The Club Med Family Resort (The Sandpiper) on the east coast of FL. FWIW: My three daughters have all (individually) visited this property with my in-laws in years past and all three of them absolutely loved it! The Sandpiper features outstanding activity programs for all ages of kidddos. It is an all inclusive resort and definitely fits your travel time/weather preference/price range criteria. Might be worth surfing their website... http://www.clubmed.us/cm/resort-sandpiper-bay-usa_p-115-l-US-v-SANC-pe-12H-ac-vh.html Have fun deciding where to go! Jen

One of my daughters has almost the exact same medical history (minus the pneumo as an infant). Her curve was discovered by our pediatrician when it was about 20 degrees and we went for an ortho consult. Our ortho recommended a wait and see approach because they thought her growth plates were almost fused. One year later her curve measured 32 degrees! It is obviously a difficult call to make for the ortho folks...bracing is so challenging/uncomfortable for the kids and if it is not definitively deemed medically necessary, they tend to practice conservatively I think. As a side note, my daughter is also tall and thin with long willowly limbs. She is now almost 5'8" and weighs 128. Ballet wasn't easy for her either!:tongue_smilie: Fast forward, in hindsight I should have asked for a PT referral right then when the 32 degree curve was measured. Ortho did give us some hand-outs pertaining to exercise, but that was it. In the mean time my daughter's back hurt constantly...same drill going on here with pillows placed in the backs of chairs etc. So we finally (after way too much inaction on my part) called our ortho and asked for a PT referral. It literally changed my daughters life. PT worked with her for an hour twice a week in their office for about six weeks and also gave her a series of stretching exercises to do at home by herself every morning and every evening before bed. The majority of my daughter's issue (and part of the hump) was caused by the unequal musculature development of one side of her body as a result of the curve. The results after PT have been simply amazing! She stands straighter, she is practically pain free, and her self confidence has skyrocketed. As a result, I am a huge fan of PT! Good luck... Jen

IMO, as a pediatric RN and as a mom, I would call ASAP. That is not an insignificant weight loss in a pediatric patient in a month. Additionally, your DC sounds like a 'complex case' that might have several medical issues occurring simultaneously. You are a wonderful mother for taking such a proactive approach. Better have the "Pro's from Dover" take a look and get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later. Good luck and please keep us posted as to what they find. :grouphug: Jen

FWIW: I am involved with a food rescue organization that did it, "the old fashioned way" via an attorney and it was a fairly involved procedure, but it is completely legal and tax exempt. A medical friend of mine formed her own medical supply/equiptment donation nonprofit via Legalzoom.com. Apparently it was a relatively quick and painless process, however I am not sure how "solid a footing" she is on taxwise. You need one of our accountant posters to chime in with an opinion.

It just depends...I would consider the following factors: 1) What is going on with the property values in your local market? Are they somewhat stable or are they plunging? (Remember this comment is coming from someone who owns property in FL!):glare: 2) How long are you planning on remaining in your future property? Any chance of a job change or relocation in the short term? 3) I am assuming that your 80/20 scenario equates to NO PMI? Right? 4) What would be your rates on both the first and second mortgage? Likewise, the length of term on each? Obviously the second would be at a higher rate. 5) Genuine neighborhood decline is never a good sign unless you are desiring to be a part of an urban renewal project--and some people are. For others, decline spells the beginning of the end. If you are wanting to leave, sometimes the safest course is to "go while the getting is good." 6) Can you comfortably afford the increase in housing cost? (Either with or without the DR plan--as in is it affordable at all regardless of whether or not you are snowballing at the time?) Just a few things for you to mull over. Jen

I just had an epiphany... Folks, we're just not thinking this through (fuzzy brain here for sure!) How many of us can vividly remember all the Y2K board threads/hype/quasi drama that was running rampant way back then? Hence, we had to have been here prior to that event!:tongue_smilie:

