We don't do barbie at all. No princess dolls and I'm not a fan of most of their movies. Has anyone else noticed how some of the movies, particularly newer ones, encourage parental disobedience?? We do have some books we read. She has a couple notebooks (for drawing etc) that have princesses on the cover that we picked up at the dollar store. From a young age I have talked with my oldest dd about why we don't so she understands. It truly is not an issue. To satisfy her need for "girly" stuff (she is sooo unlike me, lol), I have lots of dress up clothes (reminds me I need to sew some more), make jewlery, she still likes to read fancy nancy, design purses, design "keepsake boxes" with stick on jewels, etc. So girly stuff can be satisfied WITHOUT barbie, etc.

We only allow target shooting. So no shooting at anyone, just targets they set up. (usually blocks, towers built with duplos, etc) This holds even if friends come over to play (doesn't happen often anyways since we live kinda far). Any pointing of guns at anyone in the house and guns are taken away. I grew up with guns/hunting and was taught the same rules as poster above (only aim at what you intend to kill). We only have nerf guns.

DS has wanted this for a while.... I just hesitate to put it up on our newly painted walls! lol I am curious to hear if it STAYS up???? Anyone had one for a while???

I wish we had basements in CA ! We recently bought and bedrooms were important because we DON'T have basements. If I were you, I would take house 2 and turn part of the basement into a classroom. Also, any more kids in the plan??? Then that might lean me towards house #1. We redid all the painting and flooring in this house and are waiting to do the kitchen. Then it will be pretty much perfect. Although I WISH we had a bigger yard! Are you ready (finacially and logistically) to do all that in house #2 before you move in? Our painter gave us a discount for doing it while the house was empty since no furniture to move, etc. And designing your own kitchen can be nice.

How long ago was this? Can you contact the old escrow company? I would do that first. We did have unclaimed funds from a retirement acct (long story) because we moved and it didn't get forwarded, so it's possible. But we did it all ourselves and didn't pay anyone. I would be leery. When we bought our house recently we did get a bit back from escrow, so it is possible to have funds left over in the account, but I don't think the mortgage company would know about it.

Well, I used to work for a small computer repair business and depends on your state, but where I lived at the time, after no contact from owner for 90 days (I think, could be be 120, some states it's 60), it is abandoned property. MANY clients would hear that xxx needed to be replaced and then puff... disappear. We had a charge for estimated that was waived if repair is done, so they didn't want to pay for that when they decided not to fix it, I know that is not your case, but I don't think you have a leg to stand on in most states, especially since you said you would come on xx date and didn't show( or send someone with a claim tag, reciept). We used to mail a reminder before that time period passed, but according to our state we didn't HAVE to.

We did have through DH's work then they changed to BS. I liked it b/c everything was in 1 building: office, pharmacy, labs. Made it easy with all the kids in tow. I found a ped we liked and stuck with her. They were very through and any concerns I had were addressed quickly, no waiting for referrals etc. What I didn't like was only really 1 location, nearest urgent care was 25 mins away due to traffic. Emergency was even further (I'm talking non-life threatening stuff, if it's 911 situation they take you to the closest then transfer to kaiser later).

Usually wait until I show, except for close friends who might wonder why I"m not up to my usual activities. But with the twins, DS (then 5) overheard me on the phone talking to the dr after my 1st U/S (when we found out it was 2) and as soon as I stepped out of my bedroom... yelled "mommy is having 2 babies !!!!" So I think the whole neighborhood knew then (we lived close to good friends then) !! I asked him how he figured it out and apparently he has watched too many medical shows, cuz he said "you were talking about an u/s and 2 of them" (I was careful not to use words like babies, or pregnancy because it was a small apt and I knew he could hear)! He said u/s are the pictures the take of mommoy's tummies when there are babies in them. (u/s pics are in their baby books)

I am the same height and used my friend's several times. Her model was fine, but I would have needed a step stool if anything got stuck too far back in the top(like socks, etc) .Her's was a top loader washer on the bottom and front load dryer on the top. It was too small for me...had to do 1/2 my normal loads. So I would check size before I bought.

Last night I cooked a chkn brst and made chicken ceaser salad just for me. Yummy!

We have that (not same brand) in gold color. Many people do think it is wood, till you get close enough to touch. Obviously feels different, It was in the house when we bought it: Family rm, kitchen, hall, entry, all baths, laundry, 1 bedroom (downstairs). Cleans up ok, vacuum and mop daily since it is in the most used part of the house. It does tend to look "dirty" but that depends on the "pattern" and color. I caught myself trying to scrub out a "spot" that turned out to be part of the pattern of the wood grain lol! I think maybe a darker color would have been better for that. And the previous owners obviously did it themselves, so several spots need regrouting. They used very "thin" grout, you almost can't see it. Ours is 3 sizes of tiles so that adds to the "wood" look also. I would have preferred a large 18" tile in natural stone pattern... but that will have to wait!

