I just prayed for your family. ((((MamaBearTeacher))))

Hugs. That's so hard:(

In addition to cookies I've made cranberry liqueur, limoncello, jarred peppermint chocolate sauce, various scented sugars (rose, lemon, etc.), and I tried mustard, but that was a spectacular fail! I send beautiful fruit to out of state family.

My engagement ring and wedding band are soldered together. I don't wear them in the house but I always wear them when I'm out in the world. I've felt ill on the few occasions that I've had to go out without them! DH almost never removes his. I find that incredibly sweet.

I'm so sorry!

DH is one of six siblings. One sister got married and invited only one other sister. No parents, nieces or nephews, etc. She had a reception several days later. It definitely caused hurt feelings, and is still a subject of discussion to this day. DH felt sad but got over it quickly and was never angry. He respected his sister's right to do it her way. JFS, I do understand how you feel. You expected a big, Chicago Catholic, family wedding, and this is a disappointment for you. It's fine to feel sad for a little while. Just don't rain on niece's parade.

Just prayed.

This is right up there with people who give you a big hug and then tell you that they have a terrible cold, sore throat thats lasted for weeks, or whatever. Germ theory, people! This isn't the Dark Ages, keep your plague to yourself.

So funny😹

Power bank

Your daughter sounds absolutely lovely. In your shoes, I would speak kindly, without condemnation, but very firmly and clearly to the parents. I would provide many detailed examples, and I would ask them to address it with their son. If that didn't solve the problem, I would alert the activity leaders. It would not be a kindness to this young man to allow this to continue, he needs to learn appropriate boundaries for his own sake as well. I would also have a conversation with my daughter. This is a delicate situation because of the ASD, and DD's long term feelings of protecting this boy. It's hard to articulate, I guess I would want to avoid setting a precedent where she feels responsible for someone sexually harassing her, or ignores red flags in order to be kind.

I have a weirdly shaped walk in closet where I store most of the gifts. I also store some holiday decorations and keepsakes in there. I will often store things in boxes for other things, or hidden within decorations, etc. I have a great app called Xmas Organizer that lets me track gifts from idea through order/delivery or purchase, wrapping, and most importantly, assign them a location. The year that youngest DS was born I hired my friend's daughter to wrap. I like to do special bows and tags, some of which are traditionally used year after year. The wrapper was to make notes and take pictures so I would know what was in each package. The wrapping was acceptable, the record keeping was terrible. Everyone opened a few gifts that didn't belong to them. It was hilarious and worth the extra sleep. I've loosened up considerably since DS2 came along!

PTL!

Take your time. Figure out what makes the best financial and logistical sense. Take every advantage that you can for yourself and your boys. Hugs.

You hit the nail on the head. Some people want to believe that they can prevent bad things from happening if they are "good" and "right." They attack those who are suffering as a defense mechanism. It's awful.

Congratulations to both of you'

You can tell ex no politely, politely refuse to, engage, etc. You need to be nice to your boys and to yourself, that means choosing the best situation possible for you. You do not have a responsibility to give your ex what he wants.

Just prayed with thanksgiving and to ask for continued healing and recovery, especially swallowing.

Wonderful news!

I absolutely love my Bamix. It can handle anything and is so easy to clean. The company really stands behind its products, but I expect my immersion blender to outlast me!

Please do not feel shame and guilt. They come from the enemy. If you feel truly convicted in your heart about something, seek God's forgiveness, and He will give it to you immediately. Shame and guilt are condemnation and self torture. God does not want you to torture yourself! I was briefly married before DH. I married despite giant, waving, crimson flags. I'm sorry you are in this place, but I'm glad that you are making the realization that you need to get out before it becomes infinitely more difficult to extricate yourself and your children. I'm so glad your school offers counseling. They may also have legal or housing services. It would be a good idea for you to understand what rights, if any, this man has. Some states are very protective of tenants, others not at all.

You can handle it. It will be hard, but then it will be better. Do you have a trusted friend or family member who can help you start making some plans? Leaving isn't simple, but if you can plan financial and logistical things, it will be easier. I sense the hurt and the feelings of being overwhelmed. I wish I could give you a hug.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Just prayed

I have one child with a close to Christmas birthday. We have a low key celebration and save all of the big stuff for a "Half Birthday" celebration. My child likes having an occasion not over shadowed by the Holidays, and it's nice that the gifts don't come all at once. I wonder if some of your children's feelings stem from everything coming once a year?