The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 5

[Glynis]

I want a ring, I want a ring I want a ring.










(When's it gonna work?!?)

My youngest brother has been dating his current girlfriend for several years. We all know that they should be married, but so far, he's been too chicken to propose. He wants to wait until they have enough money to get married (like that will ever happen). While we were at DL last September, my niece, Marina, bought them bride and groom ears, and on Christmas day she gave them to him. Josh was really embarrassed, but Jamie just laughed and laughed. They're still not "officially" engaged, but at least the ice was broken and now Josh is willing to talk about it.

 

[itdjbw]

Well, it's been an emotional day for me! A neighbor of mine lost her oldest son this week to a tragic car accident. She is absolutely devastated, since her second son killed himself not 9 months ago. Right after the suicide, her husband had a massive heart attack (fortunately he survived), and then she was diagnosed with several small brain tumors. When I heard the news about her oldest son today, I just started to bawl. How much more is one family expected to handle? I feel so badly for Connie and her family, and wish there was more that I could do. Our congregation held a special prayer meeting for them today, and then we were all told that another member of the congregation is having surgery on Wednesday to have a majority of his colon removed, and a third member is taking her oldest daughter to a rehabilitation center this week so she can get therapy for a drug problem that is related to some sexual abuse she suffered.

I feel like I've been crying for hours. I probably won't be checking in here, much as I've volunteered to help with dinners for these families this week. I feel like next to praying cooking is one thing I can do to help. If you've got any spare pixie dust and prayers to send my way I'd appreciate it for the Romney family, the Folkman family, and the Loser family.

Thanks.

For you, your family and all the families going thru this rough time.

 

[babytrees]

Well, it's been an emotional day for me! A neighbor of mine lost her oldest son this week to a tragic car accident. She is absolutely devastated, since her second son killed himself not 9 months ago. Right after the suicide, her husband had a massive heart attack (fortunately he survived), and then she was diagnosed with several small brain tumors. When I heard the news about her oldest son today, I just started to bawl. How much more is one family expected to handle? I feel so badly for Connie and her family, and wish there was more that I could do. Our congregation held a special prayer meeting for them today, and then we were all told that another member of the congregation is having surgery on Wednesday to have a majority of his colon removed, and a third member is taking her oldest daughter to a rehabilitation center this week so she can get therapy for a drug problem that is related to some sexual abuse she suffered.

I feel like I've been crying for hours. I probably won't be checking in here, much as I've volunteered to help with dinners for these families this week. I feel like next to praying cooking is one thing I can do to help. If you've got any spare pixie dust and prayers to send my way I'd appreciate it for the Romney family, the Folkman family, and the Loser family.

Thanks.

What an emotional day!! Prayers are being said for these families!!

 

[itdjbw]

Hi, everyone. The kids had a blast at the b'day party yesterday. It was a Batman theme. His mom and Dad had it at home, but they went ALL out with themed games, food, activities, races, goody bags, and treats. All I could think about was Amy and JoJo's cirucus! She'd made Batman cookies, cupcakes, and a cake too. I felt like Martha Stewart had invaded. My little party in June will look quite pitiful in comparison.

Dinner and the symphony was fun. It was good to have a night off. We went to this fancy place that has gotten rave reviews, and of course we thought it was just ok. We've decided to quit trying those fancy restaurants and still to "hole in the wall" places where we can get good food, enough of it, and a beer or glass of wine. Much more our style. I had 2 glasses of wine with dinner and promptly fell asleep during the 2nd piece at the Symphony. The last one was by far my favorite. They played all the music from West Side Story. It was very good. Stopped at this great after dinner dessert place and got cake to go home. I got 2 pieces: carrot cake and gingerbread cake. Delicious! Now I'm so glad we're going back in December so I can get some gingerbread at the GF. Came home, and I took my 15 minutes to give some attention to John... (I snorted when I read that today).

Been playing with the kids outside today. Just finished a vicious game of horseshoes. They're getting pretty good at it. Off to cook dinner and pack lunches for tomorrow. Back to the real world.

