I've been reading this thread all year, and I want to jump in for next year. My goals are to be better about repairing things instead of replacing them and to be more mindful of purchases so I reduce the number of things I buy that end up being a bad fit. My success this week is that I stumbled on a leather shop that can fix one of my favorite purses. I've hung onto it for 5 years since the strap detached from the bag, in the hope that I could get it repaired. It was about $40 brand new, and it's not very old. It is also the perfect size and style for traveling. I am very excited.

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Yes, this hits close to home.

What kind of bed does the guest bedroom have? Could your daughter move down to the pull-out for the duration of the visit so the MIL could sleep in her room?

The Belgariad by David Eddings. Although go ahead and get the Mallorean while you are at it, because she'll want to see what happens next. There is some romance, but it's very safely PG, and it's a small part of the larger story.

Maize, thank you so much for your post. It's very helpful, and it means a lot to me that you took the time to type it up.

Thanks, Pam. That first book sounds fascinating, but intense. I might check out the Norris book first.

So all this complete fluff I've been reading is actually a good coping strategy? It sort of feels like hiding.

I have one teen and one adult in my home who are dealing with various degrees of anxiety and depression. This has been going on for a couple of years, and I can tell that I am starting to get fuzzy on the line between being a supportive family member and taking ownership for someone else's mood/response/energy levels. I'm not opposed to seeking counseling for myself if needed, but I think a good book could probably do a ton of good, so I'd like to start there. Any recommendations? Or, if you have BTDT advice to share in the thread or via PM, I am all ears.

I've worked for 4 companies, ranging from 25 employees to hundreds of thousands of employees. In my experience, year-end bonuses are more likely in smaller companies. My current company does not give bonuses in December.

And on the other end of the spectrum, don't take half the kids and move halfway across the world so that the siblings won't be together for any of the winter holidays after this year.

I can see why your husband wants his own space--everyone in the family has personal space except him. Can you use bookshelves, curtains, etc., to create sleeping space in the basement for one of the boys? Then your husband can use the freed-up bedroom as his space. That keeps the play area in the basement, where it won't disturb your husband's sleep and where it can accommodate a group of boys. It also gives your husband private space that won't be disturbed by playing kids.

Yes, I feel safe traveling, and we are not changing our travel plans. We'll be spending three weeks in Denmark next summer, but I wouldn't hesitate to go to France. France is an awesome place to travel with kids.

Redshirts by John Scalzi A funny, light-hearted read. I enjoyed this one more than the books I've read in his Old Man's War universe, although I enjoyed those too. I'd like to read one more Scalzi book before mid-January, when he'll be the guest of honor at a convention I'm attending. Station Eleven I liked this one quite a bit, but it felt like the author didn't quite finish developing her main theme. With a better dev edit, I think this one could have been five stars. The Martian I loved the science and the mental fortitude to avoid panic and work the problem. I read the book and then saw the movie. Both were good. Characterization was better in the movie. Problem solving was better in the book. Raising My Rainbow Great look at what it's like to parent a kid who is gender nonconforming. Even though our transgender experience is different in many ways, there was much I could relate to. I hadn't heard of the author's blog before, but I intend to start following it.

Nope. I know the doctrine. I've been through the temple. But many Mormon parents are going to feel that having to wait to be baptized is going to put their kids' eventual activity in the Mormon church at risk and since Mormon ordinances are needed for salvation . . .

The "clarification" reduces the number of children who will be barred from ordinances, but I think it makes the situation much, much worse for others. Because really, what every custody situation needs is for the kids' eternal salvation to be on the line, right? I have family members whose likes on Facebook are making me ill. Even members who have been loving and supportive of my (non-Mormon) trans kid. I'm visiting my sister for a week next month. Usually, I attend church with family members when I stay with them, but I just don't know if I can stomach it this time.

No, you can't control what other people eat, but it's perfectly reasonable to ask those you live with to be supportive of your health. Honestly, I think your husband is being an ass.

Crazy socks? Sorry, my feet are cold at the moment, so it seems like a good idea.

Lots here, and it all looks interesting. Thanks!

I like the look of this. Thanks!

This looks really good. Thanks!

I would have said yes, but now I'm curious to hear what you have in mind. [emoji4]

I'm looking for something to help me get more deeply into the spirit of Advent. Books, apps, podcasts are all good. I'm currently attending an Episcopalian church. I like traditional worship and liberal, radically inclusive theology. This is just for me. The rest of my family considers Sunday church attendance and our family wreath to be more than enough of an Advent celebration. What are you planning to do this year?

It might be none of your business, but many of us posting in this thread are Mormon or were Mormon and have Mormon family members and friends who are grieving and worried about this decision.

I love grilled maple bbq chicken, but it can make the grill hard to clean. Salmon with an Asian marinade?