What happens if....

• ...you offer Danny chocolate (3 m&m's) every time he goes pee in the potty?  He goes again, and again, and again.  And don't be fooled - I have no expectations at this point but I will celebrate the little successes.  Bribery never worked on his big brothers.
• ...you try to help Danny pick out a shirt for the day?  He will refuse just about the whole drawer full.  It takes a while, but he will choose his own shirt.
• ...put socks and shoes on Danny?  He takes them off.  In fact, he takes off his shirt too.
• ...put a coat on Danny?  he takes it off - if I even get him out the door with it on, it comes off before getting in the car.
• ...the old man gives you dirty looks at Walmart for walking into the store with a coat-less, shoe-less, and screaming child?  You start that sweet talk out loud that says "You chose to take off your shoes and now you have to ride in the cart.  Bummer!  Kids with shoes get to walk next to mommy and you didn't want shoes..."
• ...you try to help Danny do anything?  He'll scream, "I DO IT!" and then start the process all over again to make sure HE did it.
• ...you make cookies after a ho-hum Friday of cleaning house, lots of potty trips, and playing with friends?  You eat one, then another, and another.  In fact, I lost count after 7 cookies.  So, I decided to type on the computer to keep my fingers AWAY from the cookies.  YUM!

Repairman FYI's

I've been having issues with my BRAND NEW washer and although it's totally lame, I'm glad that it's still under warranty.  Well, I've had 4 different repairmen here in the past few months and I have picked their brains about how to better care for my large appliances.  I thought I'd pass along the info I have learned!

Washing Machine

• Don't use fabric softener, use vinegar instead, with every wash.  It is better than fabric softener and no, it doesn't stink.  Well, maybe I do smell like vinegar and my friends haven't mentioned it?!?!
• The vinegar not only cleans your clothes, it also will reduce static - thus no dryer sheets.  Also, this cleans your washer and it goes a long way to keep it mold free.
• personally, I haven't dried the "no dryer" sheets theory....  I think everything is SUPER static-ee in the winter.... drives me bonkers!
• Leave the door (top or front) open on your washer to air out after each washing.  
• I must mention, no vinegar if you are using bleach in that load
• Wash your heavier clothes together - ie towels and jeans.  Try to wash clothing with similar traits - loads with half towels and half regular clothes is hard on the washer. 
• Most stores suggest filling front loaders too full.  There is suppose to be 1/3 room on top of space.  If you are washing heavy clothing, ie towels or jeans, leave 1/2 of the space free.
• Use about 2 Tablespoons of soap.  Usually you don't need any more than that.  (I was using WAY MORE than that!!!)  

Dishwasher

• One technician recommended "Finish"... I still haven't finished my other supply to try this brand
• Another recommended "Lemishine" product, just 1 tsp per load (for those with hard water)
• Once a month, throw in a cup of vinegar at the basin and fill up a cup with vinegar to leave on the top rack in the upright position.  The lower vinegar will get rinsed out quickly - but with cup full on top, vinegar stays throughout the cycle.  I did this and noticed a big change in my washer immediately.
• Another technician recommended powder over gels.  He was also a fan of the little "pre-measured" packets simply because he says people use too much soap.  You should only be using 2 Tablespoons of soap.  Supposedly, too much soap will etch your glassware.

So, there you have it!!  Hopefully I won't have to bring a technician back for any repairs!