At the risk of asking an awkward question on this board....is the audiobook for SOTW good? I can't read for long periods of time and have been going through dental work for bridges which make my speech sound odd until I adjust. My youngest needs help for history and I think having someone read it to her would be a good thing for her. I've tried having my other daughter read it to her, but...well...siblings.

Many sheriff departments have an ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) dept. They may be able to provide some guidance. They could also verify that she's chatting with another child (instead of an adult pretending to be a child). All the best - it sounds as if you're doing everything that can possibly be done.

Mine goes everywhere and I love it. I have a kindle fire with a cover. I have some games on there (mostly angry birds, fruit ninja and a few others). I also keep books that I'm reading and I download a few movies. I use it when I take the girls to soccer practice and I have to wait (I watch the games, but not the practices), same with dance classes. I take it to doctor appointments and play movies for the kids if it's taking forever. (If I'm alone, I read my books or play games). There's a list on amazon for free books that seem to circulate. I look every few weeks and download several that I like that are free. I've downloaded a couple of books that I like to re-read (such as Gone With the Wind). I'm really happy with mine.

Sorry, helping my youngest prepare for her dance recital, so I haven't been able to reply. I understand everyone's concern. I'm continuing to look at it, because I do really want the property, but I'm not going to make foolish decisions (understandably, the life estate does look foolish, but I mean the rest of it) that will compromise my family. You all are giving me some wonderful thoughts and suggestions and I appreciate it. All of our property buying experience has been with family members so I'm jaded enough to know to be wary. On the flip side, I've never had a 'normal' or 'typical' home-buying, land-buying experience so I don't have a lot of practical knowledge which is why I posted. I'm grateful for the replies. At this point, if it has pre-payment penalties, a balloon mortgage or can't be purchased in a typical normal way AND it must be financially a good investment (meaning that it is way underpriced), then I'm not buying it. It's been on my mind a lot and I can't shake the feeling that something is 'off'. I do plan on using my own attorney and having title searches and my own appraisal done. I won't be rushed into it. I don't trust my step-father, but at the same time I'm trying to look after my mother. That's a limited relationship, I won't look after her needs at the expense of my kids, but I'm still looking into it. If I find out what the 'trick' is with all of this, I'll let you know. I agree, something's off.

I appreciate all of the comments so far. I understand that family and business deals do not mix well, but we've done several (and they are typically rocky) so I'm willing to chance that it will change the relationship. We currently have no debt (house, car or credit card). My husband wants to acquire the land around us (which also makes me happy since I have a lot of love for where we live) and our plan was to do it in small increments since we have no other debt and can avoid a lot of interest by paying it off quickly. I know there's a mortgage on it. But, I think everyone is right and something is off about it. I'm making notes as I read your replies. Thanks for everyone's input. I'm still listening if anyone has anything else to add.

My mother and step-father want us to purchase their home (they have financial problems). They own a large 1-bedroom home with some out-buildings for storage a small guest house and around 20 acres. They've offered to sell it to us for $75,000 (the amount of the mortgage they owe on it). I'm not sure what the appraisal is for, but I feel certain it's over $100,000. Financially it's a good deal. Additionally it adjoins our property which would allow us to have one large plot of land. (The downside is that they would retain life estate - they are both retired - until they die so we couldn't use the main house until then). My step-father is sneaky (and just a bit shady and a chronic liar). I really want the land (it's been in our family for quite a while) but I have to triple check everything he says. The mortgage payments are unusually low, less than $400 a month. Yesterday, the subject came up and he said that he wanted us to make a commitment in the next 60 days and go ahead and sign. They stated that the reason for the urgency is that they want to be able to commit to traveling and other fun things but can't until this is decided. I know I need to see an attorney, but I'm trying to figure out what sneaky thing is heading my way before I see an attorney. (And I'm definitely using my own attorney, not a 'together' one for this). In our discussion, he suggested that we send the payments to them and they would continue to pay since nobody can assume the mortgage due to the contract. He also mentioned briefly that in a few years we would need to make a larger payment for a balloon payment or we would lose everything. My thoughts were to take out a loan on our existing property and pay off their mortgage since I'm not comfortable sending them the money to pay for the mortgage. He said that wouldn't work but didn't say why. Is there a pre-payment penalty on balloon mortgages? (And again, I'm definitely having an appraisal and my own attorney. This is family property. If it can work out, I really want it. If it doesn't work out, I'm okay with walking away.) I feel like there's more going on behind the scenes (and this was a mortgage taken out just a couple of years ago, which also didn't make sense). The reason for needing the $75,000 mortgage was so people couldn't sue them and take their house. My step-father said that if someone knows a mortgage is on the house, they won't try to take it. That just seemed like a lot of money and I advised my mother against it, but she followed my step-dad's advice. I know little about balloon mortgages. What can anyone tell me about them and what I'm wandering into with this situation?