Glad you had a good night out.
What date are the trips birthday in June, DD is the 29th.

 

[babytrees]

I am in a funk. Can someone please help me get out of it?

We went to the circus this afternoon, which by the way, was great. We stopped and had lunch on the way there. When we arrived we got the kids a program book, and each a light-up clown nose, which they asked for. Then start the "I wants". So after saying no to all the toy and food requests, we had a lemonade at intermission. Then when it was over, all I heard from Nicholas is "I want" and "why can't I get" and then the pouting started. I was so mad as we were leaving. How do you explain to a 6 yr old how much money it takes to go to these things and how overpriced what you do buy there is???? This is the second event where I have had to get on him about this. The other was a few months back at Princesses on Ice. It's just like he is so unappreciative of what he does get and all he wants is more. Does this mean he is being given too much?

I try to plan a nice family afternoon out and now I am just so mad at him. Plus it doesn't help that I am PMSing on top of it. I know I am being overly sensitive and that he is only 6, but I need to find a way to nip this before it gets really out of hand.

Sorry to rant, but I needed to get this off of my chest.

When my oldest started this at about that age we came up with the rule that if you said I want it automatically was taken out of commission. No way, no how was mom or dad going to get it for you. I started this because I hated every time a commercial came on and hearing it. Now if I hear that phrase all I have to say is "what's the rule" and it shuts em right up.
I also let them know ahead of time what amount of money I have to spend and when it's gone, it's gone. It's never to young to start the lessons in money. I sympathize with you as I have been there, done that.

 

[Glynis]

My day has been a roller coaster too, not nearly as bad as some, but still some stressful moments. My parents will be celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary on April 23rd. I had planned on renting a hall and inviting all of their family and friends to a huge celebration. I had even bought decorations here and their over the last couple of years. A couple of months ago they told my brother and I in no uncertain terms that they did not want a party. They said no party and no presents. Well obviously we couldn't let such a huge accomplishment go completely unnoticed. Fast forward to today. We finally decided to just take them out to a nice restaurant for dinner. My mother's aunt and uncle have been asking what we were going to do and they really wanted to be included in whatever we decided. So I made reservations for 13 and made sure that I could bring a cake. I call my great aunt to tell her when and where and she tells me that it needs to be for 15 as her son and DIL wants to come too. Now I know that if they come my mother's other cousins will feel jilted and it will cause a riff. We planned to tell my parents the plans anyway so I called them and explained the situation and asked if I could please have a small party at my house for cake and ice cream on their anniversary to get out of this sticky situation. Much to my surprise they agreed. So now I'm having a party here for 40 - 60 people for cake and ice cream when I could have done a nice meal at a hall. Alas it is too late to pull off a big party so cake and ice cream will have to do. My Dad does not want me to invite his brothers and sisters. They live a couple of hours away and haven't been in contact with each other in years so he doesn't want to "bother" them. So I guess it will just be my mother's family and I'll probably call the girls that she works with and invite them to a small get together at my home on Sunday night at 6:30pm. My hope is that this will pacify the family. We still plan to take them out on Monday night, but I really don't care to have more then 15 people as it will not be the special event that we wanted. I know that I'm rambling on, but it was such a mess for a while. It's a good thing that I've been cleaning my house, I should be able to pull it off. Now to find the decorations and plan the food etc. But wait, we are having Easter dinner here at 2 PM next Sunday so I should plan that first right? Disney take me Away!!!

Deb

Wow! Congrats on 40 years! That is a great accomplishment. And my hat is off to you for agreeing to host a "party" last minute. I'm sure it will be just wonderful and everyone will have a great time! Just remember to take things one at a time, and don't sweat the small stuff!

You are really earning your Disney trip. Too bad it's not coming sooner. Sending that you get it all done the way you want it!

 

[itdjbw]

I am in a funk. Can someone please help me get out of it?

