The What's For Dinner Thread - October'11 (recipe index in OP)

[Nancyg56]

Yesterday the pot roast was so good! I made in on the stove with a dutch oven and added potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and rutabaga to the pot. So good! Peas on the side.

I got a lot done in the house. Decorating is going well, all the fall things are packed except what needs to be washed, that is almost finished. Christmas is partly done but I am doing the cleaning as I go because it never gets really done while all the decorations are up. I hope to have it all done by tomorrow so that I can put my tree up on Sunday.

I am still in the dog house with Buddy. He thinks I am mad at him and that just annoyed him more. Thank goodness the girls were here for dinner because when he is angry he gets really quiet and I cannot stand that.
Speaking of my girls, they are both feeling lousy Nola started preschool and so she has been coming home every week with some new bug and passing it to Rylee. She informed her Mom that she was not hungry for her food, she needed Nana's but her appetite, not good on a good day, was just not there. Rylee eats like a truck driver and she just picked at her plate too. For little girls with sniffles and coughs they were spunky but I hate to see them like that.

Dinner is chicken, roasted potatoes and some veggie.

 

[Goofyluver]

I don't like you! I don't even know half of what I am giving yet.

Busy long day today. Went into work early to help my boss with something. I had a Dr's appointment, routine follow up, in which my vitamin D level is still low and I get to go have a bone density test.

Interesting thing about that, one of the "prep" things is that when I go to have it done I can't wear a bra, I can take it with me to put on after the test is done. Um, this girl don't leave the house without her bra on.

After that I stopped at Trader Joes to pick up lunch on my way back to work and ended up getting groceries. Spent the rest of the day getting lots done.

Dinner tonight was tilapia, roasted potatoes and cauliflower, and orzo.

What a crazy doc's appt!

And yea, we were ON Christmas this year. I'm proud of us.

Today I spent a lot of the day going back and forth to one of our properties to check up on the electrician. He had to replace eight light fixtures and add two photo sensors so that the place wasn't a death trap at night being pitch black. It also cost a pretty penny. Not good when three of our apartments are vacant. He finally wrapped up at 6:30PM and will have to come back Friday to troubleshoot one last light.

I had no plan for dinner and Fran suggested that I pick up Chinese food on the way back, so I was thrilled to that and not have to whip up something starting to cook at 7PM.

On the other front, the Doctor said that she can stop taking her antibiotic, so now we can schedule her in for an RA infusion. It's been over 2 months since the last one so her joints are freezing up and she can hardly move her hands.

Hopefully we'll make that Vegas trip!

Oy. If it's not one thing, it's another. I hope her infusion helps her feel much better.

Jen - Video sounds 'thrilling'! Do you have a starring spot? If so, please share the utube link!

Another day at work tomorrow before the weekend. I think I get Saturday to myself as the boys are busy with an all-day program. No rest for the wicked...I get to clean the house by myself. But I'm also hoping to be able to finish my Christmas cards on Saturday so that I can start mailing them out on Monday.

I'm also hoping to start wrapping presents so that I can work out whether I have any gaps or not. Aside from the nephews and nieces (and I'm thinking of giving them money this year), I think I'm almost done....just need to double check!

I have a visual part for a long moment, and I'll absolutely send y'all the link (not publicly ) once we do it. We're "filming" (*snort*) on Friday.

Ugh. Cleaning. That's all I have to say about that.

Yesterday the pot roast was so good! I made in on the stove with a dutch oven and added potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and rutabaga to the pot. So good! Peas on the side.

I got a lot done in the house. Decorating is going well, all the fall things are packed except what needs to be washed, that is almost finished. Christmas is partly done but I am doing the cleaning as I go because it never gets really done while all the decorations are up. I hope to have it all done by tomorrow so that I can put my tree up on Sunday.

I am still in the dog house with Buddy. He thinks I am mad at him and that just annoyed him more. Thank goodness the girls were here for dinner because when he is angry he gets really quiet and I cannot stand that.
Speaking of my girls, they are both feeling lousy Nola started preschool and so she has been coming home every week with some new bug and passing it to Rylee. She informed her Mom that she was not hungry for her food, she needed Nana's but her appetite, not good on a good day, was just not there. Rylee eats like a truck driver and she just picked at her plate too. For little girls with sniffles and coughs they were spunky but I hate to see them like that.

Dinner is chicken, roasted potatoes and some veggie.