I have known my best friend for nearly 12 years. Her son was diagnosed with autism and was functionally non-verbal when he was three years old. With a lot of work, he became verbal but has always been just a bit 'off' or Asperger type tendencies in his behavior. He doesn't catch on to jokes easily and is a target for bullies. He was always good in math but struggled in other subjects, including English. His iq test (four years ago) was average. Actually, it was on the low end of average. My friend always felt he was much smarter than his iq test revealed. He recently received his ACT scores and made a 29 (including a perfect score in one of the math sub-sections). We were all (including my friend) stunned as the pre-test hadn't indicated anything this high. This was his first time to take it. I understand that IQ tests help determine a 'gifted' child, but I feel they are misleading. IQ's can change over time and, in the case of my friend, may not be a good measurement for children when there are other factors involved.

Thanks. We do have a number to call after-hours but no emergency vet. Our vet would probably come out to help, but it would take a bit. So far, he's doing okay. He's having trouble getting comfortable, but is still happy to see people.

Our boisterous border collie was bitten by a snake today. We aren't sure which kind, but we have several in our area (prominently rattlesnake). We were all out in the yard (including a friend of ours). The friend noticed our dog running and then he jumped back and went the other way. We think that is when he was bitten although he didn't bark or yelp. About twenty minutes later he came over to us. There was a small amount of blood on the side of his face but the swelling was unbelievably huge. DH immediately took him to the vet. The vet confirmed a snake bite and gave medicine, iv fluids and medicine to take at home. She sent our dog home with DH and told him to call if he became worse. I really feel like he should have been left overnight at the vet, but maybe I'm worrying over nothing? His face is still massively swollen, but he's wagging his tail and seems happy. Do you think he will be all right? I'm worried that things may still go wrong. We have a good vet and I trust her, but I'm surprised that she didn't have him stay.

The senior citizen center in our town is looking for donations for bingo prizes. They said anything would do but obviously, small gift cards are the favored prizes. Other than gift cards, what types of things would make good bingo prizes? Members of the center are age 65 and older with most being in their 70's.

My daughter was actually giddy with excitement about receiving her Celiac diagnosis. She felt so much better. I hope your daughter starts feeling better (in every way) soon! Pre-made pizza crusts, lots of fun stuff can be made with gluten free cookies and ice cream (check for malt). Lasagna noodles that are gluten free are yummy. It's difficult at first, but it will be worth it. :)

I had thought we wouldn't need a spelling program for the girls. We used workbooks but they don't seem to be very effective. My husband cannot spell well at all. The girls seem to share his spelling skills (or lack of). Is there a program (All About Spelling or something similar) that we can start that wouldn't be too babyish? The girls will be 6th and 3rd grade.

My mother owns the property next to me. They are having difficult times and their property is mortgaged. Since it adjoins ours, we plan on buying their property for the cost of the mortgage and letting them live there. (Obviously, it's complicated but we have an attorney working out the paperwork and details). Technically, we own all the property and they are living on it. We already do a lot of grocery shopping together, but sometimes one of us will go and buy the groceries. We both have cards for shopping at different places and amazon accounts. She's getting rid of hers due to the costs associated with it. Can she go on my card as a member of my household since she lives on our property? Or are we still considered separate?

I agree that many people didn't know that these ingredients would cause a bomb. I certainly didn't. I also fully believe that teen-agers do dumb stuff. They believe they are invincible. I do believe some leniency is in order, but not much. Many previous posters asked their kids about what would happen if these ingredients were mixed together. But, a more appropriate question would be, "If a friend asked you to secretly bring an empty water bottle, aluminum foil and a chemical (toilet bowl cleaner) to school would you do it?" I imagine many of your kids would know that would be wrong. She knew this was wrong, even if she wasn't fully aware of what would happen. If she was curious, she would have done this at home. Instead, she brought everything from home, concealed in her backpack. She didn't go to a teacher and tell them she heard of a cool experiment and brought the ingredients to do it. She concealed them. Kids at school are drilled relentlessly on what can be brought to school and what cannot. I fully believe she knew that it was wrong to bring them to school and do what she did. The school is within reason to expel her. I believe she should be expelled. She broke school rules deliberately and was fortunate that nobody was hurt through her actions. I don't think jail time is appropriate or the fines. I believe community service is in order, but I don't think it should go further. I think her "friend" who told her to do this should receive the same punishment. Schools do over-react, but I think they are not over-reacting in their response in this situation. Another problem we (as a society) face is that we do not put enough responsibility on our soon-to-be adults. Kids feel entitled to many things and therefore do not take rules and enforcement seriously. Her actions have consequences, there's not even a little gray area regarding breaking school rules in this case.

I know some religious groups host a modest prom for their specific religion. As far as I know, they are allowed to invite whomever they please. (A friend of mine's daughter attended a prom that specified modesty for their religion - "modest is hottest" - the other girls were wearing modest clothing. My friend's daughter wore a short, strapless dress. Nobody made her feel uncomfortable (she didn't think about the fact that the other girls wouldn't wear similar). I think the distinguishing factor is whether or not EVERYONE is allowed to attend prom.