We went to the circus this afternoon, which by the way, was great. We stopped and had lunch on the way there. When we arrived we got the kids a program book, and each a light-up clown nose, which they asked for. Then start the "I wants". So after saying no to all the toy and food requests, we had a lemonade at intermission. Then when it was over, all I heard from Nicholas is "I want" and "why can't I get" and then the pouting started. I was so mad as we were leaving. How do you explain to a 6 yr old how much money it takes to go to these things and how overpriced what you do buy there is???? This is the second event where I have had to get on him about this. The other was a few months back at Princesses on Ice. It's just like he is so unappreciative of what he does get and all he wants is more. Does this mean he is being given too much?

I try to plan a nice family afternoon out and now I am just so mad at him. Plus it doesn't help that I am PMSing on top of it. I know I am being overly sensitive and that he is only 6, but I need to find a way to nip this before it gets really out of hand.

Sorry to rant, but I needed to get this off of my chest.

It is hard to take the kids to these things as they want to much and just enjoy it in the moment and don't even play with the stuff afterwards, I normally tell the kids they can each get one thing or give them a price limit before we even go. I also explain to them that we have lots of vacations every year and would prefer spending money on that than just buying everything they see. My kids have become so good at not nagging as they know they get a lot more than other kids!!! Just try explain to them so that you all have the same expectation and get to all enjoy yourselves.

 

[Glynis]

Well, we just got back from the viewing for my neighbor's son! Due to the head trauma it was a closed casket. It was so hard to watch the family. Connie looks so tired and sad. There were so many people, all I could do was hug her and tell her I was there for her. My heart just goes out to the youngest 2 sons. They have really been through the wringer the last few months.

Thank you all for the prayers and pixie dust. It's amazing how much comfort can be felt when so many people are praying for one common goal. I've been so happy to include you in my prayers, and now I know what it's like to be on the receiving end. I know we say this all the time, but there is so much power on the DDA thread! You all keep me sane, and so very happy!

Well, the funeral is tomorrow, and I have to go make a batch of rolls and funeral potatoes for the luncheon for the family after the graveside service. I'll check back in as I can.

to you all!

 

[babytrees]

Yes it just hit us that it is 4 months away and summer in between so now I am going to try get as much done as possibe before school finishes and MIL arrives to start interferring!!

Do you all share a mother in law or is it going to be 2 MIL's interfering....because I think I would pay to see my MIL and my DS MIL butt heads while interfering.

 

[triplefigs]

Denise - Since I haven't been around as long as all of you, how old are your kids? My sister in law has triplets (we joked with her that they tried for kids for three years and got one for each year) and they are 8 now.

They will be 6 in June. Does she have boys, girls, or mixed? I love having triplets. It's so much fun!

 

[triplefigs]

Yes it just hit us that it is 4 months away and summer in between so now I am going to try get as much done as possibe before school finishes and MIL arrives to start interferring!!

Boy do we have a lot in common! The Barmitzvah plans sound great. It should be a wonderful event for the girls.

 

[babytrees]

My day has been a roller coaster too, not nearly as bad as some, but still some stressful moments. My parents will be celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary on April 23rd. I had planned on renting a hall and inviting all of their family and friends to a huge celebration. I had even bought decorations here and their over the last couple of years. A couple of months ago they told my brother and I in no uncertain terms that they did not want a party. They said no party and no presents. Well obviously we couldn't let such a huge accomplishment go completely unnoticed. Fast forward to today. We finally decided to just take them out to a nice restaurant for dinner. My mother's aunt and uncle have been asking what we were going to do and they really wanted to be included in whatever we decided. So I made reservations for 13 and made sure that I could bring a cake. I call my great aunt to tell her when and where and she tells me that it needs to be for 15 as her son and DIL wants to come too. Now I know that if they come my mother's other cousins will feel jilted and it will cause a riff. We planned to tell my parents the plans anyway so I called them and explained the situation and asked if I could please have a small party at my house for cake and ice cream on their anniversary to get out of this sticky situation. Much to my surprise they agreed. So now I'm having a party here for 40 - 60 people for cake and ice cream when I could have done a nice meal at a hall. Alas it is too late to pull off a big party so cake and ice cream will have to do. My Dad does not want me to invite his brothers and sisters. They live a couple of hours away and haven't been in contact with each other in years so he doesn't want to "bother" them. So I guess it will just be my mother's family and I'll probably call the girls that she works with and invite them to a small get together at my home on Sunday night at 6:30pm. My hope is that this will pacify the family. We still plan to take them out on Monday night, but I really don't care to have more then 15 people as it will not be the special event that we wanted. I know that I'm rambling on, but it was such a mess for a while. It's a good thing that I've been cleaning my house, I should be able to pull it off. Now to find the decorations and plan the food etc. But wait, we are having Easter dinner here at 2 PM next Sunday so I should plan that first right? Disney take me Away!!!