Poor Rylee and Nola. Maybe they need something good for dinner, like pancakes...or ice cream!

I'm like Buddy. When I get angry, I get quiet. But, I'm very rarely angry. Unlike when I was a young thing...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good morning. That's about all I have to say about that.

Hopefully I won't get home TOOOOO late today.

And I hope all of you have a great Thursday!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Morning, all! Quick fly-by here. It's 27 degrees here this morning. Ahhhhhh! I love cold weather!!! It's the best sleep ever and just gives me life! Nuts, huh? We got in from church around 9:30 last night. While Scott was showering, I bundled up in my Cuddle Duds and warm pj pants and curled up in bed. This morning he was laughing telling me he woke up in the middle of the night absolutely sweating and could feel the heat coming off of me. He had to take off his pj pants and kick all the covers off. Me? I snored all night long. Good times, I tell ya.

Tonight is homemade sloppy Joes with fries.

Does anyone have a good chicken Parmesan recipe that's good for a crowd? That will feed around 6 people or so?

 

[TigerKat]

Quick fly by, browsed through very quickly so I apologize if I missed anything..

Ellen – Continued prayers for Elizabeth.

Nan – I hope your girls get well soon.

WFD - A new recipe I found on Pinterest, it's Ina Garten's baked lemon chicken. We'll also have pasta and roasted broccoli.

 

[Glynis]

How was your break from Alan today?

Hope everyone is still feeling good!

Well, I didn't get as much of a break from him as I would have liked. His 10 page term paper was due yesterday, so he decided to skip his work session (the first class from 1-3) to finish it up. He didn't leave the house until 5:00 and by then I was ready to tear my hair out! No alone time for me. Grrr!

Everyone seems to be healthy. No one else is falling ill!

 

[Glynis]

Morning. It is a crazy weather day, here! My community is doing fine, but all around us a winter storm is raging. In some parts of the state, there are winds up to 70 MPH. Snow is falling all around, but right where I live we have calm, and no snow... yet!

Today is our 10 year anniversary for living in this house. I will make something kind of special for dinner, but then I will be leaving for my book club. I'm thinking of doing the Italian chicken in the crock pot. We'll see.

Our tree is up, and the kids will decorate it this afternoon/evening. Then, the trick is for me to keep my hands off it, and let it stay the way they decorate it. I just have to tell myself that it's ok if the ornaments are not placed the way I want them to be. I just have to stay strong! The rest of the house decorating is going slowly. The advent calendars are up, and the kids are excited to start them tonight. Katie placed our village on the mantel yesterday, and we have to hang our stockings soon!

Have a great day, everyone!

 

[dgbg100106]

Morning everyone...

Life has been crazy here this week.. I fly home tomorrow and found out yesterday that I am flying out sunday for colorado... Ugggghhhh


Very tired, have been super busy. Hope you all are well and enjoying this firstday of december.

 

[liamsaunt]

Glynis, I am glad that Katie is better! I hope that you finally get some time to yourself.

Lindsay, the roasted vegetables are easy to make. I don't have a specific recipe. more of a method. Just chop your vegetables into somewhat evenly sized pieces (this time I used halved brussel sprouts, wedged red onions, whole pearl onions, and carrots and parsnips cut into long wedges). Toss them with some salt , pepper, and olive oil, and bake at 400 degrees in a single layer on a baking sheet (it helps to line with parchment paper, a silpat, or no-stick foil), and roast, turning a couple of times, until tender and browned in spots, 40 minutes.

At this point you can serve them, or set aside to cool and reheat for 15-20 minutes when it's dinnertime. That's what I did this time, and when I put them back in the oven I tossed them with 2 tsp. finely chopped rosemary and 1 tbsp. light brown sugar.

The plate is just an inexpensive large serving platter--I would estimate it to be about 2 feet long by 15 inches wide. I have a bunch of platters like this because I serve a family meal on the Sundays when I am home--to include my husband, my parents, my sister and her children, my brother, and occasionally John's brother. I like to serve family style so the big platters help with that. This picture shows it a little better:

PIO, happy anniversary one day late!!

Ellen, welcome back from vacation!

Kathy, is the Ina recipe the whole baked chicken with the lemon croutons? I've made that one and it is very good. She also has one for bone-in skin one chicken breasts with lemon that I like.

