:iagree: It's just not edible, IMHO. astrid

:001_smile:

Well heck, I wasn't talking about calories, or whether the OP's kids are overweight, normal weight or underweight--- I was just saying that a gallon of milk per meal is kind of, well, excessive? If they're getting adequate calcium, etc. elsewhere, how does one afford to go through a gallon of milk at each meal? I realize I'm in the minority, but I just cannot wrap my head around four kids drinking a gallon of milk at one sitting. But hey, whatever works. astrid

Buy this: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/vermont-cheese-powder-8-oz REALLLY-- it's worth EVERY penny! It's delicious, and easy to make mac and cheese that tastes boxed with just some milk and butter. Added bonus: It's AMAZING on popcorn! :-) astrid

Wow. The food I can see. But why a GALLON of milk? Why not a glass each, and then water if they're still thirsty? I give you moms of hungry teens credit-- it's like cooking for the duggars! ;-) Hugs, astrid

Well, I love my Joy of Cooking and my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook, but my favorite of the other, more interesting cookbooks is definitely my Red Lion Inn Cookbook, from the historic inn of the same name in nearby Stockbridge, MA. Stockbridge is an adorable little New England town where Norman Rockwell painted his Saturday Evening Post covers and the Red Lion dominates Main Street. We stayed there on our honeymoon and frequently go back for lunch or dinner on our anniversary. New England cooking at its best--- I've made so many recipes out of that book (albeit an older edition) that the poor thing is tattered, stained and water-rippled. Though I suppose that's the mark of a great cookbook, right? The BEST, no-fail pie crust recipe comes from there, as do the most delicious whoopie pies you've ever tasted. astrid

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Hang in there; I value your husband's contributions to the food that sustains us. Sending lots of hugs, positive thoughts and hopes for a brighter future your way! Peace, astrid

:iagree: astrid

Unless you want to train your puppy to pee on every. single. thing. that's left on the floor of your house, whether it is a towel, stuffed animal, coloring book, jacket, book bag, whatever, from now until he crosses the Rainbow Bridge, do not use puppy pads. Vigilance, consistency and PRAISE! astrid

Here, here!! :iagree: astrid

Yeah.....this pretty much makes me do this: :blink: And then this: :001_huh: And finally this: :001_rolleyes: I would do this: :lol: If it weren't so sad on multiple levels. astrid

:grouphug: :party::cheers2: :seeya: :thumbup: :thumbup1: You may say I'm a dreamer, but I"m not the only one....... astrid

Thank you, sweetie. :grouphug::grouphug: right back at you. I imagine it was much easier back when Pa could go to work in the sawmill and Doc Baker took chickens in trade for medical care. :001_smile: Peace, astrid

Thank you, Audrey. My sentiments exactly. astrid

Thank you---- my heart just breaks for my friend who dutifully goes and spends time with her husband every night after her shift at work (she's now back working as a nurse--- had to have income) and see how utterly heartbroken and just soul-weary she is. I have such admiration for her, finding the will to work 50-60 hours per week and still visit her husband every night. Medical bills have broken her. She planned, they saved, they had it all. Now it's gone. The coldness with which foreclosure is discussed here just makes my heart hurt. astrid

You know, I don't travel in conservative Christian circles in real life so I've never actually known many kids with these sorts of unusual Biblical names, but from reading all the name suggestions here and reading WTM'ers post about the names of their broods, aren't those names getting pretty darn popular? I don't have anything against them; name your kid Uriah if you want to. But wow-- everyone here seems to have an "Ezekial" or a "Micah" or a "Titus." Just wondering--- you find these names to be used frequently in your circles? astrid

Year after year after year? We have dear friends who have just lost their home to a foreclosure. About four years ago, they drove new cars, lived in a $500,000 dollar home, had hundreds of thousands of dollars saved and invested, they did not live beyond their means....life was rosy.) Then one night as he was driving home from work late at night (he's a neurosurgeon) he was hit head-on by a drunk driver. They're going on year four of his coma and the extended care-rehab center has eaten their savings. They never saw this coming, obviously, and it's just so painful to watch his wife and children go through this. It's hard to read this thread, with all the posts of the righteous and virtuous, and not hear those stinging words directed at our dear friends, who thought they were so well prepared and so careful to save for the retirement which now will never ever come. astrid

I"m wondering if anyone knows of any websites with ideas for interesting research projects? Dd (8th grade) is looking for some neat ideas. Thanks so much, astrid

DEFINITELY looks like a heart! What a lovely memory you and your son made! astrid

No meat, beans or taco seasoning in mine. 16 oz. (two blocks) softened cream cheese, mixed with 1/2-ish jar of salsa. Spread it in a pie plate. Top with chopped green pepper, black olives, tomatoes, green onions, and shredded jack cheese. Serve with those "scoop" corn chips--- Tostitos, maybe? astrid

:iagree: Thank you, Parrothead. This thread is giving me a throbbing pain, aura, and bad taste in my mouth. ;) astrid

There's one up on the Pioneer Woman today that looks yummy. I'll leave out the chilies, though, when I make it. astrid

Not offended. astrid

Right. I got that. Thanks! astrid

No, actually I didn't recognize it at all. Nothing else in your post seemed sarcastic; it all seemed completely sincere to me. Which is why I was sincere in my reply---- I didn't know whether conservative Christians actually believe that those who celebrate Halloween by dressing up, carving pumpkins and going trick-or-treating also participate in satanic rituals. I don't know anyone IRL who does not celebrate Halloween, but then again, I don't really know any conservative Christians except for the new family who moved in around the corner. I dont' really know them, but I'd guess they don't do Halloween. There was nothing to cue me in that you were being sarcastic. astrid