We are all working fairly hard at the moment. We just finished putting in the last part of our garden(s) although we still have our herb garden to put in. There are a number of flower beds that the girls are working on - pulling weeds, taking out plants/flowers, planting new ones and ground cover. It's hot, sweaty work. They come in, take a bath and are starving. My ideas for snack this week are sausage balls, hummus/veggies, spinach dip and fruit. (My husband eats a ton when he's doing a lot of physical activity). I need snack ideas that are a bit heavy when they are starving and do not want cookies or popcorn. I also need snack ideas that are cold and refreshing (like frozen fruit). Any suggestions?

I think the point that Parrothead might have been trying to make is that there are hard feelings on BOTH sides of the fence.

The OT we had who said she didn't have dysgraphia was one we hired privately. My daughter sees a psychiatrist and therapist that we pay for privately. Sorry, I didn't clarify that earlier. No, I haven't discussed it with our pediatrician, but we have a well-child visit in two months. I'm putting it on my list to talk to him about it. Thanks for all the other suggestions. I'm making notes and googling away!

Thanks or the responses so far. At the moment, we're having an evaluation done by the school system to look for learning problems (trying to determine if her struggle is due to problems or anxiety - we suspect anxiety). I requested an OT evaluation as well to address her handwriting and her problem distinguishing left from right. She doesn't have any vision or hearing problems according to testing done last week by the school and other testing by Children's Hospital (hearing) and our eye doctor. She's a bit on the clumsy side but plays soccer and participates in dance. I would consider her intelligence average or a bit above. I wasn't sure whether to bring up the double-jointedness with the OT, but I probably will.

My youngest dd has very poor handwriting. I suspected dysgraphia but an OT we hired last year said that she didn't have that. (I still suspect it). She randomly uses capital letters, her spacing is awful, she writes an 'a' by writing a 'o' and then drawing a stick somewhere beside it (but not close enough to look like an 'a'). I just realized she is double-jointed in her fingers (her thumb can almost touch the back of her hand and she can do these weird popping things with her fingers that gross out all her friends). Would that have any connection with her handwriting? (My current plan is to insist on neat writing daily in her journal and move her to cursive asap).

GF pasta - some alfredo sauces are gf, most spaghetti sauce is also gf. Even just cooking the pasta and putting some butter and parmesan cheese is a good snack. Also lasagna. Veggies - celery, carrots, sticks of zucchini, slices of cucumber or squash dipped in various things - ranch dressing, hummus, peanut butter. GF pizza crusts - there are several pre-made shelf-stable crusts. You have to look, but some taco seasonings are gluten free and corn shells. Learn to like salads - keep them pre-made in jars. Top with dressing and leftover meat. We use lettuce leaves in place of bread - we put lunchmeat, some veggies and some type of dressing (either ranch or an oil/vinegar) and eat like a taco. Various chips/dips are gluten free, pre-made cookies (or mixes) that are gluten free, yogurt, ice cream. GF cereal can be eaten as breakfast or as a snack. You need to sit down and make a list of meals that you can make that are gluten free. Write them on index cards and turn to those for inspiration. Keep at least one easy to make meal on hand for those nights when you are busy or don't feel like cooking. (For us, it's spaghetti). If you don't like to cook much, the cookbooks honestly will not help you. It doesn't make things easier, just gives you more variety and I'm not sure you've fully explored how much variety you have without them. For most things, there is a gluten free alternative. Think of your favorite meals and convert them.

If you're not opposed to medication, my daughter takes hyomax after a gluten infraction. It doesn't help with vomiting/diarrhea, but eases stomach cramping/spasms. Otherwise, bland foods until she's better. Sorry :(

As well, it would be hard for any adult in the school to be completely responsible for only one child unless they were assigned to that child. Other emergencies may come up with other children. If I had a child in crisis in front of me, and responsibility for any other child that may come into my office, my job is to make sure the child is safe as quickly as possible. If a child is brought in having seizures, bleeding, anaphylactic reactions, etc - the nurse would have to make a decision as to which child needed her full attention.

I would be even more nervous about a calm person issuing the statement made by the OP's daughter.

Even if there were a guidance counselor, they are typically busy. In the situation described in the OP's post, a guidance counselor would clear her schedule to help the child, but they would also make sure the child wasn't in their office in the future making similar statements. The guidance counselor would be perfect to discuss bullying, but once it hits a certain stage, they contact someone else. Rape? Contact police. Parental abuse? Contact social worker. Wanting to kill someone (including themselves)? Police. There are things they are qualified to do and things they aren't. My mother is a middle school guidance counselor and she was told that it wasn't her place to determine if a child is telling the truth or not - she's to pass it off to a pre-determined person who is qualified.