Lindsay, for chicken parmesean for a crowd, I think it is easiest to bread and fry off/pan saute the chicken first. Then put a layer of warm marinara in a large broiler-proof baking dish. Layer the chicken in one layer on top of that, then top with cheese. Don't put marinara on the top of the chicken or the coating won't stay crispy. Then run the whole thing under a broiler just long enough to melt the cheese and make it bubble. Serve the chicken with extra marinara on the side.

WFD: well dinner has changed every night this week so I won't bother saying anything in advance! last night I made broccoli-cheddar soup, and the evening before we had cod chowder with popovers.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Hi everyone!!!

I am back!! We had a wonderful time, and it was so nice to get away for awhile. But being the only one in the office during this busy time I am swamped. Nothing I can't do, just a lot of busy work.

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. The weather down there was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. The guys were playing golf this time last week. And they are predicting snow this week - CRAZY!!!

I haven't read back, but I will, and catch up with all of you.

Please keep Elizabeth in your prayers. She is really struggling and so ready for this baby to be born. The nursery is ready, diapers bought and now just the uncomfortable waiting. Stephanie on the other hand is doing great and is so enjoying being pregnant. Itsn't it funny how that goes?!!

WFDT ~ Swiss steak with potatoes, green beans, and wheat rolls.

Make it a great day my friends.

I'm glad you had a great time! When is Elizabeth due? Poor dear

I don't like you! I don't even know half of what I am giving yet.

I haven't even started XMas shopping yet, really. DH did all his family already! Things are completely opposite of normal around here this year

On the other front, the Doctor said that she can stop taking her antibiotic, so now we can schedule her in for an RA infusion. It's been over 2 months since the last one so her joints are freezing up and she can hardly move her hands.

Is she on Remicade? I know they use that for RA, too. I was on it for a few years and it was a wonder drug for me!

Life has been crazy here this week.. I fly home tomorrow and found out yesterday that I am flying out sunday for colorado... Ugggghhhh


Very tired, have been super busy. Hope you all are well and enjoying this firstday of december.

Gracious, you have been busy!




This week has been hard... esp last night. I hope things get easier with time. I ended up picking up dinner for us - his choice, Taco Bell. Why a woman with Crohns thinks its a good idea to eat Taco Hell (as we call it) I'll never know.

I haven't been to the store so we're going out tonight and use a coupon. I'll shop tomorrow.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Marilyn - What are you sewing? More quilts?

Yes and a few patchwork pillows as well.

I had some leftover football team fabric from two quilts I made and already had pillow forms so I decided to use them to make pillows for my godsons. My DN saw that listed on my list of projects and asked for one for her too so I got her favorite team fabric.

I am also making 4 quilts, one baby, one child and two adults. I have to get the family room done this weekend so I can get to work on them. I have no place to work right now. Just doing basic, no frills ones that won't take long.


Not sure what's for dinner tonight. I had fish Monday, shrimp Tuesday and fish again last night.

 

[LBKB]

WFD here is pork bbq on buns with roasted veggies and homemade applesauce. We had our first snow storm and my joints are not liken it. This other hip may need replacing sooner than I was hoping for.

 

[HERSEY]

WFD is potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Life is crazy here. This week we have been going through Mr A's course selection for next year. The kid went from "I am going to take it easy and not overload myself to taking 3 AP classes along with the rest of his honor classes. I am going to be poor next year each AP test is $85.00 along with the regular course fees. At least this will be cheaper than waiting until college for those fees

Enough about me. How have all of you been doing? I hope everyone who was sick is getting better.

The weather here has been rather strange. No snow or really cold weather. Not that I am complaining. As long as the freezing weather and snow holds off the happier I will be. I am a summer kind of girl

Ellen I feel for poor Elizabeth the end of the pregnancy is just awful. I hope that baby comes soon so Mom can get back to some kind of normal.

 

[Goofyluver]

Well, I didn't get as much of a break from him as I would have liked. His 10 page term paper was due yesterday, so he decided to skip his work session (the first class from 1-3) to finish it up. He didn't leave the house until 5:00 and by then I was ready to tear my hair out! No alone time for me. Grrr!

Everyone seems to be healthy. No one else is falling ill!

I hate it when I think I'm going to get alone time and then I don't!

And I'm glad everyone has stayed healthy once again! You guys really had it.

Morning. It is a crazy weather day, here! My community is doing fine, but all around us a winter storm is raging. In some parts of the state, there are winds up to 70 MPH. Snow is falling all around, but right where I live we have calm, and no snow... yet!

