There are those who can't seem to understand why others threaten to "rid" those problem cats. Usually some owners of pets. Yet those who have to deal with other's pets, which is what cats are, who continue over and over to destroy and leave filth on other's own private property is a nuisance. There are some that should not own pets, that do not care what is done to neighbors. Those same people are the ones who have no say in what can or can't be done to remove those problems. What happens with these pets come down to the owner. Control them or don't. Would you let your children run free to trash and urinate on other people's property? If so, maybe others will return the favor to you and your home. Since it is apparently no problem there.

Kswl -" A few of my friends have small children and I also have a nephew close to DS’s age. We see them on a pretty regular basis. He seems to be getting to an age where he really enjoys being around other kids and gets excited when I tell him we’re going to see so and so today. Unfortunately there aren’t any small children at our church. “Getting together with other kids is a double edged sword, though, because it may or may not be that much fun for your kid.” There is one little girl that he doesn't seem to mesh with and I've limited contact. She’s friendly but VERY in his face. Until recently he would completely ignore her. I found his reaction interesting because he wouldn't do that with anyone else. I’m not really looking forward to all that comes with school. I’m mainly talking about the interaction with other kids and their families. I’m praying to find balance so I’m an informed parent, but not a hovering, smothering one as he grows. Arcy - Ah, memory games is something I've been meaning to start doing with him! I agree with you about the computer games and tv. We actually only have one computer and our phones are stripped down basic phones. I got rid of the internet and texting quite a few years back (DH never cared to do either). I know I would certainly get used to and enjoy a fancy phone, but I honestly find it challenging enough to manage my time wisely without the extra distraction; which is what it would be for me. As for technology, at some point I know we’ll need to make some adjustments or be left in the dust. Roseabbey - Thank you! We try to see that he has that interaction with small kids most weeks. He loves to sing and dance! I've noticed he’s starting to ‘joke’ around more recently which is pretty cool. We’re really seeing his personality come through. Deeinohio - I didn't think about a library because ours are pretty far away, but I don’t mind a drive. I’m going to look into that! The age thing is blowing me away too! Bestyears - “Make everything hands on and fun.” Sounds good. He really likes to help so we’ll keep going with that. He gets a kick out of helping unload the dishwasher (counting silverware) and when I announce I’m going to vacuum he excitedly puts his toys away and runs to pull out the kitchen chairs! Great ideas! Annie - “I learned to read by the time I was 3…” That’s awesome! “my cousin has a computer game on the ipad which his son started using before he was 2 that was already putting sounds to the letters and he was learning to read words.” See, now this is when I start to question if it’s time to buy an ipad. Of course I wouldn't use it as a keep busy for him, but having a program with the sounds and letters in some type of format sounds like it would be better than me doing it. I’m having a hard time finding the words for what I’m trying to say here so I hope it makes sense. Thanks for the link! Great article. From the link, “…literacy experts emphasize the importance of natural conversations with children, asking questions while reading books, and helping children identify words during playtime.” That’s good to know. In the past I wondered if that was enough or if I should be breaking out flash cards and doing more, but when we started making a conscious effort to talk with him more about every day things and would ask him questions we discovered he knows, and understands, much more than we realized, or that he can even express. Tina - I’m going to check out the libraries! I think he’d like being involved with activities there. I was asking about how kids are tested recently, but need to find someone closer to our area. Anele - Yes, there have been days of seeing the good old ABC Mouse commercials that it left me feeling like a slacker parent until I really thought about it! Pfft. I like the make a book idea. Thank you for the link! I’ve never seen her site before. Great post! Daisychain - I will definitely look at the Curious George section on PBS. Bpathome - We may end up sending him to preschool before we planned. We’ll keep an eye and see how he continues to progress. Nhbabs - Thanks for the additional ideas. We don’t have a sandbox yet, but have been talking about that. He loved the beach and I’m sure he’d really enjoy it. I wish I could get him to stay standing on a chair to ‘help’ with cooking, but that’s one thing he’s currently not interested in. Roarah - “more time on the basics like self zippering and tying shoes. It amazes me how so many three year olds who can read can not zipper their own coats or put on mittens and hats.” I just had this conversation with someone the other week and realized this is something I want DS to be able to do earlier than later. I wish more shoes would have strings instead of Velcro! The few he owns with strings are almost too short for me to tie. I may have to purchase longer ones in the future. Lyfia - Matching socks, sorting, etc. are things I never thought about either. Thanks! Lots of great ideas - loves the idea about money, comparing, and scale reading, etc. Tishtoshnm - Thanks for the book recommendations. We have a Melissa & Doug chalkboard/dry erase easel and he currently seems to prefer this over coloring with crayons. Myfoursquare - I’m hoping he takes more interest in coloring. I really enjoyed it as a kid. Mtnrdredux - That sounds great that you were both able to help in the class room at preschool. Thanks for sharing the stories about how your two sides learned at different rates. There were lots of wonderful thoughts and ideas here that I plan to incorporate. We’ll focus on keeping it fun. A big thank you to everyone!

My brother had to start cooking for himself and my nephew very suddenly. My nephew was really too young to do much, and my brother worked full time, so dinners had to be quick and easy. One suggestion of mine that he took to quite well was to buy the family size packages of meat to save money, separate them into meal-sized portions, and freeze the meats in zip lock bags with marinade. That way, he removes a bag from the freezer before bed, and by dinner time the following day, he has pre-marinated meat to throw on the grill or under the broiler. I did get him a rice cooker, which he likes because both he and my nephew will eat rice plain or with just a bit of soy, which keeps the fat grams down (as opposed to most potatoes or noodles, which must have some butter or sauce). His girlfriend gave him a crock pot, and a crock pot cookbook which gets a lot of use as well. They also eat lots of salads, which they both like. I told him to cut the stem end off when he got the lettuces home, and soak them in a sink full of cool water for a couple of hours before draining them and putting them in a plastic bag with a towel to soak up any residual moisture, They keep nicely for a week or so that way, and he keeps a container of pre-cut salad vegetables in the fridge so making a salad is fast and easy. Planning is the key, all right. A couple of hours on the weekend, and the week can go much more smoothly.

I was googling to find Heart-Healthy recipes and ran across your post. I would like to request the Healthy Eatin' Recipes Vol. 1 if it is still available. Perhaps you've made Vol 2 by now?! Our family has a terrible heart history and I have high cholesterol. Thanks! drake6234@gmail.com