So, I wake up this morning and try to log into AIM. Lo and behold, it refuses to connect.

Question/Problem: AIM fails to connect to its own servers. Has always worked fine until today.
Operating System, Version and Service Pack: Windows XP Home Edition SP3
Web Browser and Version: FirefoxMozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.0.5) Gecko/2008120122 Firefox/3.0.5
Your level of experience (we simplify or explain instructions based on how you answer): Seasoned, I'd think.
When did the problem start? Noticed the problem this morning.

Any steps you've taken to troubleshoot? Following AIM's Support's instructions to input the connection settings to:
Host: kdc.uas.aol.com
Port: 21, which it was already set at in the first place.

Tried AIM's "Reset" and "Autoconfigure" about 6 times.
Upgraded my router's version software (? it's software, right? firmware? heck.)
Tested my internet a bunch of times, still works perfectly.
Browsed AIM's official support page and their message boards.  Neither were any help, and people having the same problem as me were getting no responses.
Restarted both my router and cable modem.  Same results--internet, no AIM.
Checked my AIM version to see if there was an update. Nothing except the current beta.
Tried an alternet screen name, same problem.
I have no firewall to tinker with save for Windows', but I've always had that disabled because my router has one already.

If you are receiving an error message, please include the entire text of the message. (If you have an error log, please post it under a LJ-Cut):
As stated above, every attempt at connecting, it goes "Connecting..." then "Connection Lost," which is ridiculous because it never had a connection in the first place, but whatever.

Any help would be appreciated.

we use AOL in my house and both my kids im a lot.  can anybody recommend software that will allow me to snoop keep track of who they are talking with?