As long as there is no sign of spoilage I wouldn't worry. I usually toss stuff after 2 1/2 years or so as a precaution, if it lasts that long...

I think calling and asking was very responsible. Since they had a protocol for sick children, that seemed to have worked out!

Yes. Have you looked into alternative medicine to relieve your heavy periods? I've had friends who have had good luck with acupuncture. I would go see an ND at least to see if there are some natural alternatives.

Living Without is totally gluten free and has some really good recipes.

I put an RSVP by date on my invitations. Usually I get a bunch of responses on that day. Sometimes having a deadline works - and it's better than hearing the day before the party.

I used to think high school would be like Saved By the Bell. The hanging out at random restaurants part like they have there (and in ever high school show/movie) never happened, and I definitely was not in the popular group! LOL! Me to! I didn't understand why there was so much debate over whether it was ok. I think I was in 8th or 9th grade before I realized what on earth they were talking about!

When your dh insists over and over during trip planning that it will not be "too hot" in Tokyo in September, despite all the research you've done that says it'll be really hot and that October is better. When you get there and it is in fact 98 degrees with 85% humidity and he is moaning and complaining about how it is too hot, then it is ok to say to him. In most other circumstances, no.

My usual reply is "thank you for the unsolicited advice." It usually shuts them up quick, and I don't think it's rude at all. I do say it as sweet as pie with a smile on my face. Usually takes the recipient a minute to process and realize what I said.

How fun! I've been to Disneyland Japan and it wasn't like that at all - very clean and respectful staff - much like the states. Must be a cultural thing there. Kids have a lot of freedom in Japan too. But honestly, I felt way safer there then I do in the US and gave them freedom there that I don't give them here. Not train riding alone, though - but if they were older and spoke the language maybe... LOVE the look of the castle there - how fun!

I agree with take grandma. I would recommend looking for a vacation rental in cincy - you can get one with 3+ bedrooms most likely grandma can have her own room. Then you and dh can go off to a swanky hotel for a night or two while grandma and kids do stuff in cincy.

Magnesium citrate is what my nd had my ds take. We had the powder and I mixed in in applesauce. Also, push the liquids (dehydration can contribute to constipation) and fibrous foods. Fibrous foods without enough water will do the opposite of helping.

If you need something for the occasional grab and go, I really love the gluten free gopicnic packs. Other than that hard boiled eggs, nut butters on bread or crackers (if she'll eat them), hummus and veggies, larabars, gluten free granola bars (bakery on main), baggies of gf cereal. Also gluten free goddess has some good recipes that might work if you baked and froze.

I had 2 midwife assisted births at home with 2 different midwives. Both charged a flat fee for all prenatal visits (not counting labs which were sent out, like blood draws, diabetes test, and ultrasound - all of which were optional if pregnancy was complication free), delivery, and 2 post-natal visits. I think it was 2500? I provided the birth supplies (under $100). It didn't matter if my labor was 1 hour for 48 hours, same price. The only "additional fee" was if I had to transfer to the hospital and I wanted my midwife to come with me. Basically, if I transferred, they could not collect the delivery fee, it went to the OB at the hospital, so that is why. But I could choose to have them not come (they would have only come as support, not medical staff). So the hospital could have a flat rate of any duration of labor + 24 hour post birth stay or something like that. Then a flat rate for 24 hour stay beyond that and a flat rate for basic supplies, rather than charging $10 for a diaper or Tylenol, whether you use it or not.

I know Zillow lets you set a "make me move" price. You might want to look on there and see if anyone in the neighborhood you want has set one and ask them first about selling. If someone came to me wanting to buy my house we probably would move. We've been considering it for years, but it's hard to get a house ready to list, if I could avoid that hassle I'd sell for less then I would if I listed it.

If I could find a house that had an apartment for my in-laws (who are awesome and I love dearly) I would totally have them live with us. I know that they would want their own space to get away from the grandkids and have some privacy, though, so separate living room/kitchen would be a must. I have a friend from church who just moved in (her whole family) with her parents. They have the top floor, the parents the basement, and they share the common living areas. So far it's working great for them and is financially beneficial for both (cheaper rent for her, helps her parents pay the mortgage they couldn't otherwise afford).

That's about right! And the sequel should be the UPS guys playing football with my fragile package before leaving it on my doorstep...

Just saw this today: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/01/health/american-way-of-birth-costliest-in-the-world.html?_r=0 USA the most expensive place in the world to give birth.

Chocolate bread. Like a regular yeast bread, but with cocoa powder in it. Wasn't sweet at all (or very little). Made amazing French toast! Check the regulations at your market. Due to health codes where I live, anything prepared for sale at the market has to be prepared in a commercial kitchen by those with valid food handler licenses.

I can guarantee you that if insurance were paying for the u/s they would pay maybe $150. I would most definitely ask for a discount - they charge cash people more because they can - no insurance would pay that much, the have their own "negotiated rates."

Awwww! I missed the cupcakes too! I have 2 placentas in my freezer. Haven't gotten around to planting them yet.

With migraines I would look into cranial sacral therapy as well as food triggers.

Blair.com. WAHM type sites like http://www.deborahandco.com/ and http://www.liliesapparel.com/.

I was going to say watch Land's End for sales, but you're doing that. Since I'm not growing anymore (up anyways) I tend to buy 1-2 new shirts, etc. at the end of every season when they are clearancing things out. You may be able to buy a size or two up for yoru girls at that point. Sometimes you can find good stuff at 2nd hand stores, but it's hit or miss. Other than that it really is hit or miss, in my experience, at major stores. I sometimes have luck at Kohls or even gap/old navy (we have the outlets near me).

Most likely. I would just do what you would do here. Also make sure she or someone she is traveling with has cash to pay for anything medical. Foreign doctors will not bill US insurance for you. You have to pay out of pocket and then file for reimbursement with your insurance provider.

Combo of chiropractor to get things in alignment and help the posture and a good PT that will work on core muscle strength to help keep things in good alignment. Also looking at diet (nutritionist?) wouldn't hurt.