A 96 extrovert here! Life is a party, the more the merrier.

Pantene makes a great detangler spray that my dd likes better than the johnson and johnson one. http://smile.amazon.com/Pantene-Normal-Thick-Solutions-Silkening-Detangler/dp/B003EH1Y88/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418078606&sr=8-2&keywords=pantene+detangler

How about ravioli stamps? http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/ravioli-stamps/?pkey=e|

Our town has free recycling and paid trash pick up. I think it really does encourage people to think more about what items can be recycled.

What about a kit like this? http://www.hearthsong.com/Design-Kits/3-D-Constructive-Fun-Home-Kit.htm

Our newfoundland is particular about her training treats as well. Things we found that she does like are: dehydrated liver, boiled chicken (cut into 1/2 inch cubes), pieces of watermelon, and bread cubes. Good luck! Finding their currency really does make training so much easier.

Walden Farms makes quite a few dairy-free salad dressings, even their buttermilk ranch is dairy free despite the name. You can find them in most all of the super markets around here. http://www.waldenfarms.com/products/dressings.html

Some of our family favorites are: Narcoosees Flying Fish Crystal Palace (only if early entry before the park opens) California Grill Yachtsman Steakhouse Sanaa CRT

How about Life Juice? http://www.lifejuiceshop.com/index.html Otherwise, we have some great local juice bars that are hidden gems. Maybe you could call a gym close to you and see if they have any local recommendations.

We've started to call it "Perfect Princess in Public Syndrome". I absolutely adore dd10 when we are out and about, but when we come home, the drama really ramps up. I know that it's a good thing she feels comfortable enough here to show her emotions freely, but when I feel like walking on eggshells and tip-toeing around her emotions, I do enjoy the drama-free version so much more. She's always been an intense child. Needing "more" of everything. I remember reading the book Raising your Spirited Child and sighing with relief that I was not alone. I'd love to join your group as well.

Could you possibly pump so that your son was still getting the nutrients, but not the sleep association of being next to you? Looking at the ages of your other children, maybe they could offer a bottle during the transition period throuout the daytime feedings? Just an idea, as our dd didn't wean until 2 1/2. Good luck! :grouphug:

Wile I think that the money raised is amazing, I do think there are other ways we could raise awareness. As a member of a clean water initiative board, I do find this meme rather poignant.

In the future, a good champagne is around 1.5 carbs per pour. Still more than some drinks with diet soda, but always fun and festive!

We were raised that our money does not equal our worth. It's just a given that it's there and not really a topic we discuss. It's the thought of the gift and the story of how someone picked it just for you that is important, not the dollar figure that is represented. I don't care if you flew to Paris to find me a perfect gift or made it yourself, if you purchased it with me in mind, I'll love it just the same. I feel that some people that have to budget tighter are much more caught up in the amount of gift giving and are more open to discussing it with others. Yes I voted, but I guess I just didn't reply with text until now as a part of that "money hangup" discussion. To be judged by what you spend on others (or don't) seems so taboo.

So if your friend tells you what they spent (purchase at full price) you look down on them, but if they tell you what they spent (purchase at a discount) it's different? They are still telling you the cost. It shows that you value frugality, not that your friends in your example are exhibiting less classy behavior than the other.

Although I wouldn't necessarily call them games, I have attended plenty of weddings that included a "Dollar Dance" and some form of antics to see who takes home the centerpiece for the table (often directed by the DJ at the couples request). Other than those two though, I'm with you.Games at a wedding? :confused1:

Hands down, this is the best pencil sharpener I have ever purchased. It makes the sharpest points of any sharpener I have ever used. http://smile.amazon.com/Carl-Classic-Sharpener-Classroom-Strength/dp/B00I58POOG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_op_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=14HT9532R8D1W7TX53MA

http://www.dickblick.com/products/caran-dache-luminance-colored-pencils/ One of our favorite brands for colored pencils is Caran d'Ache's luminance line. I think they have great blending and smooth coverage.

The three on-site hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock and Portofino Bay) all have the early entry and front of the line features included with each stay. The newer hotel, Cabana Bay does not come with the front of the line benefit that many people find as a reason to stay at a Universal property over cheaper options in the area. Edit to add: Depending on the length of your stay, it may be beneficial to get an annual pass for one adult if you do plan to stay on-site. Using the discount code APH when booking directly through Universal can sometimes save quite a lot each night depending on when and how long you are staying (Annual pass holder rates are usually released about 3 months in advance). You do have to show your annual pass at check in though to get the APH discount or you will have to pay the rack rate. The time of year also makes a big difference in pricing. https://www.universalorlando.com/Hotels/Onsite-Hotel-Rates-and-Offers/Seasonal-Rates.aspx

Just a heads up that guests of the cheaper Cabana Bay resort do not have the "front of the line" pass privileges of guests staying at the other 3 Universal properties. If you are just looking for close proximity to the park it is still a great option.

With over 30 point discrepancies, you are most likely looking at a 2E student. http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/twice_exceptional.htm To get acceptance into the Gifted program locally, a student needs a minimum of 136.

We prefer the amenities of Disney's Deluxe and DVC resorts. There are lots of options for larger families. http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/12/20/deluxe-options-for-large-families-at-walt-disney-world/

Rainbow looms at 14 (incoming high school freshman age) sounds like one of the two is really on the immature side. That can make for an awkward dynamic at this age. From the sounds of it, they might just need a little time to each come into their own. Every friendship has their season.

Fruit salad in a carved watermelon basket?

:grouphug: I think what VaKim was trying to say though was more about the parents who are too busy with their phones etc. to even notice or care what their children are doing. (The complete opposite of what it sounds like you are as a mom). If a parent is actively participating with their children, even when carrying them out of an establishment screaming at the top of their lungs, they are making an effort and doing the absolute best that they can in that given moment. Around here we call it present parenting and it is always appreciated whether the kids are behaving or not.