I don't know if you can tell from the link, but the bags I showed are not regular gift bags. They seem like coated fabric (kind of like overseas "rice bags"), are sturdy, and will last a long time with multiple uses. I don't enjoy wrapping or making gift bags, though theoretically it's a great idea, lol.

Ha--I guess it's a good thing I'm a sloppy wrapper then! I used to know how to wrap nicely, but somewhere along the way, I lost the skill and my packages just don't look very good. I guess I should watch some youtube videos. But really--how can you forget how to do it right? It's not like it should be hard or anything.

I had been looking for a couple of really large gift bags for some sleeping bags, and couldn't find something big enough. So then I was going to put them in boxes to wrap, but I found these at Michael's first: https://www.michaels.com/assorted-reusable-tote-bag-by-celebrate-it/10607152.html (I don't know if the link shows the really big ones or not.) I was so glad--they were cheaper than the largest paper gift bags I saw, and now the recipients will have a bag that can also keep all their gifts in one place. I wish the Michael's was closer, and I'd buy up a bunch of them to use next year.

Granted, our gifts don't look fancy, but years ago, I quit even putting bows on them. So many of them got knocked off anyway, that I decided it was much easier to stack gifts without having to protect the bows.

I'm sorry, Dawn.

You received it through email? Isn't it normal procedure for agencies to use snail mail for notices like this? I'm wondering if the notice itself isn't the fraud, trying to get information from you. ETA: Make sure that you call them using a number you have obtained in a place other than from the email.

That gift wrapping paper is hilarious.

Not every year, but often enough that it is almost a tradition, we give dh a pair of crazy boxers. Then he uses them as pj's until they wear out and the next ones come along. He's had minions, grinch, his football team, smiley faces, and so on. We all enjoy the laugh when he opens them, and they are soft and comfy.

Dh and I have elderly parents, and we live quite a distance from them. We simply cannot go see them as often as we would like, and have to balance other life situations as well. I have personally come to realize that there will be one time that will be the last, and there is no way of knowing when that can be. So I go see my mom when I can, which is not often, call her every week, and try to let her know how much she means to me. That is my way of trying to avoid any guilt over circumstances I cannot control. It sounds like you are beat (and have been for awhile). Perhaps rest at home with your immediate family is what is needed right now, with periodic calls to your parents in the meantime. It's not an easy decision to make, though.

Yes, I realize that, which is part of why we do not have one yet.

Yes, they are cute. We had one (in a puppy cut) for a time many years ago; an adorable little black one, but had to rehome her to a friend's home because of our overseas living circumstances at the time. She was a great little pup. Anything other than a very inexpensive mutt, we will have to wait on. I wouldn't mind getting another mini-poodle. I do like the golden retriever personality mixed with the poodle, generally speaking. From what I've seen around here, the price is about the same for either one.

Will they be a surprise then, though?

Aw, they are so cute!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and that it is much more relaxing that you've been expecting. I hope that as you drive, you are able to let some of the current stresses start to roll off you, so that you can fully enjoy the time with your relatives, and that you won't worry about the house. (And that your dh and ds's do a much better job than expected! 😄)

Happy Wedding Day! I hope all goes wonderfully and that your feet survive without too much discomfort. (I made the mistake of wearing new uncomfortable shoes for two of our kids' weddings. Ugh.)

Oh, it's definitely hard. Be strong, friend, be strong!

Agree with the socks above. Smartwool socks (or a merino wool equivalent) aren't cheap, but they last forever, and the runners in my family are always happy to get them. (They have become a standard stocking stuffer around here.) They come in various "heights," so you can get the type that works with the activity. You can get them online, but if you go to a place like Dick's, it's easier to determine the thickness; I bought some online that were considerably thinner one time. Extra carabiners can be used for lots of things (the 3" size, especially), and are good for an inexpensive add-on or a stocking gift. When our sil was new to the family and I had no idea what to get him, I found out he really likes fudge, so I made a batch just for him and sent it. He loved it and hoarded it, lol.

We married in June. We got engaged in March, and were talking about a December wedding. But we were both planning on moving during the summer to go to (the same) grad school, and someone suggested it would be a lot easier if we married before we moved. We liked the idea, so we did it! It was definitely the better plan, and saved us a lot of hassle and stress that we would have faced our first year in grad school. In reality, the timing had nothing to do with the season of the year, and all to do with how it worked with other life plans. Thankfully, my mother was free to help with a lot of logistics, and she was a lifesaver. I do love the fall, and also think December weddings are beautiful, but we have numerous fall and winter birthdays in our family, so with the holidays too, I'm glad our anniversary is during a less busy time of the year.

I've never known anyone with a corgi. Other than the queen, of course, but I don't really know her, ifkwim. They are really cute. It does sound like they have fun personalities. I'll have to look into them more.

I looked quite a long time at springer spaniels, as I had a friend (in our former location) who had a wonderful one I loved on when I visited her. After reading about springer rage, though, I had second thoughts. My dad had beagles for several years, and I liked them, but ours were not house dogs. They were sweet, but it was hard to get really attached to them since he used them for running rabbits and we weren't around them as much. I still have trouble seeing them as house dogs.

What a sweetie! It may still be awhile before we can get one, but I'm keeping my eyes open.

Oh, I know they are not non-shedding! I said I was going back and forth over what type, shedding or not.

You see, those goldens' eyes are what always get me. They have such loving eyes. When I was a child, we had a mutt for a time that had the kindest, most loving eyes I have ever seen on a dog. I know he understood everything I told him, lol, because he looked at me with such sympathy after I told him my troubles. I'd love another dog like Pete. ❤️

Yes, I think the aussie tendencies might be more high strung than we want, but I'm still researching the aussiedoodle mix. We're currently dog-sitting a Maltese--friends' dog we keep often. We'd like a little less velcro-y than she is, but still want an affectionate, social dog.

You all have convinced me. I don't want one as big as this is probably going to be; outside is one thing, but in the house? I don't think so! Plus, while we've had dogs before, we aren't "experienced" owners as far as training difficult dogs. All along I've been leaning toward a mini-goldendoodle. I know the arguments against them, but the personality ranges are pretty much what we want. I'm also following mini-whoodles and mini-aussiedoodles. Our dd's dog is a standard goldendoodle. He's such a great dog! Just tall. So tall. ETA: Oh, and your basic good ol' family golden retriever. Been looking at them as well.