I think it just depends on the child.  My children didn't really ever get into anything.  I did have a little stool in the bathroom, in every house we have ever lived in.  I usually let them bring in a book or toy to play with while I was in the shower so that I was able to still open the shower door and check on them. I'd say they were around 3, this way they were capable of following basic directions, and they understood what it was that I was asking of them.

Now, I am unable to leave eldest DS unattended with any of his younger siblings because he often gets angry and doesn't think before he reacts.  He is very strong and I worry that he may injure his younger siblings.  I now shower before anybody gets up, or if that is not possbile, eldest DS goes downstairs to play his gameboy or watch televison, while the younger kids stay upstairs playing until I am finished.  If I am really lucky, eldest DD is up (when she isn't sleeping in!) and she keeps the peace for me.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Love this stuff!

It was a pretty slow week.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I inadvertently applied to become a member of one of the groups on this site.  I found it very interesting and wanted to better learn about the other members. 

 How long does it take to either be accepted or declined?  I don't want to take if personally or feel that I have been snubbed if my open mindedness is not accepted.  Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Wow!  I just choked on my coffee and fell off of my chair.  A $300.00 purse for an 8th grader?!  Seems a bit over the top if you ask me, of course that is just my opinion, and I wouldn't even fathom spending that much on a purse for myself let alone a child.

My daughter will be a sophmore in high school this year, and trendy name brand clothes seem to be of great importance right now.  She is an excellent shopper who values a dollar and purchases items that are always on sale.  I am so happy that I have taught her well.

Just remember, it doesn't really matter what your mom does for others, as long as you instill great values in your son and are proud of the choices you make for your family.  That is what is really important.

Less is BEST!

I am looking for some advice on a situation that has just come up regarding my eldest son.

He is going to be a 7th grader, and currently is enrolled in a local school (not our home school) for an MIMR program.  Not every school offered this type of program (He is Mildly Mentally Retarded due to Other Health Impairment/MIMR-OHI). 

There was a huge fight amongst parents and the school board about constantly moving these kids to different schools each year.  From the letter that I received in the mail, it appears that my son will now be able to attend his home school with all of his siblings.  My hubby and I are unsure of what we want to do.  We, of course, want to make sure our son's best interest is considered.  It would be so wonderful to have our children at the same school.  Our eldest son only has two more years until high school, so these are the last two years he can go to school with his younger siblings.  He does have some memory deficits, but he remembers this school and it is so much closer to our home.

My hubby and I are pondering what we should do and we will make the best decision possible, I just thought since there were so many great people here, I would be able to get some advice and thoughts on what you all would do if you were in our situation. So, would you change to the home school or keep him at the school he went to last year?  Last years school was a good school, but I believe that the teacher had everything to do with his great year.  I am not sure who his teacher will be this year, as his last years teacher was expecting a baby.

BTW...I currently have a call into the district to have some of my questions answered to find out all the details.

Thanks.

Less is BEST!

You have some really great photos.  Congrats on your new business. 

Best Wishes! :0)

Less is BEST!

Since we have 4 children, birthday party invites are frequent.  I tend to spend no more than $20.00 max including gift bag.  I have the children make the cards for a more personal touch.   We aren't able to send the children to every party that they are invited to, but try and send them to their close friends whenever possible.

I have told people to not bring gifts for my children before, and I do believe that it made them uncomfortable.  That was not my intention, but  several people brought gifts anyway.  I wouldn't do it again, and I would just let people do what they want.  Young children don't quite get the concept of a $5.00 gift or a $50.00 gift.  Sometimes it is just opening the present that they enjoy.

Just my 2 cents.

Best Wishes. :0)

Less is BEST!

I have put a call into the district, but have not gotten a return call about details.  It was only 6am when I left the message.

The chances of him getting the same teacher are fairly slim.  She is an elementary school teacher, and he will be in middle school.  She also was expecting a baby and is due anytime, so she would be taking her maternity leave right when school is about to start. 

So, on another note, hubby jumped the gun and told my son that he had options this year. UGH!  He meant well, but I had wanted to get all the information first.  My son picked going to our home school so he could be with his siblings right away.  I will have to make a more informed decision when I get more info.  There are lots of benefits from both.  He liked his old school, and they were really nice there, but he will have no friends there this year.  All of the other kids moved to their home school at the end of last year.  Our home school was not an option last May, so we were leaving him where he was at. On the other had, our home school is closer, he won't have to be on the bus for an hour both ways, he will start school at the same time as his siblings instead of 45 minutes earlier, and he will be back at the school he enjoyed so much with teachers and staff that know him. (He attended this school for two years, so it really isn't a new school to him).

Any other thoughts?

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Just was wondering if you have a Kroger's?  I think that is how you spell it, anyway, it is the same store, it is just called Fry's out here.  We shop there all the time.  They really have some great bargains.  Thanks for the post Keri.  I am headed that way to stock up on food before school starts.  Gotta pack those lunches!  4 this year! :0)

Less is BEST!