Deb

Yeah!! on the 40 years and you are a brave, brave woman doing the party at your house. We did my grandparents 60th this past year and family politics are just no fun. I would get through Easter and then concentrate on the party. Order the cake(s) shortly though!!

 

[triplefigs]

My day has been a roller coaster too, not nearly as bad as some, but still some stressful moments. My parents will be celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary on April 23rd. I had planned on renting a hall and inviting all of their family and friends to a huge celebration. I had even bought decorations here and their over the last couple of years. A couple of months ago they told my brother and I in no uncertain terms that they did not want a party. They said no party and no presents. Well obviously we couldn't let such a huge accomplishment go completely unnoticed. Fast forward to today. We finally decided to just take them out to a nice restaurant for dinner. My mother's aunt and uncle have been asking what we were going to do and they really wanted to be included in whatever we decided. So I made reservations for 13 and made sure that I could bring a cake. I call my great aunt to tell her when and where and she tells me that it needs to be for 15 as her son and DIL wants to come too. Now I know that if they come my mother's other cousins will feel jilted and it will cause a riff. We planned to tell my parents the plans anyway so I called them and explained the situation and asked if I could please have a small party at my house for cake and ice cream on their anniversary to get out of this sticky situation. Much to my surprise they agreed. So now I'm having a party here for 40 - 60 people for cake and ice cream when I could have done a nice meal at a hall. Alas it is too late to pull off a big party so cake and ice cream will have to do. My Dad does not want me to invite his brothers and sisters. They live a couple of hours away and haven't been in contact with each other in years so he doesn't want to "bother" them. So I guess it will just be my mother's family and I'll probably call the girls that she works with and invite them to a small get together at my home on Sunday night at 6:30pm. My hope is that this will pacify the family. We still plan to take them out on Monday night, but I really don't care to have more then 15 people as it will not be the special event that we wanted. I know that I'm rambling on, but it was such a mess for a while. It's a good thing that I've been cleaning my house, I should be able to pull it off. Now to find the decorations and plan the food etc. But wait, we are having Easter dinner here at 2 PM next Sunday so I should plan that first right? Disney take me Away!!!

Deb

Well after all those yummy pictures you posted from the b'day party (especially that chocolate cake), I'm sure the food will be fantastic. Hugs to you for getting it all done and not stressing out in the meantime.

 

[triplefigs]

Glad you had a good night out.
What date are the trips birthday in June, DD is the 29th.

June 23. They are close!

 

[itdjbw]

Do you all share a mother in law or is it going to be 2 MIL's interfering....because I think I would pay to see my MIL and my DS MIL butt heads while interfering.

My BIL lost his mom way before he met my sister so she never had to deal with a MIL, my mom helps, will give advise and in in charge of decorations as she is really arty and loves every craft she can get her hands on, she stamps, makes jewlwery, paints on silk etc etc.
My MIL thinks she is the 'Madam' 'Queen' or just 'Chief advisor' of everything as long as she doesn't have to lift a finger to do a thing!!!

Both my MIL and BIL are born on Halloween so I call them the witch and the wizard!!!

She will walk in a store and say 'I am MRS XXX' and expect everyone to drop everything and serve her and then she will give them the run around, my funniest was when she went to Targer and wanted to buy a pack of socks $3 for 3 pairs but she wanted to try them on first!!!! but then we will take her for dinner and she will order $50.00 worth of food for herself and NOT eat it which freaks me out!!!!

