Oh gosh, I need to show my daughter this post! She'll be in awe!!

Oh my. Cannot believe that father told his child that "all Americans are stupid" and his child called your friend "stupid". I've heard of similar horror stories. I just don't get it, how people can be so ignorant and hateful, especially in civilized countries that preach tolerance.

I'm not threatened by Palin AT ALL. I seriously do not think she'll serve in higher office. I think the majority of Americans are pretty level headed. It's always the extremists and the idiots that get all the media attention. Just my .02 :-)

Haha. I used web van a few times back in the day! Husband has a ton of blue shirts & khakis too.

I have never tried Kona. I will have to try one of these days. I agree w/Starbucks being consistent--that's why on the road I'd rather go with them than some no name I can't find reviews on lol

Ha! That is so funny. I love Peets too (most of them). But I always ask them for the most recent roasted beans lol.

Thanks Ellie & Akemi. You know, I've never been to Roy's. Will have to check it out!

Pediactric dentists? Oh wow, my kids 10 & 7 yrs just go to regular ol' dentist in willow glen. We have Delta too. The office has absolutely nothing in there for kids either, no TV even. But it doesn't bug us in the slightest. We love our dentist. The kids have never had a problem. I wonder if pediatric dentists cost a lot more.

I'm just so sorry for your loss. My prayers and hugs going out to Jill and her family as well as everyone whose life was touched by Joyce.

I find my easily frustrated kindergartener has learned to express himself in more constructive ways also. Indeed, this year went by way way too fast--even though I too marvel in the ways my son has grown and learned.

I think it's tough for women too. My problem is that people keep moving away! Happens a lot here, I guess.

What a great perspective. I think every child at one time or another has acted out--I find parents sometimes overact. If there is a pattern, then yes, bring it to the school's attention, although many times I find they can't do much! I never ever vent about my kids classmates in such a detailed matter, whether on FB or blogging.

Good for you Linda! How I admire your discipline & dedication. I took some French courses (husband is French) but kinda fell off the wagon. We're going to Paris for a month this summer & how I wish I was more conversant in the language.

I had my 2nd when my daughter was 4 too. It sounds like you are doing everything right. Do you have someone who can watch your kids (at least your son) so you can get some downtime? That's what saved me. I had my oldest out of the house so I could nap when the baby napped.

Firstly, CONGRATS! How exciting. Secondly, you poor thing. I hope your ms lessens so you can enjoy your pregnancy. With both of my pregnancies I had a condition called hypermesis gravadium (sp.?) when you vomit around the clock & lose a signifigant amount of weight. Just make sure to tell your dr if you feel extremely weak. But it sounds like you are able to keep some things down. Liquids are most important. Hang in there! And, don't feel gulity about not eating the most well rounded diet. Whatever you can keep down. I know that sounds awful. Hugs and again, such exciting news

Love Costco! I got the huge sheet cake (feeds 48) for only $16.99. Tastes pretty darn good too. I hear you on the stress. I had a lot of life stresses going on which was probably a factor in my decision. Thanks for your comment!

Jamie, Wow, really? I have yet to see anyone "shame" a full time working mom. I'm not denying it doesn't happen. Most moms I know that work full time seem to get nothing but admiration--if anything I've heard some SAHM's say they feel looked down upon lol. But I happen to live in a neighborhood (it seems to me) where both couples work fulltime is the norm. Yes, the grass is always greener. So true! I really envy those moms (and dads) that have jobs they love with super flexible work schedules.

Heck, I don't care what brand of clothes I buy, so long as something looks decent--getting to be such a challenge as I get older. Right after I plunked down way too much at j crew I spotted an online ad from wal mart that showed some cute tops. I need to make a trip down there. Oh, Goodwill? One of my fav places. Our shop down the street will sometimes carry brand new overstock items from Target. I don't find such people as you mention in my neighborhood, luckily. But it's funny, lately I have noticed more people saying they only eat "dark chocolate" too--guess because of the health benefits.

I'm learning so much from this post Sharon. It's funny but my mom just passed along to me the current People which features Sandra & her baby. (so happy for her!). Have you read it yet? If nothing else, celebs bringing attention to various methods of adoption generates some great discussions. Outstanding post.

Ivory, thank you for pointing that out. When my daughter was younger she did have "smaller" parties because she wanted girls only. But I made sure she invited ALL the girls from her class. It breaks my heart to see some girl cliques already (though I'm sure this happens to boys too!) in kindergarten. Rox, I love the hiking idea! And it's free. How awesome is that? But since I constantly drag my kids out on hikes they may want to do something else lol. I tell you, it's stress enough just DECIDING what to do for your kids' birthdays!!

So true so true!! The smaller parties I had as a kid were so much fun. That's so great your family is able to come to your son's birthday. My sister & her family are the only relatives who live close by. We had a blast though so I have no regrets. But we certainly won't be doing this every year! Thanks for your comment

Oh Nicole, I don't think you should feel gulity one bit! I think everyone can relate. Thanks for commenting.

I love those Star Wars shirts. We only have the stars wars Lego one from Target. Although my son doesn't care too much what I dress him in, I don't have him wear boutique or designer stuff. He thrashes his clothes!! Always gets wholes in the knees of his pants. I have quite a few pieces of Mini Boden I need to Ebay (used to have an Ebay store), but I'm so burnt out on Ebay!

Wow, your school goes all out. We have the staff appreciation day where we bring food but no group effort for teacher appreciation week. I hope your school has a special day just for outstanding volunteers such as yourself. We have a wine and cheese event scheduled with our principal in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to it!