Today is our 10 year anniversary for living in this house. I will make something kind of special for dinner, but then I will be leaving for my book club. I'm thinking of doing the Italian chicken in the crock pot. We'll see.

Our tree is up, and the kids will decorate it this afternoon/evening. Then, the trick is for me to keep my hands off it, and let it stay the way they decorate it. I just have to tell myself that it's ok if the ornaments are not placed the way I want them to be. I just have to stay strong! The rest of the house decorating is going slowly. The advent calendars are up, and the kids are excited to start them tonight. Katie placed our village on the mantel yesterday, and we have to hang our stockings soon!

Have a great day, everyone!

UncleR Christmased the house out while I was at work. I came home to Christmas and it is soooo nice.

Plus, she wrapped my surprises and put them under the tree with which to torture me until Christmas!

Morning everyone...

Life has been crazy here this week.. I fly home tomorrow and found out yesterday that I am flying out sunday for colorado... Ugggghhhh


Very tired, have been super busy. Hope you all are well and enjoying this firstday of december.

Rest and take care of yourself when you can.

This week has been hard... esp last night. I hope things get easier with time. I ended up picking up dinner for us - his choice, Taco Bell. Why a woman with Crohns thinks its a good idea to eat Taco Hell (as we call it) I'll never know.

I haven't been to the store so we're going out tonight and use a coupon. I'll shop tomorrow.

First, I've been thinking of you lately. I knew there must be a reason. I'm sending you good thoughts.

Second, we call it Taco Hell too. Except I won't eat it. I call it Mexi-can't.

Feel better, honey.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am home. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday.

We practiced for our Christmas video for work again after school today. We're filming tomorrow. Our pod is wearing matching purple tees with purple blingy Santa hats.

UncleR made dinner today...beef stir fry.

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

 

[TigerKat]

The DIS boards are running so slow!!!! Therefore, another quick fly by to post this super easy and super tasty recipe that I found on Pinterest and tried tonight: (I used bone-in, skin-on as we prefer those to boneless)

Lemon Chicken Breast (Serves 4)
Copyright, 2010 Barefoot Contessa, How Easy is That?, All Rights Reserved


1/4 cup good olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic (9 cloves)
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (6 to 8 ounces each)
1 lemon

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and cook for just 1 minute but don’t allow the garlic to turn brown. Off the heat, add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt and pour into a 9 X 12-inch baking dish.

Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them skin side up over the sauce. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. Cut the lemon in 8 wedges and tuck it among the pieces of chicken.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is done and the skin is lightly browned. If the chicken isn’t browned enough, put it under the broiler for 2 minutes. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot with the pan juices.

 

[franandaj]

Yikes! I had a huge post on here and my computer just shut down! I had been working on it all day, so I apologize for not catching up with everyone today. I'll have to try and get back to things tomorrow.

 

[Nancyg56]

Morning. It is a crazy weather day, here! My community is doing fine, but all around us a winter storm is raging. In some parts of the state, there are winds up to 70 MPH. Snow is falling all around, but right where I live we have calm, and no snow... yet!

Have a great day, everyone!

I saw this on the news this morning and was worried about you! i am so glad the kids are all well and hopefully they will stay that way for a while. There is so much going around!

Life has been crazy here this week.. I fly home tomorrow and found out yesterday that I am flying out sunday for colorado... Ugggghhhh


Very tired, have been super busy. Hope you all are well and enjoying this firstday of december.

I don't know how you do it I would be a mess! I hope things slow down soon!

Life is crazy here. This week we have been going through Mr A's course selection for next year. The kid went from "I am going to take it easy and not overload myself to taking 3 AP classes along with the rest of his honor classes. I am going to be poor next year each AP test is $85.00 along with the regular course fees. At least this will be cheaper than waiting until college for those fees

Enough about me. How have all of you been doing? I hope everyone who was sick is getting better.

The weather here has been rather strange. No snow or really cold weather. Not that I am complaining. As long as the freezing weather and snow holds off the happier I will be. I am a summer kind of girl
:

Your Mr A is one unique guy!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like those brainy ones

our weather is nuts here too. I have had my doors open all week long. I am not complaining but I wonder what winter will bring when it finally hits. The trees all still have these huge hangers high up and once the snow comes if it is heavy

The DIS boards are running so slow!!!! Therefore, another quick fly by to post this super easy and super tasty recipe that I found on Pinterest and tried tonight: (I used bone-in, skin-on as we prefer those to boneless)

Lemon Chicken Breast (Serves 4)
Copyright, 2010 Barefoot Contessa, How Easy is That?, All Rights Reserved

.

