The Official What's For Dinner thread:Thursday 1-24-08? Recipe finder in OP. Enjoy!

[Aimeedyan]

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I've had a really rough couple of days. My sister is having some serious problems with her husband and as you can imagine, my entire family has been on an emotional roller coaster. I spent last night with her and we were up past 2 am. Tonight my brother and SIL are at her house keeping her children and she is with a friend. I'm not sure what tomorrow is going to bring, or if I'll be able to check in.

Friends, please pray for my sister and her children. And if you can spare a prayer for me as well, I'd really appreciate it. We really need them.

I'm so sorry.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Y'all, I feel terribly guilty about something and need to just get it out.

I know I'm doing the right thing, but it still sucks.

We have quite a bit of consumer debt, DH got every card offered to him when he turned 18 and racked up tons and we had to charge some of my medical bills when I was first dx (while I was in grad school). We are really trying hard to pay it off and making good headway. I am more committed to the cause then DH, mainly because I want a baby and we need to pay off a little more to make room for that =) Baby bug hasn't bitten him yet.

We don't exchange Christmas gifts. We rarely have $ budgeted so we just do stockings and go on. No biggie. This year, at his parent's Christmas morning, I got a golf set from "santa" which was from him. I was excited as I want to learn the sport, and more excited that he saved his fun money and bought it for me as a surprise. We budget in fun money each month for each of us.

They accidently sent the wrong set so he shipped it back in order to exchange it.

In the meantime, I asked him one night how he got around me noticing the debit in the checking acct. He said he charged it. I asked if he just put aside money to pay more on that card this month and he said no.

I didn't wnat to hurt his feelings, but honestly - is it really a gift if you charge something and expect your spouse to help pay it off 10x over (since you're carrying a large balance?). The card he put it on is not one we're aggressively paying off right now so it really will sit for awhile.

My gift no longer felt like a gift. It was an obligation.

I playfully asked why he didn't save his fun money and he told me he spent all that on golf. How ironic?!

In the meantime, the replacement set has been delivered to his parents (they got the first set to keep it for him until Christmas so the company shipped it to the same place). We have plans to see them later this month and will get it. I told him last night that I had been thinking... that maybe we should return that set until we can pay cash. It's not expensive, we can budget for it, but I didn't want anything else put on a credit card. I didn't go into the whole 'it's not a gift' because I knew it would hurt his feelings.

He was hurt, but offered to email his sister who was going to order the same set anyways. She is going to buy them from us so we don't lose $ on shipping costs or restocking fees.

I know he's upset, and now his sister thinks I'm a ***** for returning his gift. I don't want to be a ***** but honestly, this type of spending is what got him (now us) into trouble. It would have meant so much more to me to know he gave up a few rounds of golf to buy me something. Flipping out a credit card and charging it isn't meaningful to me.

The deed has been done and we're selling them. But I still feel guilty for doing the responsible thing. Please agree with me and tell me it'll be alright

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Aimee, I am sorry you are having a rough time...I am not great at giving advice, just a shoulder to cry on and support. I will just say that I am better at saving and budgeting than Tom. I am not sure if its a man thing, but at times I find Tom does not think of the big picture with spending and using the credit cards.

It would have been worse if you kept your thoughts inside. Don't beat yourself up...

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Yes, it is 2:37 a.m. here in Tennessee and I am wide awake. Why, you ask? I got a text message from Robin at 1:30.

Kevin proposed.



And the only bad thing about this news?? She told me to act surprised when Kevin tells us tomorrow. How's that for evil?! I told her I will deserve an award for pulling this one off! lol!!!

Yes this is soon, yes it is quick, but I am so happy for them. It makes me TRIPLE glad I talked to Kevin the other night and worked everything out. Know what I mean?

Anyway, I am WIDE awake now with no plans of going back to bed. I honestly don't know how Scott is sleeping right no after me squealing, crying, and slinging snot and such.