Donated! Thanks to CrunchyMtnMomma for organizing this. Joanne has been an institution on this board for as long as I can remember. She has shared her stories and has helped so many people along the way just by being courageous and open and above all, brutally honest! The board has been a 'better place' because of Joanne. We are fortunate to have her!:001_smile:

Ok...this post pulls me right off of the sidelines! I have been here since 1999, but virtually never post on the "new forums" although I did more frequently on the old one. Our family moved (a whopping 13 miles) at the end of January 2008, right about the time of the board format transition and I just never really resurfaced, although I have read and kept up daily for over a decade. For the record, :tongue_smilie: I know FloridaLisa IRL! Of our three daughters, one is now a Jr in college, one will be a Fr in college in a few weeks, and the last kiddo left at home will be a Jr in high school. I too remember when Quiverof7 had to change her screen name! Those were the days of Kolbi, (and back when Lisa in Jax was a regular poster), likewise MFS, Robin in TX, LuJuana, Tina in Ouray, Devin, and Ria was developing a science curriculum (in addition to schooling six kiddos) I seem to recall. All of the posters who have chimed in have indeed "been here forever." :001_smile: Ria, you once sent me some inspirational photos of your then schoolroom/sunroom and also of your pool that you converted to a salt filtration system. They were truly lovely. You may or may not remember that my DH has (and my father had) the same employer as your father did.:tongue_smilie: We shall see what happens at the next upcoming board...I need to PM you. So good to see you back! Jen

Over the past few years I have placed several orders online with Boscov's and have had yet to encounter a problem. They pack well, ship quickly, are very efficient, and their prices have been excellent!. Enjoy your purchase! Jen

About ten years ago, one the most cooperative children I have ever known was doing her (then) third grade school work at our breakfast table. I happened to be rather fond of that table, as it was an English antique and the very first antique piece that I had purchased. By that point in time, I had owned the table for almost twenty years. Imagine my surprise when later that day I noticed that someone had carved the words, "This table belongs to Katie B." into the top. As if that wasn't enough of a shocker, to add insult to injury, she spelled it "tabel"! Fast forward a decade, that same child is now an RA at a large university and is responsible for ensuring that no one defaces the furniture! Her siblings are certainly having some fun with that! And as for the table, now I can never get rid of it, as it has become a family heirloom! Re:consequences. Does the guilty party show any remorse?

(and yes, I actually did call to inquire! :001_smile:) Additionally, I think the housekeepers are asked to be on the look-out for such items. Gaylord does have a microwave available for general use by guests in the coffee/cafe shop. I think it is called 'Java Junction Something' and it is located in the central atrium area. The hotel has reiterated several times that it is very common for guests to bring something of their own into the cafe to warm up. Have a safe trip down...we are going too. My middle dd is graduating! We are almost in your area---currently located out in the country not far from Camp Blanding! :) Jen

Hey Lisa, I'll have J. email R. my cell number in case you don't have it. Remember that when he's not away on military duty (as he is currently for a year), my DH flies for AA. I can seriously share some insights! Jen

The Simple Home (The Luxury of Enough) by Sarah Nettleton. Do I win? :tongue_smilie: http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Home-American-Institute-Architects/dp/B002WTCAH8/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1298247174&sr=1-2 Jen

