Another vote for Fair Oaks. It's just way less crowded/trafficky and has plenty of stores. There are other nice shopping centers very nearby, too (Fairfax Corner, Fair Lakes).

My 3rd grader: Can spell 'nothing' but would have trouble with 'cousin.' Knows what the equator is. Can add 13 and 15 in his head. Knows the USA is in North America.

My son turns 8 tomorrow and I feel like you all are describing him!

I take Lexapro in the AM. I've tried it both ways and I find it easier to sleep at night if I take it in the AM, plus I can have a glass of wine with dinner if I want to without bad side effects since the dose is half worn off by then.

The left-handedness thing is interesting. I have two kids. Both had tons of ultrasounds done (the first because he wouldn't cooperate with the scans and I did NOT want to be surprised by the sex, so we kept doing 3D ones until we found out ... the second because he was high risk and needed weekly scans to monitor his condition). Oldest is left handed, youngest is right handed. I'm left handed. I have no idea how many scans were done on me. At least one, because I've seen the printout.

I'm 31 and my DH is 47. We only have TEA about once a month, too, but that's because we chart and are terrified of pregnancy. Our libidos aren't super high, but we'd love to be doing it a little bit more often than that, kwim? What you are describing in terms of your DH napping a lot, acting like an old man, etc. ... I don't think that's normal. My DH wakes at 3 AM every morning for his commute and goes to grad school at night. He's justifiably tired. Even so, he only naps maybe once a week. I would suggest your DH get checked out at the doctor's office. Not for the no-sex-during-pregnancy thing ... for the ultra low libido and excessive fatigue thing. Maybe if that gets addressed, the rest will improve. All I know is that it's not normal for a 43 year old man to be "old." 43 is young.

Are you on any medication?

1. Camera: In my purse or on the charging station in the school room. 2. Video camera: Is the same device as #1. 2. Flashlights: In drawers all over the house, except when they are on their chargers in my husband's office. 3. Purse: On a hook in the mudroom area. 4. Incoming mail that you don't have time to open just yet: We have a wall holder for this. 5. Your dh's wallet: He usually puts it on top of the microwave in the kitchen despite my begging him to stop. I finally stuck a tray up there so at least it looks less haphazard. 6. Library books: In a dedicated canvas bag kept in the schoolroom. 7. Items that need to be returned to stores but you can't get around to immediately: On the bench next to the back door. 8. Outdoor toys: All over the yard. Sigh. Everything technically has a place where it "goes," but the kids never put anything away out there. 9. Completed homeschool stuff (workbooks, etc.): I have a file box for papers and plastic tubs for workbooks. 10.Game system accessories (dance mat, wii balance board, rock band drums, etc.): A basket in the TV room.

My oldest kid is dysgraphic and I write for him during math all the time. That is EXACTLY the thought that goes through my head. Luckily, I do know he can do it on his own. So if the government bogeyman shows up and quizzes him, we'll be okay. The 3s and 5s and 7s might be backward, but we'll be okay.

We love our 2004 Acura MDX. We bought it new, but they can be had fairly reasonably used now, and they are VERY reliable, safe, and comfortable. Gas mileage is great for an SUV, but it does require premium fuel. I've driven the newer generation of MDX, and I still prefer my 2004, honestly. It's been an amazing family car, and I hope it lasts until the kids are driving. (Right now, that looks very possible. It's in great shape even after 8 years.) One possible concern: It seats EXACTLY seven, and there won't be a ton of cargo space with the third row seat up. So if you need it to hold seven passengers and a ton of gear ... you might need something bigger.

I know this will make you freak out, but .... get the minivan. I really hate them, too, but if I had that many littles at once, I would change my tune quickly. When it's raining/snowing/freezing/windy, you are not going to want to climb up and down into the Suburban to get everyone fastened. Minivans are easier. They just are.

Sorry, I can't not point this out while we're on the grammar topic: Your title should read "Please help my son and me ..."

I know, right? I'm totally sitting here with a stack of MEP printouts and a glass of Sangria while the kids run wild outside. It's awesome.

Just a thought, and I don't have any idea if it would fit your budget or philosophy at all, but if Lilly likes school and structure, what about sending her to pre-K a couple of times a week? That would free you up to develop new routines with the littlest littles, and give her some time doing what she loves. After a year of that, I'm sure you'd have a handle on things and be ready to juggle more balls. Again, just a thought.

I know! We're only in 3b and I feel the same way. I'm leaning toward DM but I think it'll be the standards edition now that I'm aware of it.

Is she gifted? Gifted kids in particular can be really intense like that. There are strategies for dealing with it, but it doesn't ever really go away. "Living With Intensity" is an interesting book that deals with this topic.

I have a bar of that in the laundry room! Should he just use it like regular soap?

It was good for an object lesson for the boys. "Wash your hands BEFORE peeing when you've been out in the woods. Or else ...." This never in a million years would have occurred to me otherwise, but now they know.

My DH currently has it on his manly parts. It's just not right. I feel so bad for him.

I voted math, LA and history, but in our house, it's really math, LA and critical thinking. History and science (and everything else) can be best learned by someone with those three skills.

I'd pick Key West or Hawaii.

Cool, thanks, everyone! :) We'll just keep doing what we're doing, then. ETA: ^Thanks for the additional suggestions! This child is very visual/spatial ... I'll check those out.

When?

The marketing for "Prometheus" has been so cool, but if it's just another scary "Aliens" franchise flick I'm not sure I'll love it as much as I've loved the clever promotional stuff.