almost like a fishy smell. Anyway, the smell did go away, and we still use the blanket. I would suggest though that you make sure it is thoroughly dry so it doesn't get mildewy. Also, make sure you clean our your dryer's lint filter a time or two while drying it b/c mine had tons of tiny downy feathers that came out and really filled up the filter! They were a weird super-light feather that I almost couldn't catch with my hand to clean up. Hard to explain. Anyway, it should be OK. FWIW, we cleaned ours for the same reason! Ha! Tis the season of sickness.... Hope little one is feeling better. GL! - Stacey in MA

I bought this set of 24 for $4 at the beginning of the year for DD3 to use as her "school pencils": http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Prang+Fun+Pro+24-Color+Pencil+Set/002224/1205549939-1231518 I wasn't sure if they were going to be cheesy or not, but they have worked out to be great! I had also purchased the more expensive Prismacolor set, but I don't think they are worth it for the coloring we do - history pics and basic elementary sketches and drawings. The Prang were just fine IMO. So, a couple of those plus a sharpener and you'll have your $8! (Make sure to let us know what you get, OK? ;-)) - Stacey in MA

How do you deal with such stupidity!? The only thing I can think of is to jump ship and never deal with the company again, but that doesn't fix the problem. I guess you can post it on your blog like this guy did, or you can take them to court for overcharging you? I don't know - it's so much run-around though, for a annoying little thing. Here's the 2 lines that got me the most: "Um, sir, I'm not a mathematician!" (Then why are you working a job that deals with billing, money and numbers!! You should be!) "I guess it's just a difference of opinion." (Duh! It is NOT! You just want to get off the phone because you don't want to actually turn your brain on and engage it in this math problem! There's no opinion involved - it's black and white, and you'r getting it completely wrong!) Ugh, people. Let's hope those kids were just having a bad day, early morning, no coffee yet, whatever! - Stacey in MA

I was reading a coin collecting book with DS9 (trying to find a hobby for him besides Pokemon!). Interesting stuff. Denver and Philidelphia are the 2 places, and it's marked with a D or a P under the date on a coin. (Some other coins are minted in San Francisco and someplace in NY, but they aren't in general circulation - collector's stuff). We may stop in Philadelphia on our way to Williamsburg this May, so perhaps there's a tour or something interesting to see at the mint! :-) Stacey in MA

It's a grain that you cook and use in place of pasta, rice or something like that. I enjoyed it! I will use it again. In my searching (maybe on wikipedia?), it mentioned that it is often used as a starch replacement for people who are allergic to wheat. The cool thing about it is that it has a high protein content and slow absorbtion rate, so is likely good for diabetic people. I made it as a salad (like pasta salad), with olives, roasted asparagus and sundried tomatoes. But it can be made with any other veggies, or used a base for your chicken dishes. HTH and GL! - Stacey

which I just read in my husband magazine. Can't remember which mag.....maybe The Week?? A writer did a focus group of about 36 older teens and asked them about lying. Anyway, I got a couple of things out of it. First of all, lying (esp. at an early age) is associated with intelligence (woopie! mine must be smart! ;-p) They have to first understand that they CAN tell an untruth, understand that they can USE it to save themselves a punishment, and know WHEN to use it, and know HOW to pull it off or say it convincingly. Secondly, the modern notion to try and "let it go" or to "be permissive" (often in order to make the child not feel bad, or to make the child feel closer to the adult and therefore hypothetically want to talk to the adult more) about lying only promotes more lying. The things that did work work in helping were these: for younger kids - encouragement in the form of teaching about praise and honor. (The children in a clinical test environment who were read "The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf" just before a "coincidental" opportunity to lie, still lied. The children who were read the George Washington cherry tree story where in the end his father praises him for not lying had a significant lesser incidence of lying at that next opportunity - something like 43% less.) For older kids, the trick was simply to have a fewer rules, but ones that aren't ever bent or broken. Stay firm on big rules, and simply don't have small ones (I'm simplifying this idea, but that's the general gist). Anyway, that being said, I personally find it really hard to implement! I don't have any "real" answers for you, but you're not alone..... Hang in there - Stacey in MA

I am also a walker, and love that. But when it comes to getting a little more aerobic, my knees and lower back can't take jogging or running. So I use the eliptical to work up a sweat. Otherwise, it's walking (outside or on treadmill at the gym) for me. FWIW, we own an eliptical and they are NOT all created equal. You need to shop and get a feel for the stance and motion of each before buying. If you like it, you'll use it. If you don't like it, it will be an unused space-eater. ;-) GL - Stacey in MA

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screaming baby doesn't alway reflect well! ;-p I wish there was an "edit original post" option! - Stacey in MA

