Yeah, I think I worked it to something like (approximates here), 20 American cards, 20 extended family/close friends (such as Godparents) and 10 of his own cards (friends, swim teacher, etc.). Scary stuff! And he was much more willing to sit and do a few at time than I thought he would be (I did have to do a bit of bribery, though).
Don't worry, Adora, SB still tantrums, though not often and usually not over things you would expect him to. I found we were having a lot in the summer and I chalked it up to the weather (he's like MrScout -- typically British and unable to deal with decent summer temperatures) but now also wonder if because he was having trouble seeing if it was giving him headaches. We have had less than a handful of them since getting his glasses and again, they tend to crop up when he's tired or coming down with a bug/cold. Even then he's getting much better at controlling his emotions/outbursts and he can ward them off himself (he stands with his hands clenched in fists, says "GRRRRR, I'm CROSS!" then can tell me what's the problem and we move on). I know some kids who the "no, sorry, soft play plans got changed" would cause meltdowns for the whole day, complete with whining and pleading to go.
I know I am lucky and I am very grateful for the SmallBoy and his usually lovely and sunny and calm disposition. However, I have a SmallBoy who is not a great sleeper -- he likes sleep, he just still wakes in the night and crawls into bed with us. Swings and round-abouts, I guess.
Slow cookers, Adora, are FABULOUS! I love mine. In fact, I think I'm on my third since we got married because yes, I do use it a lot. Very easy to use chuck it all in, turn it on, forget about it! I used to have one that had a timer but when it died I was no longer able to find one with a timer. I rarely precook the meat, just toss it in (I usually put it in the bottom, though) and have cooked from frozen. You do have to make sure there's a bit of space around the cooker itself as the outside gets a bit warm/hot but I've never actually burned myself on it (just thought "ouch, a bit hot"). SB knows when the light is on on the slow cooker it's hot and he mustn't touch. I've also used my slow cooker to make mincemeat (rather than use the oven) and to steam Christmas puddings (so that I could put them on to steam and leave to do things, rather than be tied to the house for six or more hours). I've made all sorts of things in it cranberry sauce, pies (like chicken and cottage), stir-frys, stews. You can buy recipe books just for slow cookers, find recipes on-line, etc.
Yes, I love my slow cooker.
Mom has slow cooker liners (special plastic food bags to cook the food in in the slow cooker) so there's no clean up. I haven't found them here in the UK and forgot to get some at home. But, to be fair, clean up is still very simple. In fact, this morning I washed it up from yesterday's use and immediately put tonight's dinner in it. Mmm, slow cooker stir-fry.
Today is a weird day -- I don't know what's on my To Do list and what I hope to accomplish today. I might need a pointy stick, though.