Hi
tjlwolf,Sorry for the overflowing support from any one so far.
But, you seem to be asking for allot at one time. If willing then, it shouldn't be a problem to set up you home just the way you want and more, hey even maybe outside lights come on when the dog is outside, just so he/she can see what they are doing and where.
Where to begin, your imagination can easily be fullfilled by using x10, but how far you want to take it going to be up to you and your family for the best results of what you are needing. IMO your situation is not to be taken lightly. We cant make that decision for you. How secure you want to make your home or at least be aware of every little actions that takes place in or around your home with added touches can be done. Many factors should be taken into thought of planning your system. If you mean to take this to the next level of automation, then having the right equipment is essential. AHP +4, XTB, V572, and modules and filters galore, will give you some peace of mind and heck of allot of fun and with the computer running 24/7 you can apply some add-on's that will take all of this into a new world,
The Forum is filled with Ideas, too many to list, just do an Advanced Search. Don't forget all of this will take finances and personall time, So good planning and for added bonus try to keep a written log of every single step you are willing to take in this venture. YOUR WONT REGRET IT.
You can be sure we are here to help you every step of the way, not every single one, but when you get into a problem then just ask and hopefully it wont take this long next time. At least the holidays are over with. Amen.