Thanks everyone! Waiting for a call back from DR We'll see if we are going to get some cream or patch, or head to the hospital or both. Nearest children's hospital is 45m-1hr, and not sure my HMO would let us go there. Hope the hmo will let us go to the hospital at this point vs. the lab again. I wouldn't press for these labs, it is annual checkup, but DH is worried b/c DS has grown out more than up this year... He has been 95%+ since birth on both, but last visit went to 75% on height and over 99% on weight. He is almost 9 and both sides of the family have guys who are broad shouldered and big build and tall (6'2" plus), so I think he is headed that way...I can't even wrap my thumb and longest finger around his wrist bones! And he does treadmill at home daily for 30-45 min plus play outside..so I'm thinking it's a growth thing. He has grown 3 inches since end of August. But DS (who has always wanted to be an inventor) is now thinking he will work on inventing a machine that scans you or the like to "test" your blood and gives instant results... so we may have decided on a future in bio-tech lol

I hear the same thing from relatives, and know someone who used to teach in one of these.It was reading, puzzles, blocks, what many daycares do here. It is cultural, their homes in most parts are not child friendly(many just don't have the room for all those things, think 800 sq feet avg family size of 5-6), so all those things we take for granted (reading to them, blocks, etc) is not available. When I take english puzzles/toys for nieces/nephews there, it is a big deal as they are EXPENSIVE! like multiply 2 or 3 times the cost here and then lower the family income... you can do the math. When my MIL visited while I was on bedrest for the twins was aghast that my oldest 2 owned 2 bookshelves of books (just fun reading not school books)!! And figured I could fit 2 more drawers or cabinets instead of those book shelves...lol. So I get it, I just don't make any comments and they keep asking me why my 8yo is still not in "school" lol

Thanks everyone, I will ask about a prescription cream. maybe if he didn't feel it he wouldn't care as much, but now he is so anxious, I don't know if that will solve it. If anyone knows what that patch is that wendygrace mentioned, that would be great! I"m gonna call and talk to his office about what to do later today. Any other ideas?? We already promised a toy he wants, but if THEY can't find a vein, it doesn't matter, kwim...?? This is not about he won't , this is they can't...

So tell me someone else has heard of this. PLEASE DS (oldest) was supposed to have blood work done yesterday. I told the DR that they have a VERY hard time sticking him. I'm not exaggerating. Last time he had blood work done, it took them 5 sticks and the last one was in the wrist and he was blue/purple all over and they BARELY got enough to do the test. So I called ahead to the new lab, since we moved. I talked to a very nice lady, said she would take her time since she understood he now has anxiety about this (he didn't before) and he is my anxious child anyway. She, like others, didn't believe me (I'm just another anxious mom, kwim), TILL I got there..she spent so much time, looking and looking... heating pads, walking (to get blood pumping),took a break to relax, drink MORE water...he was sloshing from all the water. She and the supervisor could NOT find a vein to stick. They would think they found one and the minute they stick it, it disappears. Almost collapses... I only let them try 2x and they said they couldn't do it...she said there is a medical term for it but she couldn't remember it at the time. I and my mom are similar, it did get better when I got older. Still when I go the hospital, they usually stick me several times for IVs etc and sometimes the nurse will look at my arm and say I'm gonna go get xxxx because she/he is the best at sticking. So they can see that I am a "hard stick" as they call it. Anyone know the term for this...??? The lab actually said let your dr office call us and WE will tell them what is going on. My other 3 kids are fine...I mean they don't LIKE it, but a small cry and it is over with.. Anyone deal with this and what do they do??.. I recall being 5 and going to the hospital to get blood taken (don't recall exactly what they did different, just remeber being there :glare:) It was a really long day

We had canaries a while ago and my GMA had parakeets. I recall we changed the liners every 3-5 days. Cleaned the cage down every week, replaced food/water as needed. Vacuum DAILY. The parakeet used to throw seed everywhere. A small hand vac could work. Depends where you put it.

I actually know a group that did this. The kids weren't even all on the same level. Here in CA (this was a while ago)you can assign someone else as point of contact (or some similar term, I forget). Even if you can't it could work, just the "tutor" could inform the parents every evening via a note/log so they would know what is going on, in case the school asks. I think they had 6-8 kids per "leader".They worked independently, but the leader just made sure day's work was completed and monitored lunches/breaks. Kids loved it, because as long as all work was completed, they had no homework. As far as helping other moms, I agree you can only show what you do and it may not work for them. I WOULD tell them what is required in your state, and show them the options in your state (whether portfolio, testing etc.) Coming from a state with basically no requirements, I know the word "portfolio" is kinda intimidating. As far as what they choose, that is really up to how comfortable they are with teaching. Do they have littles under foot? That would make it harder the 1st year. Other kids in public/private school? Schedules could get complicated. Many of my friends are not native English speakers and do not want/are not comfortable teaching "English/Language Arts" even from a book, hence they use these options. Some can, but do not want to be as "hands on" as I am (read alouds, projects, art). They want an assign and go curriculum, which could work for older kids. And some classes can be outsourced (maybe art, pe, science? depends on your area).

