We had a set wake up time, it didn't matter how late you stayed up as long as you get up when we wake you. Bad attitudes from lack of sleep are rewarded with extra chores and restrictions. Daytime naps are not permitted. We also have doors that close loudly. They do close without a noise, but you need to be careful about it, so talking wasn't really the issue with us, it was the slamming doors. I told them that if I continued to hear the doors shutting in the middle of the night, I would take them off. It worked!

Not my counter, but my table does. I just assumed it was supposed to be that way. Our kitchen table is actually a door from DH's step father's grandparents house, that he put legs and supports on. It's a VERY OLD door, so I just always figured it was supposed to attract all the papers and junk around it. But if it's not just me, maybe we need to look into it a little more.

Thank you so much!!!! I'm going to try the first one b/c I have all the ingredients on hand! Shell

Any ideas on a dessert idea using a box of brownie mix and pack of cream cheese? Thanks!

She can come over and hang at the house AFTER we get home from work. That's my standard line. . .that way you get to know the girl too!

I don't know who said it was supposed to be a good thing. . .they've obviously NEVER moved! I hate it with a passion! I'm not even going to say anything else or I'll stress myself out and have a panic attack. . .and I'm not even moving.

Get an MBA and become an accountant.

IS THE BOMB!!!!!!! I was looking for a recipe and I wanted one that would definitely taste good. Well I searched the board and found your recipe. It is fabulous! DH and I don't even like pimento cheese, but he can't wait for me to make it again. DH took some into work and said his co-workers were fighting over it! Thanks for posting that recipe!!! If only we could still rep!

A note sounds like a great idea. . .it could also say something to the effect of. . .I saw this and immediately thought of you, hope you're doing well. . .or something like that.

:lurk5:

We're not really doing anything like that. However, if it gets bad we'll let our house go and move into the double wide we're renting out. The payment on that is half what our house payment is, and if one of us loses our job and looks to be unemployed indefinitely, I guess we'll have to turn in a car. Hopefully that coupled with the lower tax and insurance bills will make a difference. Also we'll do away with the cable and internet. . .things like that. We haven't really needed to do that yet, but we have cut down on our frivolous spending dramatically. Very little dining out, unnecessary purchases, smarter grocery spending.

HL is cheaper and has a fabric section. It's closer to me than Michael's. I usually shop there. I do stop into Michaels occasionally if they have a sale on something I use, but other than that I don't go there much.

Wow. . .I couldn't imagine DS (11) dating, not for at least a couple years. I'm floored by that.

I've often wondered though about using the word "Washable". . .I can see a washable marker being one that you can decorate clothing with and it's washable. . .meaning it won't come off in the wash. . . Maybe that's what roseart means by washable

2 words. . .the Griswolds

I think in order for people to have the option of listening or not you would really need to put out a flyer. If we're all upstairs it would be easy for carolers to come and go and we not be able to hear them. If I knew that carolers were coming during a specific time period and I heard the door bell during that time I would assume it's the carolers and make my decision accordingly.

If he doesn't feel "needed" maybe he can have a special chore to do that makes him feel needed. Reaffirm that he's needed, after he does something (like the dishes) so you can do something else maybe hearing "Thanks, I couldn't have done that without you" would help him feel needed. It will also give you specific times to refer to when he feels he's not needed.

It would definitely be harder on a wife that was used to having DH around. I have a friend who has always been a driver so his wife has known nothing else. . she adjusted to the long weeks alone and it worked out for them. If you're not an independent person I would probably be harder. Just my .02

I use space bags for comforters and blankets during the summer. no complaints.

Wow, lots of thoughts on this one. . .a flyer is the first thing that came to mind. . .that way on that night during certain hours, people will expect carolers and be more apt to open the door. I wouldn't use it as a tool to "sell" your religion. . .that's how many people will see it and be less likely to welcome carolers in the future. Maybe a "Merry Christmas from X church" or something like that would be ok. That way they know you're affiliated with a church, and your getting your name out there, but you're not being pushy about your faith. Sometimes just doing something "nice" for people is a strong witness and blessing. Good luck. . .it sounds like lots of fun!!!!

I'm praying that the event (I refer to all in-law functions as events) goes smoothly and stress free for you! You are so kind and considerate to be going out of your way to plan foods they prefer! I think the only accomodations I would make would be for food allergies, so you're going above and beyond! Best wishes and good luck!

No need for embarrasment. . . Growing up there was a negative stigma attached to lice. . .so I felt VERY embarrased when my DD got them throughout elementary school. I have since learned that they are common in the South and there's not a lot you can do to prevent them. Good luck in treating!

I've been through some similar stuff. . .and it is so stressful no matter what decision you've made. . . I can't remember, is she in therapy? It sounds like she needs to learn some coping mechanisms first. Second. . .does she have somewhere to go if she doesn't live with you? Regardless of the answer, if she thinks it's SO BAD living with you at home. . .let her go. . .I know it is hard. . .I have been there. . .but she'll quickly realize that she had it pretty good. My DD didn't have a car (didn't even have a license at first), no job, and went to live with her ex-boyfriend. . .not to get back together with him, but b/c she didn't want to live with us anymore and had no place else to go. She lived out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do all day. . .needless to say the stress of that and living with someone you have a history with brought her back quickly. We told her though, that before she moved in, she would have to abide by our rules if she wanted to move back home. So far so good. . .she is 18 and we do allow her MUCH freedom, we provide her with a cell phone and car insurance, but we do not give her cash for ANYTHING. I think it's working out this time. . .only time will tell though. PLEASE DON'T beat yourself up over this. . .you are not a bad parent! I am so sorry you are going through this, cause I know how hard it is. . .I will keep you all in my prayers my friend! shell

Here's some questions to ask yourself. . . 1. Does the $800 yearly maint fee fit into the budget? 2. Can you go somewhere else and stay in comparable accomodations for $800 year? If yes. . .do you want to be limited to Utah. If no, do you want to go there every year? 3. Will the associated travel costs (air fare, meals, activities, souveniors) fit in the budget? HTH! Shell

I wanna come too!