Well that explains some issues we've been having. I hadn't seen that notice, so we were doing lots of logging out and back in.

I pay just under $2/gallon, and that's the cheap/generic at Harris Teeter.

When my oldest was about that age, we got a wall with math and especially math facts. We also had the added problem of this child not wanting to be taught by mommy. We ended up using this for a year: https://www.mathessentials.net/product-page/book-one-4th-5th-grade and found it really helpful. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it worked for us.

I grew up in a rural area where people stopping by was accepted. Driving by Billy Bob's house and he's out working on his truck - stop by for a chat. Not so much expecting to come inside and hanging out, unless it's family. Or the old Avon lady stopping by with the new catalog. But I'm a super-introverted homebody. Plus, if you come by my house uninvited, you're likely to catch me bra-less.

The Wings of Fire series is a big hit here, but it may be too suspenseful. Patricia Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles feels like gentler fantasy, with wizards/witches/dragons, but the language is more advanced than Dragon Masters (which my kids also loved). It may also skew a bit feminine, especially the first book. My girls also loved Funke's Dragon Rider, but the villain is a bit scary. But Funke's Igraine the Brave is a slightly more comical/magical story.

I'm gonna have to google this goose thing...I'm not sure I've seen it around here. I do remember these wooden gardening figures that were popular years ago. Sometimes when I weed the front flower bed, I wonder if I resemble them (except in yoga pants...):

Oh my. How truly awful. 😞 Virtual hugs all around, for mama and DD.

Gah, I didn't even realize this was a zombie thread. But I, too, would love to know how it turned out! 😁

My 11 and 13 yo DDs are still into HTTYD. 🙂 But I agree with going for a more neutral room and accenting with a dragon artwork or throw or stuffed animal (or all of the above!) And turquoise would look great with dragon blacks and whites. For displaying papers/art, how about those wires that you then clip with a clothespin? Similar to this? https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Projects-Display-Stainless-Hanging/dp/B078KRH6H6/ref=asc_df_B078KRH6H6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241986889561&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14951549446276202836&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009619&hvtargid=pla-402921482281&psc=1

We're using assorted lessons from Arttango 4 and 5 this year. (And mixing them with lessons from TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elements-of-Art-Bundle-60-Art-Lessons-for-the-Year-2756743 )

Alright all you. It didn't happen if there's not photographic evidence, lol. (I love seeing pics - please post them if you're able. Or at least a link to patterns or inspiration images.) 🙂

Once when my (now 11 yo) DD was about 3, we got dressed and went to the grocery store. At some point, she turned to me and said, "But why we be all dressed up?" She was wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt. It turns out that, because I brushed her hair, she felt "dressed up." (We're very casual around here... but for the record, we do brush our hair.)

This was my thought. Some sort of electronic tower.

Same here, with my injury. Sounds similar to what @Tap may be describing. I'd just be walking and my knee would give out -- it'd hurt and I'd almost fall.

When you say she twisted it twice more, what does that mean? (Like is it doing it on its own or is she hurting it while playing or whatever.) I injured my knee a few years ago and an Urgent Care told me it was meniscus; after a couple more "twists" within the month, I went to the ER, who told me it was just a sprain...but they were willing to schedule an MRI and refer to orthopedic. Turns out it was actually a torn ACL. The subsequent "twisting" I was experiencing was more like knee/leg buckling from lack of support in there. It would just sporadically do it when walking or standing. Hopefully your DD's problem is easily treated!

I don't personally know anyone now with more than 4. (Though my grandmother was 1 of 8, and my granddad was 1 of 10.)

Sheesh. My 40++ yr old DH still tells me things like this....

Are they the same edition? (Did you buy from the publisher?) I'd message them and ask what's the deal.

@Carol in CA - great tip about IKEA. I go about 1x a year, haha, but I'll add that to my list of things to look for. I painted the rock with a paint pen; it was my first time using them.

Yes! Especially re: price. It's like they assume I have limitless financial resources and will commit to a class/activity without knowing the cost. Please, people...I have to pay for groceries this week. And next week, too, surprise!

This is our first batch of rocks, but I've been told to seal them with something for outdoors. Lots of people use found rocks, but I wanted a smooth, white surface, so I bought them off eBay. They're called "Capcouriers White Painting Rocks" and it was ~$18/12 rocks. (I'm sure I could get a better price from a landscaping business...but I was impatient.)

We've been back to school for several weeks now, though the local schools started this week. This is our 9th year and it's going well so far. Plus, I'm super happy to still be abed when the bus rolls by in the a.m.

@Annie G - I love that quilt so much! So cute! Not really crafting, but DDs and I have become interested in painting "kindness rocks." (You leave them for people to find; our town has a hashtag/FB for sharing them when you find them. Youngest and I got started, but I finished quickly (simple image). It's not an original image, lol, but it made me smile. (Sorry for the huge pic.)

Cool! I'm going to share that info with my oldest, who was recently introduced to Queen (by me), and who envisions herself a future musician (along the lines of Taylor Swift). 😂. It's nice to have a back-up career plan.... (lol)

That makes me so mad! The very immature part of me says that, while not helpful, keying Busy Body's car might make ya feel better. *disclaimer - I've never keyed a car. But I've fantasized about it...