DS12 made most of his friends over the past year or so at swim club. We have a couple trailing friends from HS club. At this point HS is something we do, it no longer defines us. DS also has a number of virtual friends from CTY and online classes.

There is also a series based on the tiny Thorne rooms at the Chicago art museum. Let me see if I can find it. http://www.amazon.com/The-Sixty-Eight-Rooms-Adventures/dp/0375857117/ref=pd_sim_b_3 We are lucky enough to have several of the rooms at our museum here and my kiddo is passionate about these books.

My kiddo got his bank account when he was the ripe old age of 8. He needs to show ID on occasion, he is now 12. I got him ID when he was about 10. We use an online bank so dealing with the bank isn't an issue, just the store. Sometimes he needs ID for testing, swim meets etc.

IDK who you are exchanging with but my 12 yr old DS loved this set http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Series-Complete-Collection/dp/0316219819/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352266552&sr=8-1&keywords=the+secret+series+pseudonymous+bosch Also this series (i think there are 3 books now) http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Nother-Story-Quality/dp/1599905183/ref=la_B002P9JERY_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352266612&sr=1-1

Things I buy Johnsons & Johnsons baby spray conditioner (cuz I have horrible hair and this is the ONLY thing that works) Vicks Vapo Rub - works wonders for asthma/bronchitis in the desert Viva Paper Towels I just found 'Bolthouse' dressing/dip. This seems to be the only brand that doesn't make me ill so its now a 'thing I buy' I avoid: pine sol

I am very hard to stick. The only veins that ever work are in my hands (yuck). I needed an IV last month and they were able to find a vein in the backside of my lower arm - mega ouch there-. You need a tech who can 'think outside the box' when looking for veins. Also, I NEVER EVER watch what they are doing. I either bring a book to read, my Nook/Kindle/Phone etc. They know I'm not being rude :001_smile: Once I found a good lab, I kept them. I know you just moved, but I will drive across down for my lab!

NO WAY. And this may be the splitting point for leaving our docs office and finding a new one. I've been able to hold off the nurse on the CP vax but if she keeps hounding me about CP and HPV I'm going to leave the practice. And what gets me is its the NURSE, not the doc. I selectively vax, the doc is fine with that but the nurse has some massive attitude. Ugh. No to hpv.

HI- I remember you from another board :) Anyway when I was looking at FA for grad school it was ALL loans and whatever grants I could scrape together. As for a second degree, thats tricky because you technically have a degree and are not in year '1-4'. What I would do is go make an appointment with the admissions office and FA office and see what they have available. Also you can fill out the FAFSA and see what you qualify for, just because you fill out the forms doesn't mean you need to attend this term.

NO!

I have a 12 yr old DS. What works for him is doing a block schedule. He does 2 maybe 3 classes at a time. (sometimes only one class) He may spend 3-4 hrs a day on one class. But that course is finished in a month or so. So instead of 'math' taking 8 months, it take 6-8 weeks. Then no more math. We then switch to Science for 6-8 weeks, ONLY science, once that class is done we pick something else. Next time he might do literature and computer programming for 8 weeks. Now its time for Math again. Would some type of 'block' schedule work better for DS. Even if its not like mine. But maybe MWF/TH rotation or MW/TH/FS Maybe the time of day isnt' work for him. My kiddo works best in the evening and night. His best time is from 7pm til midnight. If I was to try to enforce 'school' from 9am-3pm he would probably just sit there and stare into space. He also does great work on the weekends. Just some ideas for you.

Journal, sketch book, writing pens, caligraphy set, (I go through journals and special pens very quickly)

The only thing I 'make' on T-day is reservations. My mother was much like yours OP and I just can not have the drama in my life. DS and I go out, enjoy each others company and tip about 50%. *I do the same thing on 12/25 and Easter. Easter is always our favorite chain mexican place and 12/25 is TGI Fridays. Again huge tips and so relaxing. Sometimes we will go see a movie at the theater - a super duper rare treat.

You need to have your HS group registered, which is a huge PITA around here and not 'worth it' for us. I send my boxtops 2x a year to my old catholic school. That's the only school I have fond memories of and while I'm not longer religious I know they need the $$.

Homemade french bread pizza. Get a $1 loaf of french bread from the grocery, load it up however you like pizza and bake until done. Get as many breads as you need for the party! This is a huge hit if there are kids Cheeseball and crackers Creamcheese (2 blocks) Crushed Pineapple (8oz can drained) Scallions (1/4 cup finely chopped) mix together Sliced Almonds - roll on ball

Dandelion- thanks.