I would open paypal dispute, take pics (if possible to show non working, don't know what it is, maybe a short phone video). And also call visa and let them know what is going on, they should place a hold on charge, may need a form and print out copy of paypal dispute and at least you won't incur interest until resolved. If it is not as described (the option you should pick when opening the dispute) I think Paypal covers return shipping.

We recently bought a house and redid a lot of the landscaping, it is more $$$$ than you would think. Our initial est of needing $15K work(inside and out), ended up double. RE agents sorry aren't ALWAYS the best at giving estimates. Many just want to sell. Bushes can be removed, yes, but are you going to be the one doing it or hire? Call around and check estimates. Yard size is my 1 regret about this house, but we have no common area. With littles a useable yard is a big deal. I love being able to send them out to play while I do dishes, etc. I just wish it was bigger.

Well, no one has answered you yet, so I'll throw this out: I grew up with a live out maid. My parents had their own business also, and work that could not be done at night, except for my mom did the bookkeeping at home. She was the receptionist, etc, etc, etc. during the day. We did live in a large town, so at first my mom used a service to find one. Later, she found a woman off ads in local papers (pre craigslist days lol). My advice is keep it professional: next to last maid, my mom got too "chummy" with and she started slacking. Make sure you have a detailed list of what you need done daily, weekly, monthly. I mean really specific, don't assume anything. Here I did have a weekly maid for a while (now budget is too tight). I paid about $12/hour for 1x a week. I would expect less if it was daily thing. Also keep in mind that most housekeepers will not clean up clutter, just clean around it... so it will still be up to you and kids to put things away. My mom always made us do a "maid is coming pick up". A live-in ,I expect, you could teach her where things go and she would p/u as she cleans. But probably not personal papers, etc. Now I have stayed with in laws overseas who had live in help, but that was entirely different and yes they did pick up and do all laundry, they were more like one of the family. They also helped with childcare, shopping, meal service, etc, etc. Kinda different than what I've seen here with live in or out maids.

I would look at a tablet possibly..Nook color or a childs tablet. Those "fake PCs" (like vtech makes) are not impressive. I do have most of the leapster brand items, I love many of them, and usually pay much less per game than $20. I watch ebay for lots of the games and usually spend no more than $10 per game. You just have to be patient and know your "buy" price.

Ok, that is kinda what I was thinking (kinda like switching out HDDs vs switching out CDs)... Then the nook looks like it might be the way to go...I know the 3yos are going to want/need different apps than my 8yo for example..Thanks for all the links and info! I learned more here than several weeks of googling lol

Thanks Derek, Actually the one on amazon I linked to does have an microsd slot (up to 32gb). I might look at the nook, if I can root it..I'll check out the link you provided earlier in the thread.. I used to work IT during college, but got out of the field and let's just say things have changed a lot:tongue_smilie: Just a question, do you know if it would be possible on the nook or any tablet to have several SD cards (say 1 for videos and games, 1 for educational books/apps) and switch them out based on what you wanted to do on the tablet at that time??? I'm thinking I could leave the educ apps/books in and when they have "completed" their required work they could have the sd card with the "fun" stuff on it??? just an idea

This is very interesting and relevant...We will most likely be traveling/studying abroad next year, so I'm looking to get some android tablets for my kids. (I will also take some laptops as we will be renting flats that have wifi.) I would like them to play flash, but I don't want to spend a lot. I want mainly educational apps, possibly a couple "just for fun" apps. I would also like to be able to run Kindle app, read PDFs (curriculum), read ebooks, and listen to audio books. Does anyone know if I buy a new tablet with an older OS (like 2.3) can I install flash (I find tons of these on ebay, buy.com, etc)? Or is it too late if it is not already installed (kinda how felt when I read info on google play store)? If I can't, what is the least expensive tablet that runs flash? I may skip that and just do the flash based stuff on the laptops if they are too expensive, or wait and get one of those once we return. I really wanted to opt for "cheaper" tablets in case of loss, theft etc or where we are traveling are some "developing" countries, so I might decide to "gift" to someone there before we leave to return home. I know you get what you pay for, but has anyone had experience with: AGPtek (I was looking at this one: http://www.amazon.com/AGPtek%C2%AE-Android-Capacitive-G-Sensor-Support/dp/B008CZ1YLY/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1351792671&sr=1-1&keywords=android+7%22+tablet or Pandigital (I"ve found refurb for $50) ??? I really am trying to keep it to under $100@ (I know, I'm dreaming here lol) Any help appreciated

Just read the forums at amazon about book buy backs... It is NOT guaranteed. At this moment in time they would pay that if book was in PERFECT condition. In 6 weeks, who knows? They check what editions professors are ordering etc and how many they have in stock/sold and then calculate based on that. Plus when you mail it in, they evaluate it and subtract for highlighting, pencil marks, bent pages, etc.