!

14 hrs. He doesn't nap in the car, but I'm hoping he'll give in and nap at times

Our baby is "a baby" in every extent of the word. Out of 5 kids, have never had such a "by the book" baby. He's been going full force through the "terrible twos" for at least a few months now. Drawing on himself (sharpies, dry erase markers, whatever he finds), throwing stuff in toilets, getting into oldest dd makeup and pouring it all over himself and the carpet... anyway, it has been "fun". He just doesn't stop! He needs to be outside, run, jump, constant attention. He is starting to like books and quiet activities, but it's short lived. He has the attention span of a fly. Given that background... I'm "a little" concerned about an upcoming road trip. How on earth are we going to keep him content?? I bought a few aqua books and mat, also some sticker books. Do you have any favorites that have saved your sanity in a long road trip with an active 2 yr old??

You have had A LOT going on!! The old "when it rains it pours" can be so overwhelming at times. Yes, each on their own none of this is a life or death issue, but piled they can sure weigh you down. I hope and pray things start getting resolved so your plate doesn't feel overflowing as it is right now.

I'd have probably gone with $25. That's more along the lines of what we can afford

Oh my goodness!! It is you!!! SO GLAD to hear from you!!! It all sounds busy and stressful in many ways, but I am glad to hear everything is going somewhat ok. Thanks for the update and for checking in!

Congrats on the new baby!!! I don't have much advice to add, but wanted to congratulate you. And, another vote for taking more time off. I know eve is different, but it takes me a month after birth to start feeling somewhat normal. As others said, technology. Lots of educational shows and videos.

No way. Ugh!!! I hope and pray somehow you guys don't get sick :(

Oh, no, no, no. I might do without pumpkins some day. But our Christmas tree? No negotiation on that one 😉

Lol!!! Have never thought of it. Not sure he'll go for it? They carve 3-4 pumpkins. I'm afraid that's his limit 😄😄

Bananagrams

We have 12 nieces and nephews. We get presents for all of them. We also get something for their parents (dh brother and wife, dh sister and husband and my ds and husband). We also get for dh's cousin and family, we usually see them around Christmas.

I love pumpkin carving!!! Wait, let me reword that... I like to see the finished product, like taking the cute pictures while they do it. I actually don't carve pumpkins. Dh does 😄😄😄

Arizona apparently did. We hit 100 today. 3 digit temps late October is not ok :(

I truly believe sometimes things happen for a reason. Sometimes we might find out the reason, sometimes we don't. Glad friend had not been able to go visit for now, accidentally leaving you with a lice ordeal. I hope you can find something soon for ds to do. Also hope your friend can go see you soon. Congrats on the new baby!

Hope it all works out for the best

I made this today, with some modifications...sooo good!! Added 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of ground cloves, 1/8 tsp of nutmeg, an extra tsp of vanilla, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp of moscato (wine), some chocolate chips and some chopped walnuts. For sugar did 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 white sugar Did 1 3/4 cups of flour. Half wheat, half white Dusted a little cinnamon and brown sugar on the bottom of the pan. Not sure if it's much healthier, but it turned out so good!!

This is me. I have spent weeks looking for hidden Christmas presents. ETA: it has helped me to keep a note on my cell. I do under the bed, in my closet, boxes under our desk, oldest dd room if needed. One year it was the garage, a large Barbie house. We also hid a playground one time... can't remember how we did that? But kids went to bed, and playground was assembled by Christmas morning 😊

Yikes!! I'd lose my mind! I can't trust my memory, if I don't put some sort of visible tag immediately I have to unwrap it to see who it was for :(

There were already some Christmas threads...never too early to talk about Christmas! Nice outdoor Nativity? I have looked so many times on previous years, no luck :( Costco had one a couple years ago, very nice one, but it was around $600 I believe. I haven't had any luck finding one that we can afford, but would love to hear about it if you do find one

This. Couldn't agree more or have said it any better.

Reading and taking tips as well. Can't help, as I'm exactly on the same boat (and only 3 of ours are school age/doing extracurriculars). Two year old just toddles around, being a two year old. Young adult doesn't need me as much, but she still does sometimes. No words of wisdom here, just commiseration. I have been feeling the same way for a while, but instead of being able to cut something out, another activity starts in November. Ugh! 😛

Our kids never went to preschool and they are fine. There's so much to do at home at her age! I think she'll be fine :)

I absolutely love your approach!!! You helped them come up with a wonderful solution, even reminded her of the extra cost if she doesn't reserve chairs on time, you are offering help, and after that you back out. They are adults and need to figure it out. If they end stuck with hefty price for chairs it's their doing. Great job aunt!!! 🙌😊

I feel for her, and for you as well. I didn't grow up with any positive male images (but at least a couple negative ones), and it's something that has dragged through adulthood. In my teen/early adulthood years I ended looking for whatever male attention I could get, which was such an unhealthy path. I hope you can somehow find some counseling services or help somewhere! I am not a professional by any means, but it seems to me that there's quite a few issues that need to be dealt with. The best of luck for both of you! Will pray for you and your dd.