Jason Momoa. If I find out he's in a movie I was excited about I instantly groan and lose interest entirely in seeing it

This is the first year of my entire life that I do not have a pet at Christmas. It is strange. So, I will live through all of you and find happiness in reading what your pets are getting

I set a specific total amount that we will spend on our kids. Then I figure out what each kid really wants and figure out how to fit it into that budget. Most of the younger kids gifts are like new from consignment or goodwill. For example, dd4 is getting this calico critter mansion that I found on Facebook marketplace for $80. But I sold some of the vintage furniture piece that came with it and that covered the whole $80. last year she got a like new toy kitchen set I found on marketplace for $15. Shopping like that leaves me able to spend more of the budgeted money on the gifts I can't find that way. Dh and I set a separate budget for each other. And we set a 3rd budget for anyone else we need to shop for

That's good. I'd just keep sticking up for them or when she complains merely say, 'we've already discussed why they don't want to spend time with you. *insert new conversation topic here*'

With the additional info, I'd not only support your kids in whatever they decide to do, I'd stick up for them when she complains about their absence. I'd be blunt and honest with something like, ' they don't care to spend time with you because you are too critical of them.' Or, 'well you haven't really fostered the type of relationship that encourages them to remain involved.' But i'd be doing this more for my children then for any hope that it would help Angie do better. I'd want them to know that I don't just support their choices but I'll proudly and loudly support them even if it makes me and the other people who have ignored poor behavior for years uncomfortable.

mom and dad are not names though. They are just simply nouns that identify a parent's relationship to someone else. So, you really have no right to expect someone else to use those terms as names. And for an adult child who has cut contact with the parents it is an outrageous ask. With that being said, I'd still sign it Mom and Dad because that is what I'd continue to call myself in relation to my child unless they explicitly asked me not to

Yes, I think it is rude to dominate a conversation to the point where other people can not get a word in. It is one thing to dominate a conversation because you are with people who are not good with holding conversations. but if people would talk if given the opportunity it is rude not to leave room for them to talk or to have your story be so long that it takes up unreasonable amounts of time.

In that situation, I would not serve alcohol at all. Everyone will survive a night without it. I'd also have a stack of games for people to play so they can decide how they want to avoid the unpleasant person. But as long as Angie isn't being rude to people I wouldn't try to steer the conversation. But if she is rude, I personally don't have a problem with pointing out rude behavior to people.

I think you're right. On the pic you can see the red scarf and his black arm and leg. Sure is creepy looking at night though

I've never heard BFE before. Here, if you are in the middle of nowhere you say bumble f*.

Hugs. That sounds difficult to handle even without covid

Not the elderly people in my life thankfully

We've had Mint Mobile for over a year and really like it.

My kids have loves the Learning Resources plastic food toys the most. Of the Melissa and Doug food sets the only one they really liked was the ice cream counter.

As a pet sitter, yes they are certainly appropriate and appreciated. Any amount is appropriate. I've been tipped anywhere from an extra $20 during a job to double the cost of a job.

Somehow I knew Food Theory would have a video on this drink. The kids are big fans of MatPat

I started to watch it and then saw that it was over 5 minutes long. so I turned it off.

Nope. Dh does because three years ago his work had an ugly sweater party. His isn't actually ugly though. It's gaudy and silly but not ugly. He wears it at least once or twice a year at Christmas events. I almost bought myself a corgi themed ugly Christmas sweater last year on deep clearance but ended up not because I knew I'd only wear it once or twice a year. Not worth the closet space. The kids don't wear sweaters. But ds10 is a big fan of wearing Christmas themed clothing anytime except Christmas season. So, much so that this year I bought him a great Halloween themed shirt at goodwill and gave it to him right before Thanksgiving, which he has been wearing weekly since.

In a situation we had like that we chose to just tear the band-aid off and explain to the kids why they could no longer see the other kids in the family

This is only dd8's 2nd role. There really aren't other roles for her age group. Actually, her age group regularly only has 1 role. She is the first to get in party scene at her age level.

We're not quite done shopping yet. But don't have too much more. I'm not really motivated to finish up like I usually am. As far as the budget goes, we don't have too much big spending to do, which is nice. I did just get word that dd8 was added to the party scene in The Nutcracker production so I have to make sure she has everything she needs for that

I would just like to thank you for making this thread because dh and I have been playing one of our favorite two player games since you posted. It's called 60 second City and is good for kids

Simply suspects is a good one

How old are you kids? From the games listed it seems pretty young. Ghost Fightin' Treasure Hunters is a great cooperative game for the younger age group. Another good game that is a press your luck while helping with math skills is Can't Stop.

I love quarto!