DS9 and DD6 either read aloud or listen to me. They both enjoy it, and look forward to it! It is chronological (unlike some portions of the Bible), but mostly in Books of the Bible order (Genesis first, then Exodus, etc.). So for example, during the story in Samuel 1 of David running from King Saul, they insert (with reference though) some of Psalm because these were songs David wrote in reference to whatever was happening to him at the time of his story. It actually makes tons of sense for the kids. http://www.amazon.com/Day-Kids-Bible-Readers-Tyndale/dp/0842355367/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205156018&sr=8-1 FWIW, the author who did this Day By Day Bible also did several other books (including a younger kids' Bible). We have her book "Sword Fighting" which is a devotional book, which often references her Day By Day Bible. I like the Sword Fighting book, but we did get off of it for some reason. I think we'll go back to it eventually, b/c it's laid out nicely. HTH and GL! - Stacey in MA

My mom is attending a bridal shower this week and is giving a good stick blender. I think it was around $50, but she had the 20% off coupon for Linens and Things (which is always floating around somewhere online or in the mailbox). So it was right around that $40 mark. She is big fan of these recently - awesome for making soups and such, making smoothies, mixing sauces, etc. She bought me one for my birthday and I really like it! I also second any other kitchen gagetry! We've been married 10 years and there's so many things we've picked up for ourselves along the way that would have made life easier right from the start - 15"x10" baking pan with lid (use it all the time!), 2 crock pots, bundt cake pan and round cake carrier, tons of utensils like bread knives, measuring cups/spoons, etc. Hey, maybe a Pampered Chef gift or certificate? Let me know if you want the name a PC person - my friend sells it. Anyway, have fun and GL! Let us know what you decide on! :-) - Stacey in MA

One died last Nov., and the other just died this Sunday. (Where are you now - Want our cage?? We're in MA....) Both were females, purchased at an independent pet store when we lived in CA. (These piggies made the journey from CA to MA on a plane in a pet carrier! People couldn't understand why in the world we would bring our guinea pigs on "vacation" with us! ha!). FWIW, ours got regular "cycles", so be aware that every so often, you will see a touch of blood in the cage for a day or two! (wasn't expecting that!) DH is very allergic to dogs and cats, but never had an issue with the piggies. He even shared cage-cleaning duties with me! We changed the cage once a week, but have to put plenty of bedding in to make that work. Spent about $25/mo (some months it was $30, other months, nothing, depending on what we were out of). They always got the scraps from the veggies we ate (peppers, green beans, lettuce, etc), though we did have to buy lettuce specifically for them, as their staple. Had to clip one's nails often, but the other's didn't grow as fast. If you leave it go too long, the nails start to curl under and around, and piggie will start limping! One was nicer than the other - didn't mind being handled. They weren't particularly personable in general, though. They ARE fragile though. My then-4-year-old (when we got them) could not safely pick them up w/out supervision. I guess (from what I've read) their backs are fragile, and if not supported on the bottom when lifting, can damage or break their backs. A friend who's a vet just got one for her kids from a client who didn't want it - she said she'd never buy one since there are so many unwanted ones. You could contact a vet office and put your name in, in case someone comes in trying to unload their piggies. FWIW, She says they are fragile too, but so are rabbits. She says sometimes rabbits come in to her vet office, and it's very tricky to treat them b/c they die so easily - even from just being handled when they're scared. I don't think she's worked on a piggie before though.... :-) HTH and GL! Let us know what you come up with. - Stacey in MA

I am wondering how the subjects of the test align with the WTM topics. For instance, DS9 is 3rd grade age, so we therefore are working through some Chemistry for science. Does the science portion of the test test chemistry knowledge/ability? How about history. We are working on Vol. 3, but obviously not spent time on "Modern Times" yet. Are the questions all over time/history, or can you somehow specify which period are asked? The idea of this is bugging me. I know DS is bright, and we are pretty regular and rigid in our academics, but I can't imagine how a "standardized" test is going to reflect if it isn't aligned with what we are learning. I also feel somewhat pushed into this, but that's another long story. It could explain my reservations and nerves though. Anyway, thanks for taking time to answer my questions! - Stacey in MA

This is the first year we will have to provide standardized testing (for DS9 3rd grade - up until now we've gotten around it for various reasons). I am finding the specifics of my town's requirements a little obscure. How and what are you, in your town, required to provide them as evaluation? What standardized test do you use, how do you get it, and who administers it? Thanks ladies (and gents)! - Stacey in MA

