We have DISH. DVR added on to it for (I think) less than $4 a month. It is very old and we did not upgrade to the HOPPER or anything. We get over 10+ HD and 70+ Standard hours of recording time on our device. You can opt out of it. We have 2 TVs connected to one DISH receiver. We can watch on both TVs different channels at the same time. We can record to TV1 or TV2 while watching -- if we happen to record on both TVs at the same time, then we have to watch a recording (or free ON DEMAND movies and shows) on the DVR or turn the TV off while it is in use. Recordings stay on there forever... I have some recordings since 2008 on my reciever. You can also buy a USB device to add more room for recordings if it is DISH approved. HTH

As a former schoolteacher, I find my former profession tends to be one where we are the MOST critical and think we-know-it-all. My son has PDD-NOS/Borderline Asperger's Syndrome. I had to re-learn everything when he was dx'ed. The new DSM V just revised the definitions for ASD... and as a special ed teacher, she needs to support the OP and be humble while learning more about ASD.

I'm in shorts and barefeet as I type this -- with the A/C running. Yup, 'tis a warm December in the DFW area.

:iagree: I used to be a public schoolteacher... trust me, you do NOT want to use the student's bathrooms for this reason. :laugh: Yet, those kiddos are fine and many do not wash their hands after using the bathroom to eat at snack or lunch. Egad. Thank goodness for our white blood cells. Unless you have an immuniocompromise issue (son and I have one with a rare liver disease) -- I would not worry about it. Heck, I even use the bathroom without a seat cover -- it has been proven the toilet seat is cleaner than other areas in the bathroom. Just be sure to wash your hands! HTH

:iagree: Heck, I still have Thanksgiving decor and birthday decor up in my house. And a pumpkin I have not carved from Halloween on my kitchen counter. I think I can try to get a tree up (undecorated) this weekend... and put away the Fall decor. But that is it for now. *Yikes*

Now don't let those other posts get you down. Shoot... I'm in the same boat with ya. ;) There have been times when we were rich and could afford to spend $200 per person for Christmas, including extended family like aunts, uncles, cousins & grandparents. The last couple of years? Eh, it is $50 for our only child. And hubby and I get our gifts from the thrift store for under $5 --- LOL. Oh my. Son will get a stocking stuffed with small bits I managed to save that I know he would love. This year, he understands pickings are slim and all he wants is a video game. I know there will be the local food pantry to help us with a meal and son will be blessed with the Toys for Tots program too. I think gifts are one thing... try to create a memory by serving others or do something (free) as a family. Years from now, they will remember the year Christmas was tight $$ but have so many good memories of how y'all made do with a smile. ((HUGS)) :grouphug:

Great idea! You should give the chat room a nickname like the Teacher's Lounge or something... ??

:iagree: This year, we're signed up with a local charity for Christmas and food pantry. Everyone is getting hit hard. Last Christmas was worse for us, but we made do and focused on family traditions instead of gifts. I like the idea of serving those during the holidays -- even if one is going thru tough $$ times. Hope this helps! We'll get thru this. :grouphug:

OOoooooh boy, I feel your pain. Got a 17 yr old and I'm menopausal. Eeeee. :laugh:

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Hubby got this for his bday and we love it!!! http://www.walmart.com/ip/GE-Rotating-Waffle-Maker/15063552

*grin*

Truthfully? Sounds like the family friend (single gal) was using her feminine wiles to charm... and it worked. He fell for it, hook, line & sinker. Which makes me wonder of his issues when HE CHOSE to play along and ignore your feelings. I dunno... but he has a LOT of explaning to do. Has he behaved like this before???

My MIL was in her last months of cancer and unfortunately, the pain alone was unbearable. The cancer had spread throughout her body and bones. She was in hospice and even Morphine could not take away the pain. It was horrible to see her final days like this. Sorry to hear your story.

:iagree:

Thank you!!!! :thumbup1:

Just a few minutes -- longer for the harder ones. Have you tried going over one of the proofs with him using the TT CD? Stop the lecture before the answer is revealed in each step. Use the back of the textbook's definitions, properties, postulates & theorems. Let it be a quiz if he can recite it orally (or paraphrase in his own words) the statement and reason. Maybe the writing it down is tedious?????

:iagree: My vote could not be tallied... so I had to cast "other" on the dislike list. For the likes, my other is TAMALES! :D

Being immuniocompromised with a rare liver disease (a simple cold or flu can hospitalize me)... I would feel horrible knowing that all of this craziness is going on behind the scenes. It sounds like the cancer patient is telling the wife and kids to GO celebrate Thanksgiving. She most likely does not want to. And if she is still working daycare or her kids are in school... the hospital protocol asks them if they show any symptoms of a virus, they cannot visit. I'm sure she is taking care during cold/flu season too. If anything, the OP's mom just sounds kind and over-the-top hypervigilant? Yes, the OP's ds should stay home if he is ill (even with antibiotics). My MIL did the same for us when we visited her home. She means well and is worried the friend will ruin her chances of seeing her cancer-struck loved one. OP, just roll with it for this year. Who knows what fate lies for these friends?

I agree that the theme is bordering on bad taste given the current woes of 2012? But, perhaps they meant well? Regardless, one Depression Era Recipe is a RITZ "Mock Apple Pie". Why not do up a gift basket of a RITZ package, pre-made pie crusts, and spices (adding up to $20 budget). Wrap it up in a bag or clear shrink wrap with a bow. Type up the recipe (see below) and add it to the bow: Ritz Mock Apple Pie The classic pie, featuring Ritz crackers baked in a golden crust, is perfect for the holidays. Pastry for two-crust 9-inch pie 36 RITZ Crackers, coarsely broken (about 1 3/4 cups crumbs) 1 3/4 cups water 2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 2 tablespoons lemon juice Grated peel of one lemon 2 tablespoons margarine or butter 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Roll out half the pastry and line a 9-inch pie plate. Place cracker crumbs in prepared crust; set aside. Heat water, sugar and cream of tartar to a boil in saucepan over high heat; simmer for 15 minutes. Add lemon juice and peel; cool. Pour syrup over cracker crumbs. Dot with margarine or butter; sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll out remaining pastry; place over pie. Trim, seal and flute edges. Slit top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake at 425°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is crisp and golden. Cool completely.

:iagree: I am confused as to why they need to raise funds for it. And the ditch in the insurance POV is a huge liability for a lawsuit if the boyfriend wanted to stir some trouble. He had permission to ride it from the owner's sister. I would think the sister is the one who needs to pay back family for the motorbike, if anything. She was the one who allowed the bike to be used in the first place.

I think it is if someone clicks on the "Like this" button on your post??? I could be wrong... :confused:

Thanks for letting us in early! 'Tis a bit slooow... but now it makes sense! :iagree:

Private K-12 schools are not under legal obligation to accomodate for LDs, btw.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: