:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

I may be able to help you with the 50% as soon as my banking deal with a business man in China comes through. Please keep this quiet though, as it is a special deal to people with my very high credit rating and I'd hate to mess it up.

I'm always appreciative when someone offers up gift ideas.

I agree with the layers top to bottom. My favorites are pointelle silk long johns (I do the tank on top and love it.) Heated rice bags are great for a super infusion of heat. They are very easy to make and zap in your microwave anytime you need a little-toasty-comfort. Increasing the humidity indoors also helps it feel warmer. Simply boil water if you don't have a humidifier already.

She is adorable with your smiling sons. Those pictures are treasures to be sure.

Target has a big selection to choose from that you can try before you buy. They're cd's and come in a bunch of choices, the one at our Target is located near the candles and electronic section in a big play machine.

Yes, yes, yes, yes...We've had four up since Thanksgiving and the yard lights are out and on too. (Most of our neighbors have theirs up and on here because if we wait too long the weather will horrible for decorating...Think...snow...icey...freezing...windy...make your teeth ache cold.)

:party:

Start where you'll find some peace. I'll recommend trying Flylady for motivation, but make it work for you.. The daily assignments, room rescues and 19 bag boogies can show great results with very little stress. Each winter or any time before guests, I return to her website for inspiration, but I refuse to wear shoes all the time;).

We purchased a Gold's Gym last year and it works for all of us; even my dh who actually runs on it. They have a number of options 450, 550, and 650 all well under $700 if you check around. We went with a Walmart sale just after Christmas (saved almost $200 as it was last year's model) their sale price was worth lugging it home and upstairs ourselves. However....we will never move that thing unless someone else does it. Ours is upstairs and you can hear anyone walking fast or running in the living room. That's something to consider if sound is a problem. I don't love it, but it gets a workout during the cold months here by all of us. We would all prefer to walk, run or jog outdoors, but that isn't always an option here.

:svengo:Absolutely, because cleaning is my sure fire cure for boredom. My kids will not even udder the word bored for fear of an assignment:tongue_smilie:. I actually made a list a few years ago they could refer to for ideas. I'm not a drop everything and run kind of mom. Everyone knows (because I remind them all the time) to discuss errands or outings with me and we place them on the calendar. Saturday is my favorite day or if you get all your lesson work done...Friday can be free day and most places are less crowded. My dd is getting her drivers permit.:nopity::svengo:

Reading this thread is so much fun. My ds wont let us throw any wrapping paper tubes into the recycle can until he's finished with them. (There is plenty of noise involved;). My ds has always had two speeds fast and sound asleep. And he is ALWAYS STARVING!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!

:grouphug:That stinks. I'm sure you already checked the breaker switch and plug.

:grouphug:I encourage you to reach out for help.:grouphug:

:grouphug: Eighteen year olds...Well they can be well meaning but have so little life experience, I'd take a pass on the parenting advice. I think he hit your sore spot, and as another poster mentioned feels empowered with his big ideas. kwim?

:iagree: I was prepared to be bored for my dd, but we had such a fun time at the theatre opening day.

I'm pretty easy going about eating and want guests to feel welcome, and are welcome to fix themselves something, but please clean up and share:D.

Double the tip is my standby.

Hope y'all fell better soon.:grouphug:

Stores are way too crowded with grumpy shoppers and parking stinks.:rant:

What an amazing place to live, it's beautiful. I'm in love with the chicken and peacocks.

Sudafed You might want to check before taking Zyrtec as it has ear infections as a possible side effect.

My mom has the same crazy-can't-sleep-must-clean everything-can't focus on any one task-energy reaction. Hope you're asthma/bronchitis is better.

:lol::lol::lol: