Ohooo, water might be a good idea! Sparkly Unicorn, no, I don't want to use them!! LOL! That's the point!! Although, you did make me laugh out loud!! Dianne, I mean unused poppers. I don't do fireworks of any sort. My in-laws sent them home with the kids last Christmas (on an airplane at that) and we haven't used them. Thanks, Kris

Okay, so googling that question just gave me an education on several illegal things I did NOT really need to know about...and did not answer my question: HOW do you dispose of fire cracker poppers? You know, those things you throw on the groung and they go "bang"? And, no... we aren't going to go use them. Any thoughts? Thanks, Kris

Oh how fun!! I have been lurking and not active on the boards so much that I don't really recognize most of you, but I've been needing a kick in the seat to use my Fitbit anyway! I'll join too! Thanks, Kris

ROFL!! Better check with your kids before you do get rid of them! They might want them for their own kids!!! BOTH of my kids have laid claim on several of MY bentos (mine, not family, NOT kid, MINE!!). I told them they have to wait until I croak!! Kris

LOL!! Bento is a work of art! Here is a description: http://www.justonecookbook.com/recipes/how-to-make-bento/ Here is my favorite website: http://justbento.com I LOVE her bentos! OH!! And, HERE is what I miss of Japan the most... well, shopping wise.... http://justbento.com/handbook/bento-basics/where-buy-bento-boxes-and-accessories-japan Kris

I guess I should NOT tell you how good Japanese mothers do it?!?!? Kris

I earned the gold award many many many year ago. My daughter will not. Her GS experience has been subpar. Kris

Oh!! I did NOT need to see that! Kris

OH!!! I don't want to know where you live. I don't want to know where you live. I don't want to know where you live. I don't want to know where you live. I don't want to live where you live. wait... Actually, I do...but..... My retirement does not want me to live where you live. Krsi

In that case, I would go with the Rubbermaid LunchBlox. a) they don't leak as long as the lid is on properly (and the lids are easy, my mom with RA uses mine all the time) b) you can add an extra layer of ice pack above as well as below to keep the yoghurt cool. You will need a bag to put them into though. Some of the LunchBlox ones are darling. Kris

NOW you see why I have a collection. The reason I know I have a problem is that I own....um.... a lot. Kris

Ahhhhhhh, smarta$$es!!!!!! It is always good to know that I am not the only one who would answer like that!!! Kris

Totally, off topic... but, OKBud... why does that tree look like it is wearing tighty-whities?? The one in your avatar?!? Kris

Ohoooo, I'll delurk for this thread!! I have a bento collection.... seriously, it has actually become a bad habit. I have to control myself on what I purchase! In my defense, it started when I lived in Japan, so that excuses me...right?!?! Anyway.... Two questions: how much do you want to spend and do you want them to keep food cool? These are my current favorites: You can find this at Wallyworld: http://www.coolgearinc.com/food-storage/expandable/bento-box-ez-freeze.html You can find this at Target: http://www.rubbermaid.com/category/pages/subcategorylanding.aspx?CatName=FoodStorage&SubCatId=LunchBlox Both keep food cool even in AZ, where we are normally at 100+. I have this one too and it is good. Wallyworld carries it. http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Planet-3-Compartment-Silicone-Collapsible/dp/B0051XRY4Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404924028&sr=8-4&keywords=bento+box OR!! You can go totally fun and semi-practical: http://www.amazon.com/Kotobuki-Geisha-Doll-Bento-Set/dp/B004VR6SF4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1404924028&sr=8-7&keywords=bento+box or http://www.amazon.com/Kotobuki-280-129-2-Tiered-Bento-Panda/dp/B00200L840/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1404924086&sr=8-19&keywords=bento+box or, my favorite and I do NOT have it.... and am not putting it in my shopping cart for another time either..... http://www.amazon.com/Bento-Delivery-Service-Design-2-tier/dp/B00B8NLRVE/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1404924086&sr=8-23&keywords=bento+box I love Kiki!! If you are looking to keep something warm, but I'll be honest and say that the price here in the US is outrageous for that product... I have the same thing in Miffy by Zojirushi and it cost me Y1000 (about $12): http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SZ-GD02PM-Bento-Stainless-Lunch/dp/B008OBTYZY/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1404924150&sr=1-7&keywords=bento+box+zojirushi Ohooo, I want this one: http://www.amazon.com/Bento-Totoro-Design-Thermal-Containers/dp/B00659N39K/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1404924352&sr=1-3&keywords=totoro+bento Except WAY to $$! Ouch!! Alright, I'm going back to A&P. Muscles stink. Good luck... oh, and post what you decide to get!! Kris

