I am a mom who needs to organize her digital pictures.  Ideally, I
want to create DVD's of the pictures in a slideshow format (which I
can watch on my TV, not just on my computer) with CAPTIONS and MUSIC. 
I also want to print/create LABELS to label each DVD and print a cover
to the DVD holder.
I need to know the quickest, cheapest way to do this.   I currently
use Picasa (offered by Google), but it won't let me do a DVD - only a
CD for my computer.  Also, I don't know of any good programs for
creating the labels.  PS - I work on a PC, not a Mac.

Do you have a DVD player that will play picture CDs?

No.  Also, I want to send the DVD's overseas so I really need them to
be in proper DVD format.  Any help you have here would be great.

From the sounds of it you need DVD authoring software. This will allow
you to create a slideshow and add a soundtrack - in essence you create
a movie that will play. There are lots of them available, and most
DVD-burners have at least a basic program included when you buy the
drive. In my experience most DVD players will not handle a DVD with a
large number of data files, so you can't just create a DVD with the
.jpgs on it.

As far as the labels go, most CD/DVD-burning software has label
software included. Also, if you buy Avery labels (and possibly other
brands) they include label software, at least with the #5931 labels I
have.

Get Roxio Media Creator 7.0 from somewhere. I've used it extensively for:

1. creating excellent slide show DVD's with narration, music, text, etc
2. PAL and NTSC output formats for DVDs
3. Label creator is great

Most DVD players will play the dvd created from this software.
And its quite easy to use. enjoy!

I'd had the same issue, and I have now become a pro on making DVD's.
Let me say, I HIGHLY suggest the program ULEAD DVD Picture Show 3, or
#4 which was recently released. It leads you customize just about
everything, NTSC and PAL formats for NOrthern American and Europe
respectively.

ULead allows you to:
Create Custom DVD's or Picture CD's
Add Music to your menu, to your slide show(s)
Add Very cool transition effects.
Add Captions.
Edit Pictures
Gives you a real professional looking piece of work.


ALso others programs I suggest are:
ProShow GOLD

PS: Let me add links for the programs.

Ulead DVD Picture Show 4:  http://www.ulead.com/dps/trial.htm   You
can Download a 84 meg trail here, also check out the features. However
if you are thinking of purchasing the program I suggest ebay, because
it is alot cheaper.

ProShow GOlD: http://www.photodex.com/products/proshowgold/
Price is much more on this one, and I suggest using Ulead unless you
are very fluent with computers. Gives you more options but is more
professional.

http://www.photodex.com/downloads/trials.html

Also you can Download the trial of proshow gold (11.4 megs)


Enjoy!