Worms! OK, so maybe I'm strange, but my daughter (now about to turn 15) had composting worms as pets in a little box in yes, our family room. She was about 4 years old then. We got them from that insect project company - the one you can get caterpillars from to watch go through metamorphosis. The kit came with a little book - it was called "Worm Acres." It had projects to learn about worms. She loved those worms! When she finally lost interest, they went to live in our compost. Their descendants are there still. Vermicomposting boxes could be made for the lunch room or classrooms, depending on ick factor issues. (Not everyone is as strange as us, I know.) I've seen plans online for ones made out of Rubbermaid bins. I've heard of lots of schools that have vermicomposting set ups. Some kids are squeamish, of course, but it's amazing how many kids are really comfortable.

Katkin, I am sorry I missed you too! It would be really nice meeting up with gardenwebbers. To bad we don't have a logo that we can pin on when we go to plant sales and exhibits! What plants did you get? We bought a Redland White Sapote, the Sweet Almond, chrysalis,hot dogs, BBQ and lots of homemade cookies (brought some home)- just barely passed the hot chocolate (and it was cool enough sweater weather to really enjoy it.) Denise, I can't remember the name but checked the vendor's list and the only one that mentions butterflies is "Exotic Hibiscus and butterflies". I hope this is the vendor!

Hope the Spring Fling went well!

I appreciate the later schedules to some degree. As a mother who works outside the home, I find it frustrating when activities are scheduled for 4:30. My child goes to a rural school and I do have some driving time to pick her up from after school care and return to the city where most games are played. Besides, I usually do not get off work until 5:30. Gymnastics was a bear when she competed and the practices started at 4:30. I do not want her to not be able to participate just because I work outside the home. It is hard when they get home late, though. Sometimes her games are scheduled at 8:30 so the younger children can play 6:30 and 7:30. She is 10. In these cases, we usually get home around 10:00. She uses time at the after school program for homewrk, so that is not usually too much of an issue. I am unique I guess in that my child does not sleep a lot. She takes melatonin by dr.'s orders. I wish she could sleep more, but I guess it is an advantage for those late nights. She usually cannot sleep until 11:00 anyway. And yes, before anyone asks, we limit caffeine, tv, stimulants, etc. The kid lays in bed and talks or sings to herself.