt if it is not there, so I offered to make it.
Of course, I don't bake with margarine (ewwwww!). Can I substitute butter or will it affect the flavor/texture? I don't want the one year I make the cake to be the year that it tastes "different". WWYD?
Texas Sheet Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 sticks margarine
1 cup water
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Combine first 4 ingredients and set aside. Bring water, margarine and cocoa to boil, while hot add to flour mixture. Add eggs, sour cream and mix well. Pour into large greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Ice while hot.
Icing
1 stick margarine, melted
4 T cocoa powder
1 box powdered sugar
3-4 T milk
1 t vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Add cocoa to the melted margarine and then add the rest of the ingredients. Beat well and pour on hot cake.
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There was an episode of 30 Rock in which Jenna had a role in a movie called The Rural Juror. No one could pronounce it. :D
I have been thinking about that episode while reading this post! :D
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I'm one who loved the books and just tolerated the movies (yet I go see them on opening day every time!). This was by far my favorite movie. It didn't seem quite as cheesy as the others and perhaps the acting was a bit better. Also, it has been so long since I've read the series that I'd forgotten some of the small details. Overall, I really enjoyed it!!!
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I have trouble saying the word OUR. I think I always say HOUR instead. Actually, I'm not even sure exactly how OUR is supposed to be pronounced.
(DH always teases me, which is how I know I'm saying it wrong).
And speaking of my dh, he always mispronounces words incorrectly on purpose, which ends up messing me up when I am saying the words out loud. For instance, he jokingly refers to salmon as SAL-MON (like it's spelled). Now when I say the word, I have to really think about it. Also, I worry that my kiddos are going to pick up his pronunciations...they don't know he's joking!
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Well, this sounds terrible, but we spend different amounts. My (local) brother has 4 kids and we spend about $25-30 on each of them. However, we are together on Christmas Eve and this has always been part of our Christmas spending. Also, my brother makes a ton more money than we do and he gets my kids fabulous gifts (well over $50...sometimes more).
For my husband's nieces and nephews, who we never see at Christmas and rarely see in general (maybe once per year, but not always that), I send $10 gift cards. There are way more of them and we just can't do it.
Thankfully, dh is okay with this. But I do feel guilty every year.
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I do!!! After being out of town for three days for work, I came to my parents' house tonight to pick up my kiddos (dh working our of town too). My dad says he has a little something for me and hands me a kindle touch. Let's just say that I am completely amazed!!!
My parents aren't wealthy at all, but they are very kind. I hope someday I can pay their kindness forward to my kids and others.
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I'll be watching this thread... And hoping others will make suggestions on other foods to dip in the chocolate! We're going to a neighbor's for Thanksgiving. My job is to supply a large variety of items to dip in the chocolate. So far, my list includes green apples, strawberries, vanilla cake, rice krispy treats, and marshmallows. I need a few more items, especially for those in braces!
I love pound cake!!!
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Yes son, you do need to change into a clean pair of underwear after a shower.
Boys:glare::lol:
Oh my...I was so shocked the first time I had to explain this to my son. I kinda thought it was intuitive...but not so much with boys I guess! :lol:
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Thanks so much, ChristusG! Anyone else who has the book with an opinion?
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For those of you who do Elf on the Shelf, how important is it to have the actual book?
I found the elf and book here on Amazon for $29.99.
I also found just an elf here on Amazon for $12.50.
I am wondering if it is necessary to buy the book.
Thanks!
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I am loving all of these Christmas threads!!! I would love to include an Advent wreath as part of my family's advent celebration. Can anyone suggest a good (cheap!) one to purchase or have suggestions on how I could make my own?
Also, where can I find the readings that we should do each Sunday when lighting the candles? We are Protestant, by the way (if that even matters).
Thanks so much!
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If you go to this website and then click on Print Art, there is a OCC coloring page that your child can fill out and put in the box.
This is what my kiddos do. :)
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I pay a homeschool family $40 per day to watch my ds. They watch him two days per week, from approximately 8:30-5:00. During that time, they do school and attend a homeschool PE program.
HTH!
Someone explain Lalaloopsy dolls to me
in General Education Discussion Board
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DD is getting this set for Christmas. I like that it is actually a playset, rather than just a big doll (not sure what she would do with the big doll). I think she has seen commercials for this at grandma's house, and apparently marketing works on her!