We are big on trying to work in protein into the breakfast meal. Also, veggies and/or fiber. Not an easy task at breakfast, always! Tuna boats: 1/2 english muffin w/ tuna salad on top. I can get a 6-pack of english muffins for $1. Tuna costs maybe $2-$3 a can. A dolop of mayo -??. Pasta w/ Eggs: I love this dish, and sometime make it with Ramen noodles (not the healthiest!), but with spaghetti, or even whole wheat spaghetti, it's healthier. Take leftover pasta and heat it in a pot with a little milk or cream. Crack a few eggs (maybe 1 per person?) into the pasta, scramble on the the spot, and then mix into the spaghetti. Stir constantly to get the egg cooked - it cooks quickly! Mix in a somewhat thawed bag (or 1/2 bag, depending on what it is and how many people are eating) of frozen veggies. Last time I use frozen peas, and frozen chopped spinach. Toss in any leftover cheese you have, though grated parm works best. This covers the carb, the protein and veggie! It works well to use up leftover pasta, can be made for any meal, can be easily made any time and simply reheated by the bowl. Cheap! Pasta (whole wheat) $1.50, 6 eggs $1, 1/2 peas and 1/2 spinach $1.50, bit of cheese ??, touch of milk ?? I ate a TON of oatmeal when I had GD b/c it's more slowly digested than cereal....I discovered it's soooo cheap. If you could find a way to get your kiddos to eat oatmeal (add a tiny bit of sugar, brown sugar or syrup, raisins, chopped fresh fruit - anything sweet...plus a little cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger - whatever spice suits you), that would be a real cheap way to go! GL! and hope that helps.... - Stacey in MA

On the week he was turning 4, I simply refused to do anything fun with him until he straightened it out and started pooping on the potty every day. He could carry on a long discussion with me, but not go poop like a big kid - come on! Of course, I was quite sure at this time that he was ready....I had assessed this through the course of many months before. He knew when he had to go, he would go hide, he was able to control it in his own way. He was just stubborn, and didn't want to transition from what was familiar (doing it the way he always had) to pass control to doing it MY way (going in the potty). FWIW, this DS is ALWAYS like this, in other "changes" and "transitions". He is the child who is very smart, but won't take lots of risks, and needs to constantly be "pushed off the ledge" when it comes to making any kind of leaps - physical challenges, mental, emotional, etc. He is a complete "play it safe and easy" kind of kid, and will always need an extra proverbial "shove". I agree with Kristine in the above posts - you need to get serious, real serious, one time, remove a privelege and stand by that until he does as he's supposed to (as long he is truely able - no physical or mental challenges, but just will that's holding him back).

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I would say most days are challenging, and just when I have some rhythm, something changes - someone gets cranky, someone gets sick, someone starts getting mobile (hee hee!)..... But here's what I aim for: Up anytime they want, but must do chore list (eat, dress, bed made, teeth brushed and one other house chore) and be ready to start by 8:30am. I am usually up around 7 or 7:30, helping the youngers, and/or myself, and reading email, planning the day, throwing in laudry, etc. The kids then start with their school lists at 8:30 (DS8 and DD6 have lists, DD3 knows her options and that she must be in my sight doing puzzles, play-doh, coloring, looking at books, etc. - she's ornery, and can't be left unattended!) I attempt to set baby in high chair with toys, in exersaucer with toys, or pack n play with toys. If he'll settle down and be content, we do "together work" (all of the list is labeled either I (independent) or H (with help)), usually starting with Bible, Language Lessons, History, or something like that. If he won't, I tend to baby, and the older kids dig into their "I" work (like handwriting practice, or math if it's an easy day/lesson, even Spelling Workout, or something like that). The minute babyDS is down for a mid-morning nap we snap into gear and do together work to take advantage of them time he's asleep. Since DD6 has a "lighter" schedule, she's usually done by 11 or 12. We usually have lunch around that time. I can then send her off w/ DD3 upstairs to play (She will tell me if DD3 is getting into anything, and they tend to play well together.) After lunch, I can then finish things with DS8 like science experiments, history, Prima Latina, or other things that require me to help him. BabyDS usually has another nap late in the day, which we can take advantage of if need be, but DS8 hates to do work at that point b/c all of the neighborhood kids are home from school and he wants to play. Latin is usually the thing that gets set aside and not done if babyDS has not allowed us enough free time. That's it I guess. Gotta run b/c baby's crying, but I will expand more if you want/need. GL! - Stacey in MA

Hope you are done and over with labor and happily enjoying your new little one! Keep us posted.... :-) Stacey in MA

