@MotherShip I’ve had piercings at both places (cartilage) and would not bring a young child there. I’d probably wait until middle school, although they are the piercing professionals. Just a vibe that could be considered scary to younger kids

We did Claire’s with no issues. I’ve had friends take their girls to Rowan. Pricier and less convenient but likely better

I use Tiles on everything. Keys, my wallet etc
I also have a landing station where all my stuff goes (like a locker for my kids but adult version).
I set timers for a lot of things and give myself reminders on my calendar, maybe a day before.
I like the skylight digital family calendar bc the kids can help keep track of their own activities and what they need.
I also outsource as much as I can (laundry etc) just to keep the mental load lower so I don’t get overwhelmed. Annnnnnd I medicate

Has anyone driven from Texas to 30A and have good recommendations on how to break up the drive for kids? Good places to eat, even better if there is a playground at the restaurant etc

The older I get the higher quality but less friends I have. You can’t be everything to everyone-or shouldn’t want to be.
I do think mom friends are important but you only need a few. Can you overlap with something you’re already doing? Schedule a volunteer time at the school with a friend? Workout together?

My husband recently told me that I’m “not into sex enough”. Honestly this was major news to me as I feel like I’m doing an amazing job by just showing up for him with everything we have going on. Sometimes I’m into it but normally I’m so exhausted I’m like “okay let’s get this done” but again, I’m still showing up…
Help?

Agreed good clean fun but also must know the family and know that it’s okay.
I lost my shit on a solicitor who rang my doorbell at 7:15pm. I had been solo parenting while my husband was on work travel. I was working, parenting, getting kids to sleep and had just gotten the baby down. I was seeing red and literally chased them off my porch.
But if it is another family of middle schoolers then game on!

We did one for Christmas and it has been the absolute best for our family. The kids play together outside, stay moving etc
I do worry about injuries but that’s part of childhood? Try to mitigate by having a net and some solid rules/boundaries

Babysitters club and princess in black series

It’s going to take work but it sounds like you’re up for it!
She needs to be set up for success-charts, check lists, reminders, timers, getting on her level when giving instructions, eye contact (not yelling across the house) for any type of directions, reward charts for dopamine
How are her anxiety levels? I might get her evaluated by a LPC for cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are also executive functioning coaches depending on her age.
You can ask her pediatrician or specialist about supplements such as gaba and/or magnesium

Best of luck! It will be her super power one day

Ozempic, Mounjaro, wegovy, I don’t really care. I had a coupon last year and it ran out so I’m open to compounding, telehealth whatever! Aiming to not spend a gazillion dollars

It helps me to have a couple days with a set theme. We always do tacos on Tuesday, pizza on Fridays and my husband grills/smokes something on Sundays. So really I’m just planning Monday, Wednesday, Thursday.

A favorite easy recipe that the entire family enjoys below! Honey mustard chicken
https://www.budgetbytes.com/20-minute-honey-mustard-chicken/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR18hYdWbNqsCC3hzwDRhXLu6VYZSiw93hZ2WbxRuXIGYWeCQHRyYWezAYk_aem_SD6ApH0UyLd3QYAxmOYD5Q

One of the hardest parts about parenting for me. Helpful!

Well your first issue is Vail lol
Look at New Mexico (angel fire, Red River) and less expensive places in Colorado.
Short answer is no, I don’t think ski trip and affordable go in the same sentence but there are definitely less expensive areas than Vail.

I order these in bulk if that tells you anything https://drinkcann.com/

Any advice on making homework less miserable? One of us always ends in tears. I hated homework when I was in school and I double hate it as a parent. Helppppppp waving my white flag before the semester has even started. My later elementary kid has mild adhd.

Where do you feel most aligned? Bc that’s where you will be happiest. Both have pros and cons.
I worked for 10 years and took 1 year off. The change of pace was really nice. I got to do things I normally wasn’t able to do like declutter my house etc
I also wasn’t able to do things like shop as much, buy home decor, host friends at our house etc
Ultimately (after I recovered) I felt like I’m holistically better when I’m working. I just needed a less intense/stressful job.

NOROVIRUS!!! Ahhh it’s the effing worst!! You have to bleach all surfaces multiple times a day, especially the bathroom, for WEEKS. Even after symptoms go away. We had it last year and ended up in the ER for fluids, pain medicine and zofran. It’s awful, hang in there!!!

What’s the deal with a lot of “kid movies” not actually being kid appropriate? Is Mufasa okay for young elementary school age or is it too intense?

I think you nailed it but how stressful. So sorry and wishing everyone a speedy recovery!!