I flew last Tuesday and went through the full body scanner. Upon leaving the scanner, I was asked to step to a spot on the floor where they had painted imprints of feet on the floor. TSA asked me to place my feet on (their) respective painted feet and then immediately asked me if I was facing the appropriate conveyor belt so that I could keep an eye on my belongings. All of this was done in a highly professional manner. After that, a female TSA agent asked me if I had anything in my front right pocket. What?!?! UMMMM...I had taken a shuttle from my parking location off site the airport to the terminal and I had $5 in one dollar bills in my pocket which was my change from the tip I gave the driver. I immediately pulled out the folded currency showed it to the TSA and she then told me she needed to "clear" the pocket area and do a pat down. All that showed up on the scan was a small folded something in my pocket. I immediately produced it. Now they need to check further despite the fact that I was just scanned???? She asked me if I wanted to do this in a private area. I responded, "I'm a nurse, let's just do it and be done with it." She explained what and where she was going to touch patted the pocket area and then gave me a quick swipe on the inner thigh of the leg closest to the said pocket. It was nothing like what I was envisioning, but it was not in lieu of the scanner either, which no doubt made a world of difference. I certainly did not receive the "full meal deal" or any of the tremendously invasive personal searches we are seeing on some videos. That being said, when he is not proudly serving his country on active duty, as he currently is now, my husband is a pilot for one of the major airlines and he (we) feel that the current system is simply not working. Millions of law abiding citizens are being subjected to extremely intrusive searches all in an attempt to thwart a vague and all but impossible to detect (with the current limitations) terror contingency. Re: our current system of screening. The pat downs of pilots and flight attendants still leaves me shaking my head. Hmmmm...IMHO you don't really need a lot of extra gear to do some serious damage if you are so inclined AND are also the folks actually flying the planes.

I suggest that you do some intensive research regarding transmission problems with the Honda Odyssey. (Sigh) Ask me how I know... I am dealing with this very issue right now. I drive an 05 Odyssey (purchased new) and I LOVE it! In fact, we were so sold on the Honda brand that earlier this summer we purchased an 07 Pilot (used) for my DH. We had no problems whatsoever with the Ody for five years---until two weeks ago. It started "shuddering" at about 30 mph. It just felt like a transmission issue. It is. Long story short, at 93K, the entire transmission needs to be replaced. At our expense. Big expense. :glare: If your relatives purchased the Hondcare extended warranty (we did not), I believe that the van would be covered to 100K. If they did not, you are on your own and at the mercy of Honda of America to see if they will cover part of the repair cost--they certainly don't have to and as a second owner----ummm, I would be skeptical as to what they would cover. Google Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems and watch your screen fill up.:tongue_smilie: Until two weeks ago, I was totally unaware of this issue. Honda had so many tranny problems with the Ody that in 06 or 07 they completely changed transmissions and began offerring much longer Ody powertrain warranties--because they had more or less improved their product. If you had posted three weeks ago, I would have been one of the the biggest Honda fans on this board, now not so much. In our case, we made a calculated decision to "self-insure" rather than purchase the Honda extended warranty, that at the time would have cost $2200 in FL. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect transmission troubles before 100K on a Honda. Minor stuff perhaps, (which never did happen), but transmission failure, never. That being said, if you could locate a newer Honda with a longer warranty, then that might be a different story. The van itself is swell, I still plan on driving the wheels off of it...once it is drivable again!:tongue_smilie: IMHO, the 04 with 84 K is true risky venture. Do some Googling and good luck! Jen

Great deal:party::party:

IMHO, it all depends upon your mindset. Serious birders may well have higher visual standards/requirements than the casual novice bird watcher, however, simple, (but not toylike) optics are far better none and will greatly enhance the birdwatching experience. One of my considerations prior to purchasing was the stress factor (for me). Spending big $$$ on a pair of binocs may well have provided somewhat better optics, but was it going to be worth me worrying about someone leaving or dropping or breaking them and my kiddos are not the careless sort at all, but as we all know... sometimes things just happen. For me, I just didn't want to make an heirloom type investment when all we wanted to do was check out a few feathers.:tongue_smilie: The troops just wanted to view birds at a closer range and have some casual fun. We also take our binocs to concerts, to plays, to the beach, to the wetlands, to just about anywhere... Sure would hate for anything to happen to them, but if it does, the world will still revolve and not that much will be at stake.:001_smile: I promise you...inexpensive does not always equate with inferior and you will get PLENTY of use out of something that everyone can share. I wouldn't worry about not spending top dollar. Your DD will be so thrilled at what a modest, (but quite servicable) pair can bring to her experience. Enjoy. Have fun.

