We went through a whole debacle recently over this. Because our house is on the small-ish side, we can't really have parties at home (plus HOA parking issues) unless it's super small. But since the girls were wanting to invite more people, we have to go elsewhere. The "elsewheres" always charge by the person, so we still have to have a limit, though the girls can invite more people than if we have a party at home. DD12 invites all the girls in her gymnastics group (not the entire team) because all the girls invite each other, plus a few other close friends. I think her party had 10 kids? DD11 (with the debacle) was going to invite several kids until 4 of them couldn't come....until they could. HAHA...oh well, the more the merrier! All that to say...it's a crapshoot!

Gack! This actually freaks me out. I don't know why, but it really, really does.

In your situation, we'd pay. Your kids are close enough in age that it would probably be very hurtful to your oldest to potentially get left out. You already know it in your heart too, so hopefully you can convince hubby. Our oldest is also 24, but she has been married (and widowed) and has a pretty decent job. She has been out on her own and currently doesn't live with us. When we travel, we pay for the hotel (usually getting a suite so it's big enough for all) and the one time we flew, she paid for her own airfare. We generally pay for meals, but she'll spring for the tip. She actually enjoys contributing and would feel funny not doing so. Everyone's situation is different.

I agree with the others....just an unfortunate situation. The thing of it is, as your child gets older, this will happen more often---and often without notice. We just went through a birthday party debacle recently (and it was a bit costly because of party location issues.)

It's not relaxing for me either! The instructor told me to try to stop grunting, if that gives you an indication.....

I like Webs and Jimmy Bean.

Me too! But double checking will just unlock the probably locked door!

Speaking of stall size...I hate that the doors open inwards, making it nearly impossible for me to get out without touching stuff. :ack2: Clearly designed by someone who didn't have to use them. In fact, one time when I was pregnant, I was basically trapped inside the stall at the county fair. Not fun!

Great job! I LOVE when kids take a big project and actually see it through to completion.

I hate public bathrooms in general because I always feel like I have to hover. That said, I kind of like the one stall situation because I don't have to listen to anyone else's bathroom noises, nor to they have to listen to mine. Not that I make any......

Sheesh. I can barely get my 12 year-old homeschooled student downstairs to start math.

Pay bills.....and once that's done, everything else is pie and kittens.

I had a similar one back in the 90's---pure torture!

For the elastic hair ties, the little trays used for office supplies work well. Head bands...maybe the oats box like others suggested, or something like the jugs of vinegar (we use these to dry my hubby's visors.)

How did it go? I agree with the others who said to have food with the cocktails and drink plenty of water. Also...don't feel pressured to drink. I'll bet you're still a fun person and can have a good time :thumbup:

Funny you should ask---one of my recent freelance assignments was writing about Mint.com. It's a pretty good app for budgeting, paying bills and even helps with staying on top of your investment portfolio (but nothing advanced.) The complete review is here. One portion that might be applicable to you is: A Mint money review by Bestcompany.com ranks Mint in second place – behind Mvelopes but ahead of Personal Capital. While Mint and Mvelopes have the same overall score of 6.9, Mint falls behind on the budgeting and goals category, specifically in its lack of a budgeting calendar. However, the Mint.com review outpaces Mvelopes in the alerts, added features, and free credit score categories. Anyhoo....hope that helps!

No....but I have a hard time eating anything a day after expiration. I'm a weirdo, I know!

If you're questioning whether or not it's the right thing to do....it's not the right thing to do. There's no harm that will come with her not knowing, but your relationship could be damaged if you tell.

I'm category A, as my parents never went to church. The only reason I got to go as a child was because my friend's family faithfully picked me up EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY for 6 or 7 years, and really brought me to the Lord. Fast forward to being an adult---came back to the Lord after 3 wasted years and prayed and searched for just the right church. When I met and married hubby and our pastor left, we were totally lost and church hopped for years. Worship, preaching, small groups---we looked to all those different things as a reason to stay in each church. Finally, after extensive praying, Scripture, searching, studying...we became Orthodox. How did we pick a church? Easy peasy....there's only one Orthodox church in town :lol: But...I suspect that doesn't help OP with her question......

My Best Friend's Wedding....it's always my go-to!

It's like everyone is looking for great solutions, and it just feels like there aren't any. I hate this new norm.

The whole thing is sick and heartbreaking. What kind of darkness is in someone's heart that this would ever occur to them, much less be something they purpose to carry out?

Congratulations! I agree with the others--hiring at least a bit of help, meal planning and sleep. Make sure you take time for yourself (healthy food, sleep, exercise) and mental health time. Set aside time for things you enjoy that fill up your tank, because it just might be a little empty by the end of the workday!

I would absolutely still buy a gift! At least have it on hand and gauge her mood the day of. OR...you can also just give her a special day: favorite breakfast, fun activity, movie, dinner out, friends over, party....gifts don't have to be things.

Oh, Liza---HUGS! Weddings are so freaking stressful. When our oldest got married I just...gack. So sorry, and I do hope you feel better soon. After a while, it will be over and they will be starting a life together---that's the better thing to focus on. The wedding stress really does end and life continues on. The short time our daughter was married was wonderful, and welcoming an in-law into the family can be such a great experience. Just know that you aren't alone---these things are just stressful and sometimes sucky for everyone.