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Thank you! I am considering all you have said. I want to add one thing, which I plan on telling the Dr. when I speak to her tomorrow.... DS does a weird thing with his hands and feet when excited (and always has, since he could wiggle at all!).... He "twirls" them (for lack of a better word). Both at the same time. Literally, they all start to go round and round like windmills! I'd get a foot cramp if I tried it myself! ;-) This happens almost every time I set him in the high chair getting ready to give him food. It's a sign to me that he's excited and eager. It's normal for HIM, so I overlook it, I guess. But it obviously isn't "normal", or "standard" or "ordinary". It's a bit unusual, when comparing him to other kids I suppose. I thought of it when I looked up the SID info referred to in the previous post. Could this be a symptom of some funky processing going on? My brief understanding of the SID is that the senses take IN info just fine, but it can come OUT in all kinds of unintentional/unsystematic/mis-wired ways. This seems to be the case with the twirling..... On a different note, DS CAN cruise now (FWIW, he's 12m4w), and this week has been pulling up on his own to walls and other furnishings. But he still can't crawl (he does "scootch" on his bottom though - very mobile - just not an actual forward crawl). Also, when he does fall forward onto his arms, he cannot catch himself and ALWAYS lands on his face. It seems there is just no strength or coordination in his arms. YET, he does self feed with his fingers AND a fork. Weird, I know.... Anyway, just thought I'd add a few extra bits of info, in case you have more to comment. And also to say thanks for taking the time to give me some info to chew on, and for sharing! - Stacey in MA

Just had DS1's 12mo check up at the Dr's office. DS1, who is newly one, has several physical issues that are needing investigation. One is his low weight (5% since at least his 9mo appointment, though at birth he was 8lb13oz and around 70%), another is is "low tone" (as the dr. calls it - for example, he doesn't grab on when you pick him up. He is sort of limp), and the third is bowel-movement issues since day one (he is usually constipated, and had to start prune juice and/or glycerin supp's since the 2-4mo. range. We're off the prune juice now, but still need the supp's far too often). ANYWAY, I know I can google and do tons of research to find info. We are stepping forward with our pediatrician with some blood tests presently. Might have to face some specialists - gastro and/or others - to make sure it's not a disorder or disease, and might have to face some PT along the way to encourage the proper muscle development. I am simply curious if any of you other moms have dealt with this before, and where the journey has brought you. Care to share your story? A friend (who used to work in an early-aged daycare and preschool enviroment) recently told me that she saw plenty of babies who had "low tone" who had no real disorder, and whom she witnessed outgrow the troubles. This comment made me feel better! Thanks for listening and sharing if you can.... - Stacey in MA

Your concern deserves a longer response - sorry. But I wanted to say firstly - BLESS YOU for fostering and caring for a young child who needs your love and home. Also for constantly considering what is best for your older son. I have a friend who's son is ADHD and she tried homeschooling for a year. It didn't work out for her, but in the meanwhile, she found a Montessori school that was just the right match for him. It will only take him to 4th grade though, and she then has to find another solution. I don't think that you can really give homeschooling a short few week trial. It is such a process, that even after a year or 2, we are still adjusting and finding our ways. It takes a certain long term committment to the idea, in my opinion, to work through the problems and challenges that will DEFINITELY arise. Have to run (kids fighting and baby screaming! :-) But I will be happy to see other advice others have to offer here... Good luck to you! - Stacey in MA

I am thinking about switching from Adventures with Atoms and Molecules (as recommended in TWTM) to Real Science 4 Real Kids sets. They are pretty expensive to get the whole set, so I wanted to get some opinions on what you use, why you use it, which you like better, etc. Honestly, I don't have a real problem with Aw/A&M (other that being a bit brief, from which it redeems itself by being concise and simple, if that makes any sense!). But the RS4RK was brought to my attention and it looks GOOD. It looks more interesting, more in depth (yet concise), and more worth our while in time spent. I have a math/science oriented kiddo whom I believe would enjoy this. It is worth the switch? Thanks in advance! - Stacey in MA

Just some background... I've had 4 kiddos, all unmedicated. #1 Took Bradley classes Unmed. vag. birth. Baby was induced with pit at 38wks, huge head and 9lb9oz after 6 hrs of labor. #2 Took Hypno-birthing classes Unmed. vag. birth. Baby was born in about 45 min! 8lb even. #3 Took nothing, but relied on my hypnobirthing techniques Unmed. vag. birth. 8lb 8oz baby, spontaneous labor sped up by Dr. breaking my water - 40+wks, about 5hrs of labor. #4 Took Hypnobabies home study program Unmed. vag. birth. 8lb13oz baby, induced with pit at 40+wks. From pit to birth was about 4.5hrs. (Only about 2hrs of "real" labor though) (FWIW, my inductions were due to problems with GDM. They don't let diabetic women go past their due dates, typically.) These techniques all combined to work for me in different ways. The biggest deal, i would say, is that it required DAILY practice and thought for several months ahead. I think I liked the Hypnobabies program the best, honestly. It was simple and easy, relaxing and effective. But it may have been all of those things to me b/c of my previous experience combining in with it. Anyway, whatever you choose, practice daily and you'll be fine. GL and hope that helps! - Stacey in MA