[We have to go buy a van tomorrow]

:party:  :party:

[UPDATE post #1 Prayers please. Our local homeschool community is losing a pioneer, advocate, and dear friend.]

:grouphug:  :grouphug: :grouphug:  

[Update on DS5's health, and a question (which doctor to call).]

Has he been evaluated by Neurology?

 

[Toddler Leash/Harness: Pros and Cons?]

Best. Purchase. Ever.

 

Ds had no impulse control from about 18months on.  If there was a place to run he did.  If there was a tiny spot to hide, he was there.  We practiced him holding on to my pockets because holding hands was too much for his sensory issues, but had little success.  The harness worked when other things did not. 

[If you are in a co-op, is anyone allowed in or how do they pick & choose?]

Our co-op is small and all the mom's teach classes based on a general theme.  We invite families known to us if they would like to join the co-op.  We have them visit for two days then teach a sample lesson.  Afterward the families vote if this possible new member will be compatible with the group.  We have never not allowed a new member. 

[Prayer Request and a Question]

:grouphug:  :grouphug: :grouphug:  

[Favorite "Waiting in an Exam Room" Toys for Littles]

Unfortunately we spend more time than I want to admit to at various doctors appointments and these have been our favorites:

 

dinosaurs and ponies from the dollar bin at Target - I buy 3 or 4 bags at a time so if they get lost.

Innotab or leap pad.  My children have both and we only use it for medical appointments.  I also bought kids noise reducing headphones to go with them.

dice

paperclips - I bought a package of the colorful ones.  They twist them into all kinds of shapes. 

Index cards with a sticker at the top so they are "puppets".  This works really well if the stickers match a story that you read to them. 

 

 

[Pray they stop screaming soon]

:grouphug:  :grouphug: 

[Pray they stop screaming soon]

:grouphug:  :grouphug:

[Favorite Easter Candy]

More and more I just like the candy I make.  Candy from the store just doesn't taste good anymore. 

[Can I get some sympathy, please?]

:grouphug:  :grouphug: :grouphug:  

[Our homeschooling is officially over.]

:party:  :party: :party:  

[A tribute of sorts]

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  Beautiful tribute.

[So remember how I wanted the "dream house?"]

:party:  :party:

[I messed up]

put it in a plastic bag with crumpled newspaper and seal bag.  Change the newspaper every couple of days.  My grandma was a very heavy smoker and this helped take the smoke smell out of things she gave me. 

[A very important, groundshakingly urgently important poll to end all polls]

I used to love Girl Scout cookies but the last few years they have all tasted  yucky.  I'm not sure if it is changes in the recipes or ingredients but I find them very disappointing. 

[What would you wear?]

I second Catherines.  They have a great selection.

[Birthday ideas for a 3 year old girl?]

The phonics bucket was one of ds favorites. 

[Farm People...advice needed on sad situation]

:grouphug:  :grouphug: :grouphug:  

[Hive, I need a friend]

:grouphug:  :grouphug: :grouphug:  

[Kids who don't/won't EAT]

Ds has been through years of feeding therapy and for a while had to have g-tube feedings.  I would also recommend the food chaining book.  It really helped ds.  I also sneak in extra calories where I can.  Heavy cream instead of milk, mashed avocado, extra butter on all veggies.  Ds is still is the low percentiles for weight but he is finally growing. 

[Ok -- UNCLE!!! I give up!!]

:grouphug:  :grouphug:

[Expecting Baby #5 and feeling down]

:grouphug:  :grouphug: :grouphug:  

[Organizing vent]

I share your pet peeve! 

 

I also love how they seem to have several thousands of dollars to by cute boxes and jars.  Who does that???

[Why is the bread burning?]

Your oven is too hot.  Try turning it down a bit more.