I think you may have hit the nail on the head. SIGH. I'm going to contact the CU in the morning and see what steps we can take to transfer the loan to them. Again, to some of the other posters: this CU does NOT sell their small loans. Thanks everyone, Kris

The terms are the same; the exact same. I just read through the entire packet of paperwork and there is NO loan company named. Our CU doesn't sell small loans, they do have other companies manage their mortgages, but not their auto loans. Kris

I'm actually looking at the CU for just that. I'm going to call them in the morning (we both bank there). Kris

Hey! I've been mostly lurking lately... busy with my own school and missing my kids like mad. Anyway, my mom just purchased a new car. She pre-financed it through a credit union. We went to the dealer and purchased the car. Through the course of the paperwork, the loan went from the CU to a bank, which neither of us would have accepted (I was in the finance office with her). The finance man filled out all the paperwork and she signed it. Fast forward one month and she receives a statement from the bank. She is going to contact the dealership GM in the morning and I located the state's AG's office information to file a complaint. Can any of you all think of another idea? Tanks, Kris

LOL!! But you are forgetting something!!! THAT (the bolded part above) is NOT relegated to children who are reading above their comprehension levels!!! Just wait until the boy is a teenager and decides that you are "Just Mom and therefore not as smart as I am". LOL!! It gets even worse when they out-something you. My DS16 out-Mathed me a few years ago. Boy, oh, boy has that been hard. You are going to run into this all over life and you can't protect him from those ideas... you just have to try to stay on top of them. Learn to counter act them with more facts. Good luck! Kris

Oh, heavens no! Please don't think I'm making this a punishment. Most advanced readers I've encountered are also avid readers. Second, I said *good* children's literature... Magic Tree House is twaddle, enjoyable, but fluff!! Alternate advanced reading with age-appropriate literature like Charlotte's Web, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Artemis Fowl series, Roald Dahl books, Narnia, The Borrowers, many (not all) books by Terry Pratchett, The Little Prince, The Hobbit (though I wouldn't give LOTR), Little House books, Hatchet, Ender's Game series, and so on. Expand their reading to not just include reading "easy" books, but to understand *why* we read good literature even if it is below his or her reading level. Reports don't have to be painful experiences, either. My son's (NOT an avid reader) favorite report was a Lego representation done in still motion of one scene of the book. He was able to explain why he chose that scene, what the book meant, and why it would be important. You don't have to like what I've suggested and neither the OP or any other person reading this has to follow my direction. I am, in fact, a person on the other end of a computer, who has stated an opinion. Kris

I'd like to add another thought for your consideration. I agree with what everyone has stated about letting him go ahead and read....with one caveat: For every book he reads that is of X nature, he needs to read a good *children's* literature book even if it is an "easy" read. Furthermore, he is required to discuss this book with you and write a report/make a project-- expand what he read into something else. Why? Just because he CAN read above his level does not mean he SHOULD ONLY read above his level. For example, my daughter was reading Harry Potter (1, 2, & 3) at ages 4 and 5 for the first time. But, I still required her to read all of the Magic School Bus books, the Magic Tree House books, and most of the readers in Cores 1 and 2, plus almost all of the read alouds in Cores Pre-K, K, 1, & 2. This took about 6 months and didn't include the books from the library she supplemented with. There is something to be learned in the younger books, even if they are an easy read. Right now, she is 13 years old. Her favorite books to read are the Percy Jackson books and Loki's Wolves. She can read at a college level, but doesn't _need_ to read at that level. She *needs* to experience good literature. Her summer reading list will be picked through on Monday. I have a ton of books for her to go through, most of the being the Sonlight high school cores that she'll miss not being homeschooled and that the school she attends doesn't use. At some point, his ability to read is not the highest priority. Eventually, it becomes more important to make sure his exposure to GOOD literature is more important. Kris P.S. The only books we restrict around here are dead animals. She could read Jurassic Park without a problem, but she won't be reading Where the Red Fern Grows.