I will know more details tomorrow. Plus she said she'd call me tomorrow evening. We already made plans for her to come over Tuesday (she's off and it's Scott's monthly Geek meeting). I can't wait to see her!! She has truly become my best friend

I will fill you guys in as soon as I know more. Talk about The Romance of the Smitten Kittens, eh? And I've blogged everything on this thread!!!!!!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

A Mary Poppins, a National Lampoon's European Vacation, and a shower later I am back!! We are going out with my MIL and FIL and Kevin after church. Robin told me Kevin is going to tell us about the proposal today so I'm thinking he may come over afterward. I have the ingredients to make paninis this afternoon if we are hungry.

WFD at your house?

 

[HERSEY]

Gretchen I'm sorry your family is having difficulties. I will pray for all.

Lindsay WOW that was fast.I'm happy for them. Boy you going to be one sleepy person today.

Aimee I have been in that boat many times. No matter how many times decisions are never easy. No wonder you haven't felt good. Don't keep things bottled up.

 

[HERSEY]

Caili

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Lindsay, So happy for Robin and Kevin!

We are munching through the Giant game today and if we are hungry, I took some sauce out of the freezer so I can make some pasta.

Have a great day all!

PS: Its beautiful here in Jersey!

 

[TigerKat]

Gretchen - You can count on me for prayers and anytime. I hope things work out for your sister.

Aimee - It's a man thing. I'm the saver, pay the bills, etc. When Johnny & I were first married he did the same thing and I reacted the same way you did. PLEASE don't beat yourself up about it. I think you taught him a very BIG life lesson.

Lindsay - I'm so happy for Robin & Kevin!!!

WFD - Shrimp Monica, Spinach Salad & Cheesy Bread. YUM!!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[TigerKat]

Hey y'all, Lori (The Bead Pirate) posted on the NOLA thread and asked for this to be passed on:

Hey, ya'll. Rick's been home so I haven't been on as much(computer hog). Hope everyone's doing ok. I'll read back when I get the chance.

I'm working all week to move stuff out of the store which means no more internet for me until I can get Cox or Bellsouth to turn it on at the house. Ya'll take good care of each other till I get back!

And if someone could let the WFD peeps know I'd appreciate it!

We're in Ohio now driving to stepson's graduation party after freezing our butts off at the Steelers game last night. Our poor, poor, mighty Steelers suffered from some bad coaching decisions last night.

I wanted to wear my LSU jersey to the game with all those Buckeye fans- but Rick said that'd be just asking for trouble.... (well, yeah!)
__________________

 

[Glynis]

Glynis - Glad to hear you're feeling better!! Not sure I'd like to be eating dinner during that particular movie, isn't it kinda gory??

Why yes, it was!!! Luckily, I know the story (saw it on Broadway years ago), so I knew when to close my eyes!

 

[Glynis]

Glynis - so glad it worked it's way out so quickly! We talked about seeing Sweeney Todd tonight at our favorite Movie Grill but I wasn't sure about eating and watching it at the same time. Heard it was gory. We farted around too long and missed the chance to go tonight anyways so I'd love to hear your review.

Well, you have to know going into this review that I LOVE the music!!! I also really love Johnny Depp. That being said, I felt like the movie was really well done, in a Tim Burton kind of way. I thought Depp was really good, but looked way too young to play Sweeney Todd. Helena Bonham Carter was wonderful as Mrs. Lovett. I didn't think I'd like anyone but Angela Lansbury in that role, but I thought this was spot on for what the director wanted. Alan Rickman was spectacular as Judge Turpin! Loved him!!!!

I knew it was going to be gory, and it was, so I just kept my eyes closed during the appropriate parts. I'm glad that we went, but I don't think it's one that I will buy to own!

 

[Glynis]

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I've had a really rough couple of days. My sister is having some serious problems with her husband and as you can imagine, my entire family has been on an emotional roller coaster. I spent last night with her and we were up past 2 am. Tonight my brother and SIL are at her house keeping her children and she is with a friend. I'm not sure what tomorrow is going to bring, or if I'll be able to check in.

