I didn't read all the responses and don't have kids so I can only talk from being one. I don't think I would force him. Your sister's comment caught my eye with "if we don't get them in early than they will never really be as good as those who have played for years." I completely disagree. My parents were athletic and involved with sports. Dad since he was wee little and Mom in high school. We weren't allowed to play sports and be in all kinds of activities as kids. We were told once we hit high school, and sports were offered through the school, we could (which was 7th grade). My Dad worked long hours and Mom worked on and off through the years. She wasn't going to run all the time dragging us from sport to Girl Scouts, piano lessons, etc. As a kid I was a little disappointed but I also want to point out there wasn't much around where we live besides girl scouts or softball. I only ever wanted to try softball because of my one friend. ( BTW, never again had a desire to play.) Anyhow, as an adult I don't blame my parents one bit for that decision. I see parents running their kids every night to something and they don't have time to be a breathe. In 4th grade band was offered and I wanted to play the trumpet. Two weeks into it I wanted to quite and wasn't allowed. I'm glad they had me stay with it. I played all the way up until I graduated. Once I hit high school I played sports. I played on the varsity team as a freshman. I was very good at everything I was involved in and it was rare for Mom to miss a game, meet, etc. Dad was there when he could be. Schedules were very crazy. There's always room for improvement but I think a kid is generally either athletic or not. If you're not quite as good and you actually like the sport, most times you'll practice and practice even on your own time until you get better. DH thinks like your sister. (Yes, even though I'm a first hand example proving him wrong.) His parents were athletic and involved in sports as well. DH and his brothers all played sports as kids. He's passionate about having our future kids in activities when they're super little all the way up through the years. I've seen kids get burn out on sports. Kids that started when they were 2 wrestling and hated it by high school. A big difference from back then to now was we were made to go outside and play. When we did get a Nintendo and Super Nintendo our time was limited. So that being said, I think it's better for a kid to be involved with something vs. sitting on the couch in front of the tv, video games, or computer. I have no idea what we'll end up doing when the time comes. If they want to, I'm sure we'll give the ok but it's very important to me that we keep a balance. I know all this depends on a bunch of different factors but that's my story.

I could have written the same title but it would have said "Help -- my 7 year old is too bossy" -- not her friend. I always describe my DD as a "natural born leader." She doesn't out and out boss, but does like to be in control of the fun and games. When she plays with friend, I usually give her a few gentle reminders to let other kids go first or choose what to do. I honestly think she gets so caught up that she forgets. Anyhow, some things I've noticed about this age: each girl (I only have girls) seems to have some sort of personality flaw. Some are bossy, some are caddy (like you one day, not the next), some are manipulative (I'll only play with you if we do XXX), some like to leave other kids out of the play... Though my child's "leadership" tendencies worry me, I am thankful that she usually always tries to include everyone in the fun. Anyhow, back to your problem. Another thing I've noticed is that most kids will only put up with being bossed around for so long. Then they usually migrate to other children that are not like that. That is why I tell me kid "nobody likes a bossy friend." So, when you can, maybe give reminders like "make sure you guys are taking turns". It would also probably help if you DD expanded her friendships beyond this girl. I don't think girls need to have best friend at this age. One day they think Sally is the best, the next day all you hear about is Mary, etc... Could your DD be smothering this girl? You might also suggest to your DD that she purposely not sit by this girl on the bus, ever. Let the other girl come to her if she chooses. Why set her up for rejection? Good luck. This is a fun age...full of drama.

Yeah! Cousin came today and put in my 2 new drawers, and adjusted (reinstalled) the top middle drawer in the island vanity so it doesn't have a gap under it (but just barely "pimpled" the front where he tightened the screw too much and it *almost* came through the front! I didn't say anything b/c in taking the front off, I wasn't watching - talking to him- and let the front drop onto the 3 screws I'd already taken out that I'd stupidly laid in front of the drawer on the counter!). Next - drawer liners - all the Merillat drawers are getting worn already, though I expect the solid maple custom bottoms to wear better than laminated (paper) plywood. Sink base looks OK, but I'm buying a new trash can and thinking of setting it inside a dish pan, or at least putting vinyl tile or remnant or something under it - old dish drain board won't work since it's sloped, but maybe upside down? Have smaller can from laundry room there now. I will call laminate guy, but I think we'll end up living with this for 8-10 years since it looks like HD price for this laminate was $29/sf installed - so about $1000. Not worth it - too much else to do. Cousin said it would be months b4 he could do my crown since he's so busy now with landscaper and a big carpentry project someone finally made up her mind on. But maybe he can come back to fix my broken cabinet and install the oak shoe then if I finish it this week. I hate to have the crown sitting in DR all summer, but if he can just cut it roughly to length and do the mitred returns on a couple of pieces I can finish it and have it ready to go any time he's ready. He says (and I agree) finish the baseboards and casing first so when someone walks in my house it looks finished - no one will say anything about not having crown on tops of cabinets. I was only going to do crown 1st b/c I figured I could stain it in unfinished MBA it was so narrow and longest piece is 8ft, but that has changed since he got too busy to do it this week - we had originally scheduled kitchen work for early April. So I'm going to be spending all summer finishing baseboards and casings (not too many left), moving onto doors and window sashes (jambs and sills are all done).

I have several cards unaccounted for as well. It's ashame that they weren't posted that they at least received. I guess they just got busy with the holidays. :-( ishareflowers - Thank you SO much, Lisa! Yes, it is better later than never! I was SO surprised to see a card so late, but so ecstatic at the same time. I'm so glad I got one more. :-) It was super special, too, packed with 11 awesome selections. Thanks for the Barese Chard, Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce, Bouquet Dill, California Wonder Bell Pepper, Slow Bolt Cilantro, Lemon Basil, Edible Chinese Luffa, Parsnip, Calico Red Popcorn, Edible Bottle Gourd, and Lovage. Several of these are big wants of mine and some very unusual varieties to come across in trade. I'm so excited! I also wanted anyone who's still reading the thread to know that I started working outside the home again. It's been a crazy adjustment, so my time is much more limited now. I haven't been keeping up with Facebook and email the way I used to. I'm very happy how it's going, though. I bet I won't have much time for trading now, though. :-( Any last connections from those of you on Facebook, though, I would be more than happy to add you! I'm not on it 10 times a day any more, but I'm still trying to keep up with my friends/family. Blessings, Angela