Happy Father's Day, FOAS and all the other fathers. I'm missing my own father a little today... As for potty training, Amanda trained herself at 16 months, dry at night and not an accident. She was prissy and didn't like to be wet and would bring me a dry diaper so I could change her immediately. Ashley? She could care less, and when she was nearly 3 my mother asked her when she was going to use the potty. Her response? "Never, never, never, never, never." She finally did, because the babysitting bribed her with M&Ms. Annie

Or you can go old-school--anyone remember the Wonder Twins? Shape of an animal? Form of water/ice, etc? Wonder Twin Powers--activate!

A big second to labeling everything you take to a class that belongs to you! I learned the hard way - happened 2 times with a mother /daughter who shared their supplies. Unfortunately, my supplies also. I got back some-but then my 12 precut 20" pcs of batting disappeared. That was the last class they attended (I think it was the 4th) and I learned to put my name on everything visibly. For generic stuff like batting, I put labels on them if I have to take to a class. Sometimes, I've left something, or someone else has picked up something by mistake - and it is easy to ask if my name is on it, and it will be returned. It is hard to keep track of all your supplies at classes. I keep my Gingher scissors tied to my machine around the cord. I would also urge you to look at the shows on PBS - the old ones by El Burns are great. I DVR them and watch them late at night. The internet is also a huge research - mostly this forum. It is well worth taking a beginner class no matter how inconvenient if you want to learn to quilt. I always learned something at each class,( even from instructors I won't take another class from) and I am an excellent seamstress. Prices in my area vary from $45.00 to $65.00, but the price is affected by what supplies or books are provided by the class. The year long Sampler class was $20.00 per class + the books, templates, etc. always I provide my own fabric (which I prefer).

"What really helped with us was that I started doing things with SS, without DH." This is such a good and valid point, and something that helped me tremendously in my own relationship with my SS(9). He was not quite 2 when DH and I started dating---my DD is the same age. (They are six weeks apart!) The kids were not quite 5 when we moved in together, and then 6 when we got married. They are both now 9 yrs old. Anyway, I struggled in the earlier days, even right around the time we got married, with feeling close to and good about my relationship with SS. We did have a lot of externals, with his BM actively working to ensure he didn't like me. SS was very torn and that made it hard for him to warm up to me, and it made me feel very hesitant/hands off. But I wholeheartedly agree with Mattie---spending time alone with SS made a big difference in our bond. It was like he began to see me as a parent figure who cares about and for him; when DH was around, it was almost as though I didn't exist. I think the best turning point was 2 years ago when I took SS on vacation WITHOUT DH. I took both kids--DD and SS---on vacation with my extended family. Spending a week with SS where I was the ONLY parent really bonded us in a way I can't explain. It's still not perfect or ideal; we are not super close, and I think he still, at times, is hesitant about me just b/c of the animosity BM has directed at me. But it's better, soooo much better than ever before. And I have no reason to think that things will not continue to improve the older and more independent SS becomes. I understand your situation is a bit different in that you're not custodial, and you spend big chunks of time alone with your SD may not be an option. But Mattie makes a great point! And you have the "girl" factor on your side, too. You and SD could go shopping or go get mani/pedis. Go see a chick flick. Those kinds of things. Bond with her over being females, relate to her on that level. That gives you an "excuse" to do some things WITHOUT DH. Maybe make it a point to do sometihng just you and SD once a month---even if it's just a quick run to Target, or to the grocery store.