We would never laugh at you, cause we've all been where you are.
Deadheading refers to removing the spent flowers - usually done if you don't want seeds, or you want the plant to flower again (some do, some don't). Depending on the plant you can just remove the flower head, or the stem down to the next set of leaves, or the whole stem the flower was on.
A protected area is one that won't get the brunt of the worst of our weather, usually near the house, patio, tucked into a corner, or under large trees, etc. Good for marginally hardy plants in your area.
I didn't know HD had online ordering for plants, but I wouldn't. If you can find the plant at a local nursery, you will get a better specimen for a better price (usually). I only order plants online if it's not usually offered at a local nursery, or it's a specialty plant.
Don't do seeds myself, so I'll leave that one for others.

Hey!!!
Great Questions!!!
Deadheading is removing a spent or dead flower from a plant to encourage it to continue to bloom..otherwise it will go to seed.. Their life cylce is to reproduce for next yr..
A protected area is an area that maybe has protection from the afternoon sun/heat maybe from the wind.. Kinda depends on what type of protection you need..
I have nevered ordered plants from HD.. Be care some pics are much prettier than the plants.. look at the pot size you are purchasing.. I don't know what type of plants you like but there are some very reputible dealers.. I love Zone 9 Tropicals.. But I love Trops..LOL
As far as the babies go beans are wonderful ..They germinate quickly and grow very fast easy to keep them interested .
Glad to see you jumping in with both feet!! and bringing your babies with you...
I hope you will share your pic's with us..
Blessings
Chena

Question 1. Dead heading a flowering plant all depends on the plant. As debndal stated removing spent flowers only if you don't want seeds from the plant or don't dead head annuals so they can reseed. Dead heading something like a geranium you would cut it all the way back to the stem that the flower is growing on. Something like sweet williams (Dianthus barbatus) you can sit there and dead head each spent flower or you can shear it back with scissors which is easier and faster.
If it is a lily only cut off the flower head and leave the stem because this is what the plant gets energy from for next years growth.
Then there are some plant I just let the flower fall off the plant, like rose of sharons.
As you can see there are many ways to dead head so if you need know how to dead head a certain plant you'd have to ask how to dead head it.

Question 2. Debndal answered this one

Question 3. I'm with debndal I didn't know HD had online orders but think I'd prefer going to a nursery.

Question 4. I agree beans are very easy and fast. My grand son had a project he was doing in kindergarten with beans I showed him that planting one of the beans it would grow. Everyday when he came home he'd look to see if the bean had sprouted and on the day that it came up he was delighted and though mamaw was magic LOL.
BTW, No question is silly as was stated we all went through asking questions.

Aww, bean tepees are great or you can do morning glories on it too.
We planted giant sunflowers on year in a circle with a space left out for the door and when it got tall we tied them together for a sunflower teepee, lol
Marigolds grow real easy too
Have fun
Here's a teepee link
jolana

Here is a link that might be useful: kids stick teepee

You guys are too kind making me feel okay to ask such remedial questions to a group like yourselves! lol
Good to know about deadheading...I didn't realize it varied for each plant! I will definetly be adding more questions if I am concerned about a particular plant.
As far as HD plants...I've never seen any of the plants I saw on their website in a local nursery. I guess I'll try the one(s) mentioned before HD...I'm sure I'll get better results from a speciality online store.
Jolana...I just read an article about a hut/teepee! I want to do it so bad for my kids!! They had suggested using hyacinth beans or something like that...does that sound right?! It was something that grew fairly fast and would climb the poles...And, are you actually in Bastrop or just Bastrop Co? I'm from Bastrop originally...
Thanks guys!

Hyacinth bean would be great, lol

I'm in "just Bastrop Co" LOL

Be sure and post pics of the kiddo planting and results, okay?
jolana

Will do, jolana!

Before you mail or web order any plant, check Garden Watchdog (just search for it, it'll come up). There are user ratings for just about every place out there. Keeps you from ordering from people who send puny plants or none at all.

Some herb seeds are pretty easy to germinate, especially in those little starter plastic greenhouses you can buy at WallyWorld in the spring. They will fit on the windowsill, and the seeds go in a little peat pellet that you can plant at the appropriate time. We had very good luck with basil (would skip chives, though...they seem to be picky).

If you just would like some hardy plants for them to take care of, when dd was three she had a pot of mint. She got a kick out of crushing a leaf and smelling it. (Do not under any circumstances put in the ground unless you want a mint lawn....terribly invasive and notoriously hard to get rid of.). Purslane and portualaca are pretty, have colorful flowers and are drought tolerant, to boot.

The aforementioned sunflowers are pretty easy, too--just know you may need to stake or tie up to keep the big ones from tipping over in the wind.

Also post on the exchanges what you are looking for. One of us probably has it. Once things settle down here I'll go back to trading. And welcome to the addictive world of gardening!
Tally HO!

Salvias look beautiful and grow very fast. My grandkids love them.