This looks really good! I cook a lot of chicken and Buddy might like this

Dinner was roasted chicken and potatoes and broccoli. Tomato and onion salad. Tonight I think I will stick to BLT's and tomato soup. I have Nola and Rylee for a while this evening so Brian can attend a wake. Nola was a little sad that she needed to go home last night for dinner so I am glad they are coming this evening. Lately she does not want to go shopping with her Mom and so she calls to come here. I think she really just wants to get a break from her little sister who is on fire lately

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Morning, everyone! We have an insane weekend ahead of us so Scott and I are meeting this afternoon to get groceries and there is a Beef O'Brady's in the same outlet so we will grab dinner there. We love that place!

Chloe's first birthday is tomorrow and they are throwing her a party tomorrow afternoon. I am going shopping today to get her a card and gift. I have an idea of what I'm going to get her, but I just wanted to ask all of you wonderful folks if you had any tips on what to get a 1-year-old? What did your kids and/or grandkids like?

One more question. I have always done one of these when I see people ask about this or say they've done this, but I'm considering it and I wanted your thoughts. I thought about picking up Ryan a little something and giving it to him tomorrow. There's a long story why. I have always felt like he's gotten the short end of the stick in life so I really try to fuss over him. (I am a stepchild myself, so I can see where he hurts) Especially since Chloe came along, I feel he gets left behind at times. I already told Scott that if I see this happening tomorrow, that I will pull Ryan aside and play with him so he doesn't feel totally left out. I know, I know, life is not fair and kids need to learn this, but this is different, you know? And I'm not talking making a big production with a $100 gift, or anything. Just something small I can give him so he will feel special and know his Aunt Kitty and Uncle Scott love him! Let me know what you guys think. Feel free to tell me I'm over analyzing

Just to tell you a story of Ryan that still tugs at my heartstrings...

On Black Friday, Scott and I went to the movies. On our way, we stopped by their house to drop off a pie. Their house isn't accessible to me, so I just waited in the car while Scott took it in. While waiting, I noticed their cat coming down the walkway. I rolled down the window and was talking to it. (I'm not apologetic about this- I'm a sucker for orange tabby cats)

Ryan heard me and came down from the front porch and peeked to see who was talking to the cat. (I was driving, BTW) I said, "Ryyyyyan!!!" His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and he ran down to the car. I had my door opened and he climbed up in my lap and hugged the crap out of me. (---> me at this point ) He showed me his toy and we talked a minute, all the while hugging me to death. Scott came and got in the car and his eyes got big and he said, "Do I get to wide wiff you today?" That just about killed me. I then did something I'm sure Kevin wanted to kill me for. I said, "No, but I brought a chocolate chip PIE! Just. For. YOU!" He squeezed me hard and said he loved me and went back inside.

Heartstrings, I tell ya.

Please let me know what you guys think. Ryan is 5, by the way.

 

[Goofyluver]

Yikes! I had a huge post on here and my computer just shut down! I had been working on it all day, so I apologize for not catching up with everyone today. I'll have to try and get back to things tomorrow.

Hate it when that happens.

Morning, everyone! We have an insane weekend ahead of us so Scott and I are meeting this afternoon to get groceries and there is a Beef O'Brady's in the same outlet so we will grab dinner there. We love that place!

Chloe's first birthday is tomorrow and they are throwing her a party tomorrow afternoon. I am going shopping today to get her a card and gift. I have an idea of what I'm going to get her, but I just wanted to ask all of you wonderful folks if you had any tips on what to get a 1-year-old? What did your kids and/or grandkids like?

One more question. I have always done one of these when I see people ask about this or say they've done this, but I'm considering it and I wanted your thoughts. I thought about picking up Ryan a little something and giving it to him tomorrow. There's a long story why. I have always felt like he's gotten the short end of the stick in life so I really try to fuss over him. (I am a stepchild myself, so I can see where he hurts) Especially since Chloe came along, I feel he gets left behind at times. I already told Scott that if I see this happening tomorrow, that I will pull Ryan aside and play with him so he doesn't feel totally left out. I know, I know, life is not fair and kids need to learn this, but this is different, you know? And I'm not talking making a big production with a $100 gift, or anything. Just something small I can give him so he will feel special and know his Aunt Kitty and Uncle Scott love him! Let me know what you guys think. Feel free to tell me I'm over analyzing

Just to tell you a story of Ryan that still tugs at my heartstrings...

