I only bathe them daily when it gets warmer, when they are sweating everyday. Otherwise in the winter and late fall, it's every other day, unless of course they happen to need one three days in a row. But generally, I don't want to wash away all the natural oils on their skin. I've been reading so much about how many chemicals we expose ourselves to just by bathing, I'm now searching for organic soap/shampoo/conditioner for all of us. When they were really young, the dr advised to only bathe them 2-3 times a week.

I'm not a SAHM nor I have I completely done without the TV, but I do keep it to a minimum. When I need to shower or cook and DH is not home, I give the kids paper and crayons, or open the piano. That entertains them for about a half hour. Legos keeps them quiet too. Now that they are 6 and 3, the older one can read to the younger one. As far as background noise, I have music on more than the TV. It makes them dance and builds their appreciation for different types of music.

OMG I can't believe this!!!

Here are some unisex themes: animals, balloons, cultural icons, sky (stars/sun/moon/space). I did my stepdaughters in a native american theme, and for my DS, before I knew his sex, I knew I was going to name him/her Jaden either way. So I did a Jade green color scheme, with blue and yellow accents.

It is normal for kids to lie, to test the limits to see how much they can get away with...so it's important to keep them in check and make a point about honesty and being trustworthy. My middle school daughter began lying about her homework so much, to the point where I would have to have her teachers sign every assignment, so that I could know she was writing her assignments down accurately. After the first few times catching her, lectures and losing privileges were not enough. I could no longer trust what she told me and so had to backcheck every little thing with her teachers for verification. It was exhausting, and I still have to keep tabs, but she knows now the consequences of lying.

that happened to me too. I just let her turn the pages and inspect it...otherwise she gets mad if I try to do it. So no longer being able to read the story, I just point to the pictures and we say the word of what we are pointing to. That keeps her attention more than reading. But then when I read to my older child, she will sit and listen.

someone suggested to me rubbing vicks on the feet and then putting socks on over them. Seemed to help them sleep better than the previous night...I'm sure it works off holistic reflexology principles, which may be weird to some, but it doesn't hurt to try. I put Vicks it in the humidifer, or sometimes eucalyptus oil. Other than that, up the Vitamin C, everything else the PPs said and, I also put warm diluted green tea mixed with juice in the bottle. Definitely lots of snuggles!

not in this weather! I can't wait for Spring. The only place we can go when its this cold is shopping, the library and friend's' houses.

I love Kaye's Kare in EFC. Here's the website: http://www.kayekare.com/

It's affordable, teachers are GREAT bonding and interacting with the kids, GREAT academic program, very diverse. My son misses his teacher from there.

I was in the same boat. I have always struggled with an extra 15. Then when I got pregnant...I just let go and piled on an extra 60. Yes, 60! I got all kinds of remarks from my family. The aunts and grandmothers are the worst...saying I look 6 months preg. when I was only 3. They'd rant about my weight in Filipino, thinking I don't understand, but I do. I just shrugged it off until I'd get mad and start picking on them back. Oh, 2 new wrinkles on your forehead, grandma....better put more night cream. What are those two new dimples on your rear, auntie? Better walk them off! That shut them up, especially when I say it Filipino! If they can dish it out, so can you, in a nice tone of voice, of course!

I'm reading 100 Years of Solitude

why don't you just have it done near an open window?

Are there any that prove to be phenomenal exfoliators & moisturizers for both body and face? What's your favorite?

Washington Sports Clubs in Silver Spring does. Alot of the chain gyms have daycare these days...they know that moms are a big market!

the more offensive, the more posts it seems.