You get to go and be the favorite that everyone loves (MIL obviously favors you), knowing full well that dear girlfriend is the one everyone simply tolerates. Go with your head held high and a sense of noblesse oblige. You are the one with the respect and the prestige in this dynamic; you should feel free to treat her with manners and warmth and completely pretend nothing ever happened. People like that are like dogs...they smell fear (or discomfort) and then hone in for the kill. Don't give her that power. Smile! Barb

LOL, at the visual of you with a head full of Tide. You poor thing. I'll bet your hair is gorgeous...I've always wished I had curls instead of the fine, wispy, sort of frizzy in places, always looks like I just rolled out of bed hair I have. I generally always wear the sides up because it's just too much effort to beat it into submission. Nice talking to you too! Barb

Oh, that's right! You were a beauty! :001_smile: Perm, natural curls, or hot rollers? You look a lot like a friend of mine who had almost waist-length hair but would douse it in dippidy-doo and hot roller it until it sproinged up past her shoulders. Barb

Yeah, I now have the skin to prove it :glare: And I don't know what my mom was thinking letting me wear those high-waisted short shorts. Hey! Where's your picture, Sharon? Barb

At 4, my daughter was getting seriously buck-toothed. We tried all the usual methods, but nothing worked until I showed her this picture: Poor baby never put her thumb in her mouth again. Barb

No, my 13yo is a doll although for a while it seemed her brain had oozed out her ear. Some kids are just easier. My 17yo was impossible as a 13yo, but she has had more moments of that throughout her childhood as well. My children with the more challenging natures seem to really ramp it up during the difficult ages. 14 is a lovely age, though. Such a nice reprieve after 13. Barb

Italy, hands down. Italy has everything: art, history, beautiful people to gawk at, lyrical language and music, great coffee, food, and wine and little old ladies who adore children. What's not to love? Barb

And since I just received a PM accusing me of being snarky, I'd like to clarify. I was actually trying to diffuse a potentially ugly thread because bumper stickers just aren't worth getting excited about. Anyone who puts something so divisive on a bumper (regardless of stance) is asking for trouble. I always roll my eyes at them and snort. So, no...didn't mean it as snarky...I really wouldn't want to live next door to someone rigid and shallow enough to post philosophy on a "flippin" bumper sticker :D Barb

Colleges that I'm aware of have the student take a math placement test prior to enrolling. My oldest took it when she started CC, then took it again when she transferred after moving. She just took another math placement test for the University even though she's currently enrolled in Calc III. Is there some benefit to taking the CLEP test I'm not aware of? Barb

Eh, what do you expect from someone who sums up their life philosophy and glues it to the back of a car? Just be thankful you don't live next door. Barb

Bumping for more pictures :D

That's funny. I always heard "birdie-birdie-birdie-birdie". We had cardinals all the way down in southeastern FL when I was a little girl. No idea if they make it that far down now that the winters are warmer. I remember staying over at my great-grandma's house and looking for cardinals because her favorite color was red, and blue jays because my favorite color was blue. Barb

Quick Consumer Reports article that finally convinced my husband to stop washing the dishes prior to washing the dishes: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/kitchen-appliances/dishwashers/reports/less-work-less-water/ Barb

I for one would like to see threads like this die. This board really isn't an appropriate place to rant about public schools, guys. Barb

Jeanne, I've been thinking about you since our due dates are pretty close and we're the bookends of Phoenix valley. I'm so happy to hear your update! ::Sprinkling sticky baby fairy dust over the city of Phoenix:::

I would follow through in this instance because the last thing you want to do is lose face with a teenage boy. He's testing your will and giving in on something like this will show weakness. From here forward, don't pop off about soccer practice. Have some other consequences in your back pocket. Maybe he doesn't know how terrific you think he is most of the time? You strike me as the type that shrinks from compliments, and sometimes may not understand how others need positive strokes more than you do. Could that be contributing? Barb

Remember when your son was born? Did you know what you were doing after 3 days? Would you have judged yourself an expert, or even a particularly good parent after 3 days? Here's another way to look at it; you are embarking on a new career. If you were hired on in a new office in a field outside your area of expertise, wouldn't you need, minimum, 6-8 weeks to begin to feel like you weren't entirely incompetent? Please cut yourself some slack. Do one thing each day so you feel like you've accomplished something. When that one thing seems to be going well, add something else. You can do this! Barb

What an adventurous family you all are!

I agree that with minor tweaking, the message above is heartfelt, honest, and perfectly suited to what you want to say. If you want further help, google condolence letter. That may sound crass, but that's what I did when I was recently stuck trying to get started on one. It was very helpful. Barb

Wasn't Stacy teaching part time? Will she be able to continue? The news is encouraging for both of you. Thank you for posting. Barb

I'm sorry, Holly...I was hoping you'd get some responses from others since I'm not familiar with your curriculum choices. Here's a bump. Maybe you'll get some helpful responses tomorrow. Barb

My husband graduated, but only because we were both trying to go after marriage and family and we decided he should go first. I never went back. So my kids will be first generation on my side. Barb

Down here in Phoenix, we buy Coke imported from Mexico at the Sam's. Also sweetened with real sugar. So yummy. Barb

1987. Born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale. 'Nuff said. Barb PS...can't seem to detach the thumbnail at the bottom. Anyone know how?

I've spent the day looking at maternity clothes that I didn't dare buy before...Thank you all so much for celebrating with me! I feel hugged from all over the country :grouphug: Barb