[Home from the hospital with healthy baby girl...]

Congratulations, Amy! I'm happy and thankful that Julianna Faith arrived safe and sound. I love her name too! Take it easy, woman, and enjoy your new little one!

[I just found out that my mom dies of a massive heart attack about 2 hours ago.]

KidsHappen, I'm so sorry for your loss, and for all you're dealing with right now. Praying for strength and consolation for you.

[My Night has Officially been ruined]

I know, I'm sad too. :( I loved that guy.

[Excited and Scared and Pregnant]

Jenne, congratulations! I do remember your earlier losses, and I will keep you in my prayers. We'll be waiting to hear on the 18th how your ultrasound goes. I'm sure all will be well.

[OhElizabeth, did you say "with this next one" in one of your posts?]

Yippee! Congratulations! Blessings for a healthy pregnancy!

[I could really, really use some cheering up. (looong, sorry)]

I totally get what you're saying. It stinks. I have kind of a similar situation here. My mom was an awesome grandma who loved doing things with the grandkids. She died several years ago, and now it's just dh's parents left. Dh's mom freaks at the idea of having to watch all 4 kids at once (she raised 6 of her own, so I'm not sure what the problem is), so she never babysits. Grandpa will occasionally. Neither of them ever takes them anywhere or offers to do anything with them. Anywho...I'm really really sorry. Maybe as your dc get older, it won't be a big deal for them to take all five. (((Jill))), it's hard losing a parent, and losing out on that special relationship with the grandchildren.

[Update on today]

That's very good news. I'm glad things are going better, and I'm especially glad that your baby is doing well. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[My Adopted 3 yr old dd told me today...]

That is adorable :)

[What can my dh bring back from England for my children?]

Bobby helmets.

[My dd broke her ankle in two places - she is going to need surgery...]

I'm sorry. :( Poor thing. Hope she heals quickly. I'll pray for her surgery.

[If you could please pray about tomorrow...]

I'll pray (((Stephanie))).

[how do I make a great baked potato?]

I scrub, prick with fork, rub with olive oil, and bake at 350 for about an hour. Serve with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions! That's what we had for dinner last night. Everybody loves them here.

[Anyone care to share their 3rd grade plans? TIA]

My dd will be in 3rd next year. Still planning but here's what I have so far:

 

History/Geography/Science - unit studies with her older brothers using Christian Cottage vol. 2, and A Child's Geography, vol. 2.

 

English - Voyages in English 3 or Language of God for Little Folks

 

Spelling - My Catholic Speller

 

Math - finish Simply Numbers 2, then move on to Practical Arithmetic

 

Handwriting - Happy Handwriting

 

Reading - Pathway Readers, Sonlight books, Bible stories, poetry

 

Music - piano lessons at home

 

4-H - crafts, dance, cooking

[What to do with leftover Spiral Ham?]

I add it to bean soup, or make ham and cheese crepes! Mmmm....

[How Many of You Do *Not* Assign Chores To Your Kids?]

I didn't use to have my dc do chores when they were younger, because I had to do a lot as a child, and also help with our family's business, and I didn't want my dc to have to work that hard. Then I changed my mind ;)

They all do some chores now - the older ones empty the dishwasher, take out the recycling and garbage, clean the rabbit's cage, fill up the bird feeders, keep their room picked up and vacuumed, clean the bathrooms except for the tub/shower and put away their clean laundry. The younger ones feed the cats, clean the windows, help pick up their toys, and bring dirty dishes to the kitchen. They all make their own breakfasts usually, and often their lunches.

[Anyone subscribe to Animal Baby?]

We have in the past. It's cute and colorful, with simple stories, games and a craft idea. My dds liked it when they were little.

[(experience wanted)- who else has a child that could get injured standing still in a]

My oldest dd is like this. She seems to be outgrowing it somewhat. I think dance classes helped her. Her nickname for a while was "Injury Girl". The other dc had nicknames like "Super Boy". She was Injury Girl, though, 'cause it seemed that a day never went by without her getting a new scrape or bruise.

[Hi, guys! Just popping in for a sec to check out the new boards.]

I'm glad you dropped by! Please check in when you can.

[What magazines do you subscribe to or read regularly?]

I get

 

Birds & Blooms

The Sun

Faith & Family

SacTown (local mag)

The E-Ticket (Disneyland mag)

The Old Schoolhouse

[Okay California girls where are you? (and boys too)]

I'm in Sacramento.

 

Jenny, I grew up in Grass Valley. Love it there!

[So, how long a wait for the Kindle?]

You're making me jealous! :D

[Mansfield Park...]

I liked it. It was a bit too condensed - I think if I wasn't familiar with the story line I might have had a hard time following it, but as it was I didn't have a problem. I thought Billie Piper was kind of an odd choice to play Fanny (and why did her hair look so messy the entire time?) but she was better than I thought she'd be. Overall, I enjoyed it.

[Today is our 23rd wedding anniversary...]

Happy anniversary, Jann!

[My DD is tiny. Should I be concerned?]

Hmmm...my dd is almost the exact age and size as yours. She is 5y3m, weighs 38 lbs and is 39-40 in. I know she's petite-ish, but I didn't think she was unusually small. I haven't taken her in the doctor for a while, so I don't know where she falls on the growth charts, but she seems normal to me.

 

I agree with the others, if your dd is eating well and developing normally then I don't think there's a need to worry at this point.

[Is it rude to lurk?]

No! Lurking is fine. I happen to post here, but there are other boards I visit that I just read. I think it's nice when people at least register though (obviously not directed at you, Faline!).