Actually, I think your example is a very good way to handle the task with a young person who struggles and like I said, the timing of it isn't a big deal. There was no Dear anything or any kind of closing as in your example and your son's second sentence in the body shows that he really put effort into it.

First, I meant the conversation to be geared more towards what expectations are in our homes. I wasn't clear in expressing that it was less about this note than what people would expect from their children. I have to say I am surprised that people assumed I was being judgmental when I emphasized the fact that it was my initial reaction and that I was trying it think of legitimate reasons the young man might have sent it that way. In addition, I think he is a sweet boy, but that doesn't change the fact that the thank you seemed poorly done. Anyway, I am reasonably sure he was forced to do it because a mutual family member said something to his parents about the notes. I never said a word and would not do so. To me it is a matter of good manners and appreciation for others' gifts to you. However, I have failed to send a note or two during very stressful times and am happy to extend grace to others. It is not good manners to bring up the lack of said notes either. This was a high school graduation.

This is on my new iPad , so there may be a few mistakes. Ok, today we received a "thank you" note for a party we attended in June. Pretty Late, but not a big deal. Howevèr, the note was simply a messy, "Thanks for the gift of money". (No period) Also, he didn't address us as the recipient or include a closing. His name is there. Would this be good enough at your house? Because it leaves me wanting to save it as an example of something that is totally unacceptable. I won't do it because I don't want to make him look bad to my children. Don't worry, I'm trying to be gracious and think of all the legitimate reasons for it, but the above is my first reaction. Well, almost ;). My first was more like :ohmy::ohmy:

Holy cow. I'm not familiar with the third song, so I will have to look it up. And then I will probably join you. :crying::crying::crying: I love Don't Blink and You're Gonna Miss This. I wish my 18 yr old daughter would let the message of You're Gonna Miss This sink in. (Don't Take the Girl is a great one, too.)

Thank you. I'm posting this to see where I am. There should be some kind of formula that combines years reading TWTM with actual posting numbers! You know, for us shy people who have been around since the dancing microphone.

:) That's frustrating and funny. Sorry.

Well, I must be coldhearted since I quit babysitting for a friend partly because she was making big bucks an hour and paying me $5/hr. Plus the disruption to my day just wasn't worth it. I was basically giving up our routine and productivity so she could work. I just said no and we are good friends to this day. She felt she was being fair and I agreed to the terms. When I no longer wanted to do it, she adjusted. Mature people will do that.

A moment of relief and bliss all wrapped up in one. That is truly awesome!

I haven't read the whole thread, but in our case I tell my daughter that she sounded it out right, "But in Michigan we say...". I never hear anyone say dog with a vowel that sounds like the one in fox.

Honestly, the fact that I made plans with a friend would play into it. I think it shows your son that others are important and we need to keep our word to our friends. I'm not saying you promised her or anything, but it would probably change her day even if she was supportive of you not going. Plus, I think you are right that you have shown your support through the season and he knows that. I would let him know I was sad, too, and definitely ask someone to video it. Also, if it were my child, he would get over it by the next day. (And I have a very sensitive boy that I love dearly.)

I didn't read the other replies, but we were recently at a wedding where there was no cake. It was a surprise, but they invited everyone to indulge in ice cream made by a local, small company. Everyone loves that ice cream and the reception was so lovely that I'm sure the lack of a cake was quickly forgotten. We later found out that this was an option at that venue. With the ice cream maker a block or so away, it was a nice nod to the community.

I don't think he has taken hits just *because* he is the pastor of a large church. I read Purpose Driven Life and he used verses out of context. Much of what he said was okay, but he went about it in a lazy way. Also, our former pastor was a follower of his plan. I read an article in which Rick Warren advocated letting the older members of the congregation go their own way if they didn't like the new methods. It was a clear attitude of good riddance if you won't help us grow. His methods target young people and I think it is a huge shame to push elderly saints out of the church in order to grow. Perhaps those saints have some wisdom to share. I went to my pastor and explained my concern about this. He just politely listened, and it turned out he was fine with using Warren's methods. Please note, this was several years ago and perhaps he has changed, we all do.

:laugh: :lol::lol::lol: That is hilarious!

We live out in the country and have an interesting neighbor. She wants everyone to stay off her property. Okay, we can handle that. Then she visited us to let us know that a black cat walked by her porch and upset her cat. And she had heard we had black cats, so she was giving us notice that if it happened again she would shoot our cat. She was dubbed, "The Grouchy Old Lady", after that. Interestingly enough, when our dog ran down the road and into her yard we got a friendly phone call. When we went down to pick him up they were nice as could be about it. Seems to me that an 85 lb dog would be more of a threat to her precious kitty, but I guess not!

