Flowers are always nice. For anyone/everyone. Or if you're thanking for something specific, maybe it could tie in? (They've funded a mission trip, you gift coffee/textiles/food from the region to which you're travelling? They've given your child a piano, you gift an album of your kid's favorite pianist? They've established a library, you give them your favorite book? Etc.)

Music, the band/symphony kind. Grammar. Sewing. And little girls.

I'd say go for it! I'm sure you'll be tuned in and check in with him about how he's feeling on the runs and whatever. It's a pretty gradual build, right? Make sure the kid has decent shoes and enjoy your time together!

I'd be uncomfortable with that kind of talk, too. But making it a huge (no presents for Christmas, etc.) deal doesn't feel right to me. They noticed something and brought it up to talk about with you. Do y'all usually avoid money topics? Or is everything okay to talk about? I'd offer that comparing often leads to complaining and complaining never leads to gratitude, which is the right attitude for any type of gift.

I'm really surprised that it's an issue. Really. "Mama, would you please get the applesauce for me? It's on the highest shelf in the fridge and I can't reach it." Totally okay. "Sweetie, please quit messing around, give me the Wise Guide, and we'll get started on your list." Also okay. "Babe, could you stop on the way home and get some tortilla chips? We have only crumbs." No prob, even having omitted the please. Maybe if we're talking to the Queen of England (this somehow is our measure of ultimate politeness) we do things differently, but in terms of general household pleasantness and respectfulness, I have no problem at all with give/get. And I'm a manners person.

A card/note is the best! From the kids and/or the parents! Seriously. from Wilma, the 6-week volunteer soccer coach.

I was 2.5hrs from my folks for university. And I went home only if the break was a week or more -- so Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break and Summer. And maybe once or twice in four years did I go for the weekend. But I didn't have a car. I don't think it would have changed, though. And my folks a couple or few times a year would stop in on their way to visit friends/family. My kids' current plan (the oldest is 9) is to move into the house next door and go to the university in town and do all their homework at my dining table, but sleep at their house.

A gift card is a lovely idea. Amazon? You'll do a nice note, too, right? The note is probably the bigger part - we notice and appreciate you and your work.

We used ATB for 3rd and 4th and it worked out fine. I'm in the history as read aloud camp, though, and that might have made a difference. The text has lots of somewhat cumbersome dates and "see picture on page 126" type things in it, which makes it a little tricky.

We used ATB for 3rd and 4th and it worked out fine. I'm in the history as read aloud camp, though, and that might have made a difference. The text has lots of somewhat cumbersome dates and "see picture on page 126" type things in it, which makes it a little tricky.

We have had a Berkey filter for several years and we like it. It sounds like you're looking for more objective numbers type information, but that's all I have. Our filtered water tastes more like water than our tap water does.

How are you not already in Austin?? Too big? You could live in Buda or Kyle or one of the other little guys around "the city". There are tons of outdoorsy things and hike/bike trails. Housing, once you've gotten away from the central hub a bit, is very reasonable. It's a tech center for sure. And it's definitely not a republican stronghold. The traffic is not stellar, but something's gotta give. And it's true that we have no snow. But it usually gets icy for a couple of days per winter! And that's fun, too! Austin is really great, in summation.

Ooh, I'd also like to ask whether there's a particular dialect or accent you're interested in acquiring or imparting? That could definitely affect which media you choose.

Music-wise, I'd recommend starting a Shakira or Juanes station on Pandora and see what you like from there. I heart Shakira, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Carlos Vives and Mana. Are you a Spanish learner, or you're fluent and wanting to get your people there? Does your public library have a good selection of Spanish language materials? Mine has a wealth of children's (and adult!) books as well as some movies and audio books available, which is super.

Would asking the kids to wear either a red or a blue shirt to the party work? I'd be surprised if most kids didn't have one or the other. And maybe just say "lemme know if you don't have something, and I'll work some magic," and then check around to see who might have an extra shirt in the right color? Too much work?

I'd also do a quick trip to the doc to rule out a UTI. And then I'd potty train. Make sure she knows everyone pees and it's all good. Give prizes for staying clean and dry and push the liquids. She'll get there! Poor kid.

Waitasec, you get new *baskets* each year?

Good on you for looking into things! I've often wished that there was a common way to just talk to the pedi without the child (or children) present. Like for embarrassing things or behavioral things. Wouldn't that be lovely?

Would there be any work-from-home option? If he could do that even once or twice a week it would help a ton! or could he work fewer but longer days? Making that big of a drive would really be a bummer, so if there's any way to do it less frequently, I'd seriously push for it.

How about the regular square ones? That's what my people who are qualified (newly 8 and 9.5, both smallish) use to handle the hot stuff. So it's a thick fabric thing, with a little loop on one corner to hang it by? And not at all a glove.

This isn't actual assistance, but... There is a delightful forum at WordReference.com. They'll help you with doubts about word choice or grammar structures or cultural things. And you can help English learners, too! It's fun and good. Your foreign language student could over-use it, I imagine, but it is a wonderful tool.

FOr me, the fun of the Fiestaware is that you don't have to choose! I love all the colors (except black, white and cream, those I do not have or want). I enjoy seeing different combinations happen on the table or in the cupboard or even in the dishwasher! We have 12 sets, I think, and each one is different.

You might be able to Craigslist one. A lot of kids go through the balance bike stage really quickly - a couple of months and they're ready for a standard bicycle. The balance bike we have is still in fabulous shape for our fourth kid and I'll totally sell it on Craigslist when she's moved on.

Definitely yes.

I had a serious whining issue in my home last school year and it is all but taken care of this year. Last year nearly every school thing was preceded by whining and general unpleasantness. They did not actually dislike most stuff, it had just become a habit. Ugh. I put out a jar and some pretty glass stones. And told the kids that for each subject they did (the subjects are clear on their plans for the day, sometimes just one thing, other times a few steps) they could ask themselves, "Did I do that at with a good will? And to the best of my ability?" If the answer to both was a yes, they'd drop in a stone. When the jar was full, we did something extra fun. We went through a couple of cycles of filling the jar, and now it's gone by the wayside. But the pleasant attitudes remain! They assessed their own behavior and effort and really actually wanted to do well. And made a new habit! My people were 5, 7 and 9 at the time of the behavior modification, if that matters.