My sister has one, and I'll just echo what others have said: Super cute (!), unaware of his size and what should then be his limitations, has a crazy habit of eating anything and everything within his reach (more than one visit to the vet to, umm, dislodge things like rolled up tube socks from the hamper), and, unfortunately, a short life expectancy. She was told to expect puppy-like behavior for 2-3 years, and then "normal" dog stuff for 2-3 years, and then declining/elderly dog behavior for 2-3 years. In spite of the negatives, she'll likely get another one when Toby passes.

I've seen more than a few cases where good intentions of supportive co-parenting take a bad turn when either parent finds a new significant other. Those new relational dynamics can cause a lot of stress to the original plan.

I'm in. Has anyone listened to those Route 66 sermons by Ferrell?

Limit sugar!

I understand the mental/moral dilemma this poses for you. You feel like you've operated in a way that takes unfair advantage of Walmart. At this point, however, I would remember two things: one, you did not operate out of malicious intent; two, to "make it right" would actually cause more trouble than it's worth to Walmart in terms of man hours to figure out what happened and how to address the issue going forward. As far as they are concerned, it's a done deal. I'd encourage you to make it so in your mind too.

Mind. Blown. Just had a conversation with a friend who, as an aside, mentioned that the presents "from Santa" aren't wrapped. Ever. AND she said this is how nearly everyone she knows does it. What?! What is this?! Is this really a thing?! I've never heard of this. Is it regional? Isn't unwrapping the boxes half the fun? I'm bewildered. As if that wasn't enough, she went on to say that they do stockings after presents. After! She must be lying, right? Of course, stockings come first. Bewildered, I tell you. So I post here for confirmation or denial of these supposedly widespread though clearly wicked practices. What says the hive?

A few moms in my circle were discussing this as new iphones were being given to some of the kids for Christmas. The opinions ranged from "I trust my kids until they give me reason not to so we don't do parental controls" to "I have special browsers installed that don't allow questionable sites" to the praising of some kind of app that essentially copies what the kids do so the parents can see it (at least that's the way I inderstood it). Years ago the advice to parents was to keep the computer in an open space and limit the time allowed on it. I don't think those tips apply anymore given the mobility (and utility) of devices now. How have you navigated this issue with your kids, and do you have any regrets?

The other day I found nice gift sets at Barnes & Noble that could work for you: juggling, paper airplanes, harmonica, magic tricks, etc. They each came with a little how-to book, the items (paper, balls, whatever), and a nice wooden box. They were priced reasonably ($10-$12 or so). They could be great gifts in your situation as it will give the kids something to do, and they can share the activities with one another.

Cookies that are created specifically for Christmas are, obviously, Christmas Cookies. Cookies that are created for Christmas but are also made at other times of the year for other random, not-so-special occasions? No. While they may be delicious, they are not deserving of the title Christmas Cookie.

Thanks, everyone. These are good ideas. Not sure I can pull off the "this is your life" kind of things right now given the time and distance constraints, but maybe post-Christmas. Those ideas reminded me though . . . a few years ago, after an unusually candid conversation where he revealed some things I never knew about him (nothing scandalous, just stuff about his childhood that he never mentioned before), I asked him to write these things down. I know that he started to, but I'm not sure how much progress he made with it. I want to tell him that finishing that project would be a highly treasured gift from him to me. Oh, wait. I'm trying to come up with gift ideas for him :).

THIS IS IT! I had long ago given up on finding THE sugar cookie from my childhood. I chose this one (of the many suggested--thanks, everyone) and made them yesterday. Oh.my.word! It's like I'm 8 years old again. I had forgotten until I just reread this post that Mom used to have that thick Joy of Cooking cookbook. Thanks so much for posting this. I'm delighted! (And, you're right, AK_Mom. It's not 24 hours later and this family is clamoring for more.)

My parents are coming to our house (from 700+ miles away) for Christmas and, of course, I want to have a gift of two under the tree for them. Mom is easy (we used to joke that we could wrap up a rock from the yard and she'd find some way to declare it "lovely"). Dad, on the other hand, is always difficult. He buys what he wants when he wants it and, well, he's kind of grumpy (said with a smile). Anyway, this year is especially hard because he was just (two days ago) diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. I know this will be his last Christmas, and this is putting a little extra pressure on me to find a good gift. Unwarranted pressure, perhaps. Still . . . I'd like to try to find something beyond a gift card. Oh! I will have a framed photo of our family for them to open together. So there's that. Any and all ideas are welcome. Thanks!

Go. (Please.)

Always. I don't like not knowing. Linda Admitted control freak enthusiast.

My son thoroughly enjoyed the Ranger's Apprentice series. I just asked him if he would recommend the books and he responded, "Yes. If the person likes intense books that make him not want to go to sleep but instead keep reading." So there you have it. :) (He's 13, by the way.) He read the Brotherband Chronicles after the Ranger's Apprentice.

Lots of talks here, too, but I vividly remember reading a book with my boys that was very specific about what goes where. We were on the couch. DS--then about six or seven--deadpanned: "I did not. know. that."

12-yo ds was singing along to Have a Holly Jolly Christmas: "Oh ho, the mistletoe hung where you can see; Somebody waits for you. Gizzards! What's for me?" :confused1: He explained that back in the old days they must've served gizzards of some sort for the big holiday meal and the person who wrote the song didn't like gizzards, so he asked for something else.

I imagine so. Are special controllers needed for them? (Like the wheel was sometimes used for Mario Kart?)

We know about Madden. What else would the Hive recommend? Rated T and under, please. Thanks!

Wicked Good Slippers from LL Bean. Or is it Land's End? Whatever. They are, in fact, wicked good, and they last much longer than the cheapo ones from Kohl's that I've been settling for the past couple of years. If Santa is real, I'd also like an essential oil diffuser (ultrasonic), a new camera lens, hiking pants that fit, pretty and cozy socks, and a bag (or seven) of mint m&ms. Oh! And a book or two by LM Montgomery (unless someone here tells me that I'll be bitterly disappointed because none of her other books match the magic that is Anne of Green Gables). I'm really not that full of the gimmes. But you asked.

Did that work for you? I just tried posting something and got the same error message.

Did anyone else chuckle at the juxtaposition of these titles? I don't think I've ever posted in these threads, but I love reading them. You're all very inspirational and I'm making my lists to join next year. (I fear I like the idea of lists more than the actual reading . . .) Just finished Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James. An easy (or, rather, accessible) read on a difficult subject of women's oppression around the world and the Church's response.

Thanks! My library hold list is maxed out!

I like to include something Christmas-y for our morning couch time in December. Last year we read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and the year before that we read A Christmas Carol. Ideas for this year? My boys are 12 and 13 if that matters in your suggestions (though they'll sit through nearly anything). Thanks!