Yes, and in that time she will hopefully become more reliable. I understand your frustration and the dilema, but maybe she just won't be able to take extras until she is much older.

Thanks a bunch. I think we will be eating good food!

That is awful. I could see the limo ride thing being an oversight if you hadn't mentioned the strange behavior (asking her to not come to practice or games) beforehand. People are just unbelievable sometimes.

If it was still cold I would eat it! It takes a long time for a chicken to thaw out.

:w00t: Okayyyyyyyyyyy, I think I will be hitting Priceline tomorrow! I saw a Groupon deal awhile back for a new hotel there, but they only had fall views from the fancy restaurant! We are mostly going barebones for the nights when all we will do is sleep in the hotel. Normally I wouldn't consider a pricey room like that at all, but with Priceline we might have some luck! Thanks to everyone for your wonderful ideas. This is so helpful.

Thank you, thank you! I've never heard of Drury Inns, but will look them up. We've never stayed in a Super 8 or Motel 6 and their websites don't really say much. I will check tripadvisor and look for the bedbug site. Thank you for that info, I am scared of bedbugs. We generally stay at a Hampton Suites type hotel or rent a condo or cabin, but thought we could save if we went lower. We will be in Ann Arbor,MI, Southern outskirts of Detroit, Sandusky, Ohio, and Niagra. I was thinking about traveling through Ontario on our way home (SW Michigan). The Trader Joe's recs are great as well. I'm not sure about a crockpot since we will arrive at bedtime and leave right away in the morning. I'm glad the kids are willing to sacrifice a big, lavish vacation, but you know the work for meals and planning will fall on me. :) We have 7 in the family so we can't get one room anymore, not even a suite! Priceline sounds like a great idea for our time in Niagra. If anyone wants to chime in on the attractions on the route from the Canadian side of Niagra to Detroit, that would be awesome. It is so nice to get all these responses. I've read the board for many, many years, but you can see I don't post much. And thanks for ignoring the scattered though process. You know how it is with children around!

Hello! We are going on vacation soon and we are trying to save money. This was to be our "BIG" trip since our two older children might not be with us on too many more. However, our children wanted a toned down vacation want to cut out eating out and staying at nicer hotels in order to save money for two things: a used jet ski and family donations to ministries/charities. It will be an even split with the savings. So, I saw reviews online about Super 8 and all of them said the hotels were clean. That is my biggest concern. Would Motel 6 be a decent choice as well? This is a road trip and we just need a clean place to sleep. Our big destination is Niagra Falls and I think we will just get a nicer hotel there since the kids will have a chance to swim. ALso, we are trying to eat healthier and that isn't easy on the road. I can pack many things for breakfast and some lunch. In order to make it be less of a hassle for me I would like to pick up some snacks and lunch items at Trader Joe's. There is one we can go to on the first day of our trip, so I can stock up a bit. With the above information you can see that we will only have coolers, no fridge, micro, or oven at the hotels. I'm used to doing a fair amount of cooking on vacations, but it won't work this time. Any suggestions for Trader Joe's? Yummy stuff that kids will like? Thank you so much for any suggestions. I'm off to the store with my littles, but will check back at lunch!

Just out of curiousity, how do you pronounce the boy name? If it is twins you'll want their names to flow a bit for when they get into trouble together!:001_smile:

I get what people are saying about the OP and her friend just having different priorities and the OP seems to get this, too. I think the frustration lies in the fact that the friend said they, "never had that kind of money." They obviously did. I agree that people just need to own their decisions. I'm trying to train myself to say that certain things aren't a priority or aren't a wise choice instead of telling my children we can't "afford" them.

The other day my 8yo daughter made herself a piece of bread and butter. Then she sprinkled some cinnamon sugar on it. Her 4 yr od brother watched her and then said, "Mom, can I have some bread with sugar?" And then as an afterthought, "With some butter to tape it on?"

I would love to have my children near and have made it clear that they will have free babysitting! However, I will support them wherever they go and will do my best to stay connected. My MIL tries to be okay with us living away (2 hours), but she has made it clear that she feels disconnected. Her other 2 children live very near her. But the fact is, this is where the jobs are and my husband has a solid one. My brother-in-law could have tried getting into my husband's company, but they would not consider moving. They have a very low income and it was hard for me to understand why they wouldn't at least try to get a job here. Everyone's thoughts and priorities are different.