 

[Eeyorecln]

My day has been a roller coaster too, not nearly as bad as some, but still some stressful moments. My parents will be celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary on April 23rd. I had planned on renting a hall and inviting all of their family and friends to a huge celebration. I had even bought decorations here and their over the last couple of years. A couple of months ago they told my brother and I in no uncertain terms that they did not want a party. They said no party and no presents. Well obviously we couldn't let such a huge accomplishment go completely unnoticed. Fast forward to today. We finally decided to just take them out to a nice restaurant for dinner. My mother's aunt and uncle have been asking what we were going to do and they really wanted to be included in whatever we decided. So I made reservations for 13 and made sure that I could bring a cake. I call my great aunt to tell her when and where and she tells me that it needs to be for 15 as her son and DIL wants to come too. Now I know that if they come my mother's other cousins will feel jilted and it will cause a riff. We planned to tell my parents the plans anyway so I called them and explained the situation and asked if I could please have a small party at my house for cake and ice cream on their anniversary to get out of this sticky situation. Much to my surprise they agreed. So now I'm having a party here for 40 - 60 people for cake and ice cream when I could have done a nice meal at a hall. Alas it is too late to pull off a big party so cake and ice cream will have to do. My Dad does not want me to invite his brothers and sisters. They live a couple of hours away and haven't been in contact with each other in years so he doesn't want to "bother" them. So I guess it will just be my mother's family and I'll probably call the girls that she works with and invite them to a small get together at my home on Sunday night at 6:30pm. My hope is that this will pacify the family. We still plan to take them out on Monday night, but I really don't care to have more then 15 people as it will not be the special event that we wanted. I know that I'm rambling on, but it was such a mess for a while. It's a good thing that I've been cleaning my house, I should be able to pull it off. Now to find the decorations and plan the food etc. But wait, we are having Easter dinner here at 2 PM next Sunday so I should plan that first right? Disney take me Away!!!

Deb

I don't think I could pull off a last minute party that size. Hats off to you. I hope everything works out to make a special evening for your parents. 40 years is something to celebrate.

 

[Eeyorecln]

Well, we just got back from the viewing for my neighbor's son! Due to the head trauma it was a closed casket. It was so hard to watch the family. Connie looks so tired and sad. There were so many people, all I could do was hug her and tell her I was there for her. My heart just goes out to the youngest 2 sons. They have really been through the wringer the last few months.

Thank you all for the prayers and pixie dust. It's amazing how much comfort can be felt when so many people are praying for one common goal. I've been so happy to include you in my prayers, and now I know what it's like to be on the receiving end. I know we say this all the time, but there is so much power on the DDA thread! You all keep me sane, and so very happy!

Well, the funeral is tomorrow, and I have to go make a batch of rolls and funeral potatoes for the luncheon for the family after the graveside service. I'll check back in as I can.

to you all!

for tomorrow.

 

[itdjbw]

Deb,
I always do cake and icecream sundaes for DD as her b'day in in June so she always has a early or late party and then I do this on her day.
It is such fun I buy the waffle bowls and a couple of flavors as I have a fussy family and then lots of different toppings, sprinkles, cherries, cream etc etc
It is always so yummy and casual and much easier than a huge party.

Enjoy it and have fun at it and planning it.

 

[itdjbw]

June 23. They are close!

They are, my niece is on the 15th and my nephew on the 24th so till DS was born all my parents grandchildren were born within 2 weeks, both girls were born at 6.09am 2 weeks apart.

 

[my3princes]

Yeah!! on the 40 years and you are a brave, brave woman doing the party at your house. We did my grandparents 60th this past year and family politics are just no fun. I would get through Easter and then concentrate on the party. Order the cake(s) shortly though!!

I'm going to make the cakes. My whole family loves chocolate cake with homemade white "wedding" frosting. I'm sure I can get their wedding cake topper from 40 years ago. I'm not going to stress over the small stuff. I'm thinking maybe I should make Amy's sugar cookies shaped like wedding bells. The kids are off after this week so I can get them to help me which will mean more to my Mom and Dad and if they don't look picture perfect than so be it.

Deb