Visit this site to read a bit about selecting binocs. I wouldn’t suggest anything higher than an 8 magnification. Too heavy to hold comfortably & steady for any length of time. http://birdwatchin.com/about_birding_binoculars IMO, Amazon sells a fairly decent set for $45. They are versatile enough, the whole family will enjoy (and use) them! http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Natureview-Porro-Birding-Binocular/dp/B000P8Z0UM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1283520334&sr=8-4 Also, see if your local library owns a copy this book. It is filled with high resolution photographs rather than drawings of individual birds. We use it all the time and love it. http://www.amazon.com/Smithsonian-Field-Guide-Birds-America/dp/0061120405/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283520177&sr=8-1

It would be transcribed literally as Q6. It means every six hours. :)

:grouphug::grouphug:Jenny... I too have been here "forever" (since late 1999 ) and I almost ever post! IRL, I'm a NICU nurse who has opted to stay home with her kiddos. Would you mind sharing how you are feeding him (BF or bottle)? If you are BFing, it could be something as "simple" as doing some non-stop on demand BFing for a short time. I realize that with other children that option is anything but simple, yet medically speaking it is simple. If you are using formula, there are many ways to up the caloric count of formula (without requiring an increase in volume) by "tweaking the mixtures." Your ped would be the one to consult with on that solution. How many wet diapers is the baby having per day? Are they soaked? Or just damp? That being said, my neighbor has a seven month old daughter who was born weighing 6-15 and seven months later just recently hit 11 pounds. The wee little lady is perfectly healthy and otherwise developmentally completely normal--just dinky. :tongue_smilie: Re: the murmur. Many of them resolve or disappear on their own. Try not to stress over that until you have your consult. Try to hang in there!

http://soystache.com/sources_of_iron.htm (Scroll down to the chart)

More main dish ideas... Hearty homemade soups--baked potato/minestrone/veggie stew/french onion/chowders/tomato-rice/ I usually add baked potatoes as a side Ratatoullie--almost always with a brown rice Homemade pizza with a variety of toppings--it is simple to make dough! Fettuccine or Linguine with whatever sauce you feel like Homemade veggie pot pie --just omit adding chicken Rice pilaf--if you have time, make a curry sauce and toppings! Grilled veggie or portobello sandwiches (or grilled cheese) adding carmelized onions is yummy --and add hearty side dishes Eggs or omelets--the sky is the limit with fillings Calzones--usually with a fruit side Fresh steamed mixed veggies/grain side dish/fresh fruit Homemade white or wheat bread toasted and egg (or tuna) salad filling with a salad and a fruit Baked acorn squash or twice baked potatoes Burritos or tortilla wraps of any kind Vegetarian Chili Need more? If you include fish in your menus---even more ideas!

Long grain and wild rice Grilled vegetables (yellow peppers/red peppers/purple onions/mushrooms/grape tomatoes) Fresh green beans (cooked to tender-crisp) drizzled with balsamic vinegar Sliced fresh pineapple Just a few more main dish ideas--you can add your own side dishes: Stir fried rice with lots veggies Quesidillas & usually a rice side of some sort Salads of all types!! Quiche and fruit Rice & beans! Or Ham & Beans!:) usually with shredded cheese Baked white or sweet potatoes with toppings and veggies Pasta of any type with marinara or olive oil and whatever --served with a crusty bread Veggie lasagna or Eggplant Parmesan Breakfast (just sans meat) Pancakes/French Toast/Eggs/Grits/Grapefruit or Oranges/Other Fruit/Juice/ I have more...

http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Hygiene___Food___DrinkEF123?Args=

Lots of cause for optimism here! You go, girl! Just keep swimming... It will all work out in the end, just watch... Thanks for ALL of your candid posts in the past...sure do feel like I owe you one (or two) Thanks, Jen