I meant to add a response to this and forgot! Don't wait until orientation!! Contact the disabilities advisor's office now! Why? Well, for one thing if you have to see a doctor and get specific documentation, you have more than enough time. Second, because everyone else, for the most part, will be waiting until August to do it as well. The earlier you get started, the easier and possibly the better the results. Kris

I know I'm coming into this way late, but it caught my eye. I am back in college now. I am no longer homeschooling, which is why I don't frequent the boards much. I have a disabilities plan with both the CC I am currently attending and at ASU where I'm slated to start this fall. This was one of the hardest and BEST things I have ever done for myself! It was *hard* to swallow my pride and ask for help. My problem: I have a neurological condition, which causes my vision to be decreased. My standard font size on my computer is 20. I read my Kindle at 22. Prior to asking for help with the CC, I was taking a maths class (Pre-Calc) and the font size was 12. I struggled. The documentation for both the CC and ASU were easy for me. Both schools simply wanted my eye doctor to write a note saying that I needed my tests to be 22-24 font size and why. I met my disabilities advisor, who is a legally blind woman, a few weeks ago. I was FLOORED at what ADA affords me. All I wanted was larger tests. What I get not only means I CAN pass, but I learn easier as well. I work so HARD to take my classes, simply to read my books and take notes in my classes. I encourage you and your daughter to make an appointment with a disabilities advisor at the university she is going to be attending. Find out what specific documentation they require. Find out what they will offer her in services. One of the points that was stressed strongly to me that may well apply to your daughter as well: not all instructors are willing to dedicate space in the front of the lecture hall for students who "need" to sit in the front of the hall. All of my class this fall are major related classes, with class sizes of about 30 students. So, these are small class room settings. However, larger classes (like the history class I'm going to take sometime in the future) have class sizes of 90-120. More than likely, seating in those rooms will be first come, first serve. I'll be receiving a "note taker" for those size classes, a student who is receiving volunteer hours in exchange for taking all my notes for me. This is NOT something I want, people don't think the way I do and don't take notes the way I do...but, if there is writing I can't see, I don't have a lot of choices. One credit I give my advisor that I just didn't consider prior: SHE has many many many students who have acted as lab rats over the past 10 years. She has ideas that I never considered and a few, which I didn't want to consider. She recognized the pride I was struggling with (btw, she is about 10 years younger than I am) and said this to me: If you don't have to work so hard to learn, what would you do with your time and energy? Same thing applies to your daughter. She is young, so the thought of running out of time and energy isn't as tangible of an idea.... but.....? Good luck! Kris P.S. I'm headed into speech and hearing sciences. Does your daughter sign?

I don't have time to read all the posts, but I'll give my 2 cents. First, I do NOT wear makeup. My friend had this problem with his daughter. The family had no mom and the two grandmas lived across the country. I found a make-up person, Mary Kay of all things, who believed in the idea that: "less is more". For a bit of money and about $25 in sales, she taught the teenager how to do makeup on herself. This lady *really* helped by doing two things: 1) she did the makeup on the girl the way the GIRL wanted it done. Thick and way too much. And, then took a picture. Then... 2) she did the makeup on the girl with classy colors and the right colors for her complexion (this little girl had freckles and beautiful orange hair). Then, took another picture. They compared the pictures. Both grammas compared the pictures. Dad kept his mouth shut. I kept my mouth shut. The change was done by the final product. The lady then taught her to do it right. My dd13 hasn't discovered makeup yet. I am just.fine.with.that! But, when the time comes, I will probably do the same thing again. Better to teach her the idea that less is more now. Good luck, Kris P.S. Oh, and before you think that was the cure all.... my friend's daughter STILL had "wild days" and did use the other stuff that she had, but she knew the difference between what looked natural and beautiful and fun.

Well, duh! You know when you have those stupid moments, where you just aren't looking at a picture clearly! Thank you again. Light bulb moment here! I really am not normally so dense... I've just been too self-absorbed and unable to view it from DD's POV. Kris