On Black Friday, Scott and I went to the movies. On our way, we stopped by their house to drop off a pie. Their house isn't accessible to me, so I just waited in the car while Scott took it in. While waiting, I noticed their cat coming down the walkway. I rolled down the window and was talking to it. (I'm not apologetic about this- I'm a sucker for orange tabby cats)

Ryan heard me and came down from the front porch and peeked to see who was talking to the cat. (I was driving, BTW) I said, "Ryyyyyan!!!" His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and he ran down to the car. I had my door opened and he climbed up in my lap and hugged the crap out of me. (---> me at this point ) He showed me his toy and we talked a minute, all the while hugging me to death. Scott came and got in the car and his eyes got big and he said, "Do I get to wide wiff you today?" That just about killed me. I then did something I'm sure Kevin wanted to kill me for. I said, "No, but I brought a chocolate chip PIE! Just. For. YOU!" He squeezed me hard and said he loved me and went back inside.

Heartstrings, I tell ya.

Please let me know what you guys think. Ryan is 5, by the way.

Here's what I think.

I'll tell you this beforehand...I'm not one to mince words, especially about kids. We are very strict mommies in this house, and we believe pretty strongly that life's tough and that kids need to learn to deal with life's often unfair situations.

BUT...having been on this thread for a while now, and learning about you all...I can say that I don't believe you would for one second create a situation where there was none. You didn't even need to justify it to me. If you say Ryan often gets left behind in his family as the "other" kid, then that's it for me. Sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do, kwim?

Maybe you could give it to him after the party, or even before if you think that would sit better with the others. If you think others will comment or get upset about the situation, you could say something like, "While we were out looking for Chloe's gift, I found this for Ryan and knew I just had to get it for him."

Poor guy. You're a good Auntie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good morning. I'm up...but barely.

Today we film our work video. But, I woke up with a raging sore throat and I am just not really feeling good. Hope I get to feeling better as the day goes on.

Other than that, today is Friday and that makes me tremendously happy. I also think it's raining outside.

Tonight's dinner is Pioneer Womans' marlboro man sandwiches. They should be yummy.

P.S.-I can't, for the life of me, say the word marlboro. Don't know why.

Y'all have a good day!

 

[Nancyg56]

Lindsay- I am one of those Aunties who always gets something for both kids on birthdays until the kids get older. IMO, 5 is still pretty young, especially when you consider that Ryan is now playing second fiddle to Chloe. I would suggest that you do the same for Chloe though because you do not want to set the stage for her to feel that you like Ryan more. She did not create teh problem her parents plunked her into. I also think that when one kid is constantly deprived of affection or inclusion that child needs to get compensated from other folks. Every kid needs to be special to someone and again, IMO there is no reason to have a special place in your heart just for Ryan.

For instance, I love both Nola and Rylee and would walk through fire for both but Nola and i have a special bond because I have had her almost daily since she was 7 weeks old. Welby is not one of those women who forgets one child for the other but Nola is at that age where she has to share a lot with a little ball of fire so I have no problems taking her without Rylee. Perhaps it is not a financial difference but there definitely is a difference in how often the girls are here.

I think that Ryan can be your special one and maybe Scott can pick him up once in a while to bake or to make crafts with you. I would bet you a buck that Amanda and Kevin will think you are getting him off their hands and you can just say that he is at the age where he would enjoy the activity but Chloe would not. Anyway, good luck!

 

[Glynis]

Lindsay - I agree with both Jen and Nancy. I see nothing wrong with making Ryan feel a bit special. My sister was always giving smaller gifts to my older kids on the younger ones birthdays. Now that they are older, she doesn't, but it sure made it nice back then!

Well, it seems pretty calm out there today, and I hope it is, because I have to drive to bowling. An hour north of here there are 50,000 people without power. At my MIL's house, there are trees down everywhere. She and her husband were lucky, and their house was spared, but they are still without power. I think Alan will be heading up there today, to make sure they have food, warmth, etc.

Dinner tonight will be Italian chicken in the crock pot.