Grocery trips two days in a row?!? Good for you for saying no!

It sounds like the mom needs help getting groceries since she can't drive. I think I'd take her again, but leave your ds at home so he can't carry in the groceries. I don't know how to avoid the overly long time spent shopping - What does one do in the grocery store for that long?? - other than to say he only has 25 minutes and then you'll be leaving, but don't threaten it unless you are brave enough to actually leave him at the store. You are doing a real kindness to the elderly mom.

This was our experience, too, except that only one of my kids needed it. I wish we had tried it sooner.

I bought this ice cream scoop this summer and love it: https://www.amazon.com/Farberware-5211479-Professional-Comfort-Handle/dp/B07D15FZQF/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2HIJDQDN9NOJE&keywords=ice+cream+scoop+farberware&qid=1573524254&sprefix=ice+cream+scoop+far%2Caps%2C306&sr=8-4

I would guess they'd be packing right now if it weren't for the polygamy. That puts them in a bad spot.

No experience, but I'm in the same boat. When I found out how inexpensive a masters degree is and what a short time I'd have to work after earning it to earn that money back, I decided to do it. I think. Starting next year. 🙂

I get the same treatment with my family - of course Pattie will take care of it all. No big deal! Ugh, I think there's no point in complaining to your mom, but instead, you need to figure out what you need to make this easier and even enjoyable for you. Tell your brother that it's a potluck this time, and ask him to find out what they can bring. Even if they only bring 20% of the food, it will help your attitude and make your company feel more vested in the event. Ask your mom to bring dishes and silverware. eta: even if it has backfired, you need to take care of you and your immediate family first. Tell them it's a potluck.

I'm wondering if this is the first year that they've substituted prizes, or if it's an ongoing practice.

This is the one that I like!

We have had three cats that we adopted as adults who all came to us declawed, and I can't think of any issues they had because of it. They spent at least part of every day outside and had no problems catching birds and mice, climbing fences, or keeping other cats out of our yard. The first one lived until he was 20, and towards the end, he wasn't able to hold his own in cat fights and had a few abscesses until we quit letting him go outside with out us, but I think that was due to his age rather than having no front claws. When a relative had her two declawed, they did it when they were being spayed/neutered, and she didn't think they were in pain because of it.

If you do use vinyl for the floors, what will you do with the stairs? (I'm in the same quandary.)

Praying for good results for both requests!

I wanted to be sure I was cleaned out for the procedure, so the night before prepping, I had soup that I had made by boiling chopped carrots, celery, and onion in chicken broth and then straining before drinking. Also, I made my own finger jello with fruit juice. That helped me to feel like I was eating something, but it was less sugar than traditional jello. It really was not a difficult procedure, and I'm a wimp! I enjoyed having my only job on the day of prepping be to get the beverage down and use the bathroom. I watched movies and was very lazy the day before and then the day of, so it was kind of a vacation!

When my son complained, I doubled whatever he was complaining about - the math assignment, the chore, whatever. My friend tried this with her son, and when he complained about xyz for breakfast, he had to have it again the next day. It gets the point across about how much complaining is going on and that it's unacceptable. It only took 3 days to change his behavior.

That reminds me of the time we hired a driver to take us to the airport. The driver had just one arm, which was a little surprising, but when his cell phone rang and he answered it while driving down the freeway?!!!! I was sitting behind him and have no idea how he did that! (This was before using a phone while driving became illegal.) I hope your hand heals quickly!!

Yes!

I make cold brew exclusively - 12 -24 hours on the counter to brew (no ice needed), then store the concentrate in a jar for up to three weeks in fridge. I've tried different methods over the last 12 years, and Toddy is the most efficient, and you can trust their instructions. I use Kirkland coffee from Costco.

Can you buy ds a queen bed for this year and a new twin/trundle for the craft room? Then when guests come, ds can temporarily move to the craft room. Once he's moved out, then you can change things around as you'd like.

What donations to HSLDA support, or what our tax dollars support?

Praying for you!

I'd do this - set it up as anything but a bedroom for your next open house.

Did he watch the kids when you took your mom to lunch? If so, maybe that's why he thinks he did enough. (I don't think that's enough, btw!) My first MD was horrible. My dh refused to wish me a happy MD because I wasn't his mom. I remember an elderly man at church did, and I've always been grateful for that happy memory. This year, I reminded my dh of that first MD, and I could see how sorry he was, so just because your dh doesn't get it now, there is hope for improvement! One time at a mom's group another mother talked about her birthday and how her family ignored it, and I was so relieved to hear that this wasn't unusual. I had felt a lot of shame that our marriage was so bad that he couldn't go out of his way to show appreciation to me on a special day, so it helped to know that I wasn't alone and that we weren't doomed to divorce. I think you should talk it over with him, maybe when you discuss FD plans, and offer him the same day you had. And definitely feel him out ahead of time next year, and if it seems that no plans are being made for MD on his part, then make your own. You can even tell him that. "I don't want to feel sad on MD. I can make plans for myself to have nice day, or you can. Either way is fine with me, just tell me a week ahead." Then do it! An overnight alone in a hotel, a salon visit, trips to stores you don't normally get to go to... whatever will make you enjoy your day.

We flew from San Francisco, but I don't remember what we paid. My experience is that the earlier you can book, the better price you'll get. Also, check flights in October, if you can go then as they'll be even less. Good luck!

Awhile back we found better prices by flying into Munich than Frankfurt on Lufthansa, so that is something to consider. I use a Rick Steves guide book for trips to Germany, and I'm always happy with his hotel suggestions.

I love this one: https://www.amazon.com/LuminoLite-Rechargeable-Brightness-Lightweight-Bookworms/dp/B076SVC7SN/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=book+light&qid=1553633547&s=gateway&sr=8-3