Friends, please pray for my sister and her children. And if you can spare a prayer for me as well, I'd really appreciate it. We really need them.

My prayers are with you all!

 

[Glynis]

Aimee - I think you did the right thing! It was tough, but it had to be done. I think it's wonderful that you are trying to pay down some debt. DH and I are doing the same thing. It's tough, but oh, the feeling of accomplishment when you can cut up one of those cards!!!

Dinner tonight is my crockpot pot roast! We're also having brown rice and green beans with it. Dessert will be ice cream sundaes or shakes, depending on what the kids want.

 

[zipuzee]

Aimee - you did exactly the right thing. I've been in your shoes many times and it's hard; but maybe DH learned an important lesson with this!

Lindsay - Congrats to the SK's!! Too short a time frame? Not if you ask me. DH & I dated for exactly one month before he proposed. We'll celebrate our 25th anniversary this coming May.

Tonight's dinner is the maple balsamic pork that Aimee posted yesterday. We'll have mixed veggies and french bread as sides.

 

[OKWMom]

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support. We're all doing somewhat better today and hopefully tomorrow will be even better. I guess it will just take time. My sister and her husband have separated and after she has gotten past the hurt, she has a big decision to make. My family is very close and she knows (and we told her) we will all support her no matter what decision she makes, but this feels like a death. I know that sounds strange, but that is the closest parallel I can draw. Anyway, once again, thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers.

Lindsay - Congrats to the SKs. As far as the timeline, I'm living in a glass house and wouldn't dare toss a pebble their way. Kenny and I were married five and one-half months after our first date.

Aimee - I know it was difficult to do, but I also believe you did the right thing. Don't worry about what the inlaws think, they aren't paying the bills.

Kathy - Thanks for the update on Lori. Now about your dinner. Is the Shrimp Monica posted?

Laura - Beautiful pictures of your angel! Thank you for sharing with us.

Stephanie - I don't know how much you'll be checking in before you leave, but have a great time and I hope you have a successful run. Or do I say good luck or be careful. Not sure. You're the only person I know who runs marathons.

Tonight's dinner has still not been fixed. I guess I better run and figure out what to feed the family. Hopefully I talk to all of you tomorrow.

 

[TigerKat]

Gretchen - I'm not sure if the Monica recipe is posted or not. I have the link saved on my computer. It can be done with crawfish, shrimp, crabmeat or oysters. This is definitely not for dieters:

http://www.cajuncookingrecipes.com/cajun/crawfish_monica.html

 

[HERSEY]

Gretchen Divorce or just a separation can be like a death. You go throught the same emotions

Stephanie Good luck!

tonight we are having sauted chicken breast with noodles and something green.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support. We're all doing somewhat better today and hopefully tomorrow will be even better. I guess it will just take time. My sister and her husband have separated and after she has gotten past the hurt, she has a big decision to make. My family is very close and she knows (and we told her) we will all support her no matter what decision she makes, but this feels like a death. I know that sounds strange, but that is the closest parallel I can draw. Anyway, once again, thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers.

Gretchen- I am so sorry. I know that your family will support your sister while she decides her future. My prayers are with all of you.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Well, you have to know going into this review that I LOVE the music!!! I also really love Johnny Depp. That being said, I felt like the movie was really well done, in a Tim Burton kind of way. I thought Depp was really good, but looked way too young to play Sweeney Todd. Helena Bonham Carter was wonderful as Mrs. Lovett. I didn't think I'd like anyone but Angela Lansbury in that role, but I thought this was spot on for what the director wanted. Alan Rickman was spectacular as Judge Turpin! Loved him!!!!

I knew it was going to be gory, and it was, so I just kept my eyes closed during the appropriate parts. I'm glad that we went, but I don't think it's one that I will buy to own!

Thanks for the review! Maybe we'll catch it before it leaves the theater.