" I haven't found any leaks but i do know there is a very tiny leak by the water pump." WHAT ? That means you have a leak. a bad T stat will not cause this. Need more history.

I think I should buy a used car report and look for the best car for your money. (most reliable!) That should be top on your list because I assume you won't have much cash to fix it up if there were something to go wrong and to buy a used car quickly can be bad sometimes. Please look into other cars than the pontiac grand am!!! I have one, bought it used. My previous car was stolen and I didn't have much time to research another car. I bought my grand am, from a dealership, and it has been terrible!!! (if you think 150 is bad, i would sink THOUSANDS into this car in a year!!!) I just had so many problems with the car. They are cheaper for a reason! When we look for a new to us used car we do alot of research first. First, we decide what type of car we need and then we research to find the safest and most reliable car for our money. I know you may feel that the way your car looks is important but I would rather have settled for a nice, not so stylish car that runs than one that is stylish that is a pos. If you still want that specific car I would visit an auction. I may consider buying from a private owner but I would quiz that person to death trying to figure out why they were selling. I think both are really risky, however auctions are usually cheaper.

Hi johndeere, There ahould be a cap where you fill the washer tank.The tank might be hidden in the fender You are right the tank is hidden in the fender, it is on the left side fender (Drivers side), he found that, but there doesn't seem to be a cap anywhere. He pointed it out to me but I didn't see any cap either. I will give him the information you gave to me here. He just may be over looking it. Thanks a bunch! Hi chad said, Look in the glove box. Many cars include an owner's manual located there, designed to answer questions such as this. You are absolutely right chad, you would think they would keep the manual in the car, especially in the glove box. Well, I am sorry to say there was no manual in the glove box. He is wanting to restore this car, but I think he has a lot of work to do on it and not having a manual will make it harder for him to find things. I told him to check at the library or he may have to call a Pontiac Dealer to find out where he can get a manual for that year car. I thank you for your response. thirdfrt!!!

My children are older now, not babies or children, but I had the same ideas as you when they were little - limited tv, limits on sugary snacks and sweet drinks, breast feeding, etc. And, like you, my mom laughed or ignored some of them. Fast forward 20 years later, my mom appreciates the way I raised my children and she understands now why I made the choices I did. I am very, very glad I had the rules I did when my kids were young - I was right and I'm glad I held my ground. None of your choices sound extreme to me - limiting sugary snacks, limiting t.v., wanting a schedule and more time just the 3 of you, no trip to the beach at 4 months old - those are all reasonable choices. Cheri is right, your parenting ideas will change as your daughter grows. And she is right, your parents have things to contribute as grandparents. But that doesn't mean that you have to raise your children according to your parents' priorities and wishes. However, keep in mind a few things - whenever you talk about the way you want to raise your kids differently - many grandparents would see that as a criticism of how they raised you, their own child. Before you phrase things, think about how they might come across to your parents as implying that their methods were lacking. Also, be sure and make it a point to mention to your parents what they did right. My mom and I have different ideas about television, putting coke in baby bottles, etc., but my mom is also the person who taught me that when things look hopeless you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and work as hard as you can to change things. That is a gift she gave me infinitely more precious than riches or even education. Be sure and tell your parents what things they taught you that you will pass on to your children. Another suggestion that worked for us is that I told my mom that my husband wanted those rules. My mom simply ignored my rules if they were my rules, but she thinks my husband hung the moon and should have whatever he wants, so she (sometimes) listened if she thought it was my husband's wish. She did whatever she dang well pleased if it was just something I wanted. If my mom was particularly stubborn, my husband told her himself that he wanted it that way. Another thing that works well (with grandparents and babies) is to redirect. If your mom wants to take the baby somewhere, tell her no, now is not a good time, but this weekend would be great, how about then. Or if she wants to give the baby icing, tell her no, but baby loves sweet potatoes, why don't you give her that. Grandparents love to see "firsts" - first bite of chocolate, first time at the beach. Tell your parents, no, you can't take her to the beach this year, but when she's 2 you can take her and be there for her first time. You are being more than reasonable to limit tv, unhealthy snacks, limit visits to less frequently than daily or every other day, and set the expectation of higher education for your children early. Your mother is right, your daughter will express preferences of her own one day in education, food, hobbies, etc. That is still no reason not to set your standards high. If you are raising your daughter significantly different than the way you were raised, it will take years for your parents to change their minds. But when they see your daughter as a teenager, healthy and maintaining a healthy weight, doing well in school, winning awards and doing whatever extracurriculars (sports, violin, girl scouts, dance, whatever rings her bell), trust me, your parents will tell you you did your job well. I want to address something else cheri mentioned - her daughter's desire to use organic food, use cloth diapers, read to her children daily (I heartily endorse the part about reading to your children daily, by the way). The drive to be the best mom she could possibly be was strong in cheri's daughter, and even if her daughter changed her ways, she still probably has a strong drive to do her best. That drive should be honored, respected, and as much as reasonable should be indulged by grandparents. The realities of life will knock some practicality into the heads of young parents - let them have their dreams and give it their best shot. When my oldest was a baby my mother-in-law told me this, "In every young mother's life there comes a time when she has to look at her mother and say, 'Mother, you raised your kids the way you wanted, now it's my turn to raise my kids the way I want'." Be loving, be kind, include and affirm the grandparents, and let the grandparents have their way when it isn't important to you. But stand your ground with kindness on the things that matter. Everything you're asking for is reasonable and healthy for your child.