I have some of these same issues, and I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that your family is Bi-racial.  My DH and I are both of the same race (white) and we grew up in very different homes. 

DH doesn't think the children need a bath everynight, however, I prefer them to be clean and fresh when they get into bed.  I started a nighttime rountine with baths every evening and then the kiddos know it is time to wind down and that bedtime is getting closer.

DH also calls for me and expects me to drop what I am doing...immediately! LOL!  We all know I couldn't possibly be busy!

DH says "I'll be right there"...ya right...I so DON'T believe that anymore...16 1/2 years later I know better.

DH says if he wanted to help he would volunteer.  WHAT?!  He should be willing to help all the time!

My list could go on and on forever as well!

My DH and I were clearly raised completely different.  It isn't a bad thing and my hubby is a loving and hard working man.  I think at times he can be selfish, but he was raised that way and takes his example of fatherhood from his father.  My dad was soooo different.  He was always helping with anything.  He spent all his free time doing things with my mom and me and my sister.

Marriage is all about compromise.

Good Luck!

Less is BEST!

My kiddos have been out of school for almost 2 weeks, so Summer Break has officially started here already.  I plan on doing a few activities with them this summer that are both educational and fun.

Our home school will be having their Library open 2 days a week for their AR program.  I am going to make sure my boys keep up with their reading skills.

My eldest DS's teacher sent home 2 large packets of homework activites for the summer to keep up with his learning.  There is an assignment for each day.  So far so good, and he is really enjoying it.

We go swimming a couple times a week.  We have our own swimming pool so that makes it easy.  3 of the 4 children can swim, so my goal is to teach eldest DS to swim this summer.  Not sure if it is possible, because of his coordination problems, but I am going to give it my best shot.

We have putting green in our backyard also, so I am sure we will all be out there practicing up on our golf games.  The kids really enjoy it.

Our AMC/Harkins Theaters are offering free/discounted summer movies. I was going to sign up, but with all the great movies we already own, I have decided that we will do a movie day in our home.  I will close all the blinds, pop popcorn, and we will just relax.  This I will LOVE!

We usually do some sort of crafts.  I haven't decided what they will be this year, and I was totally bummed that our painting place closed down.  Last year we went every other week to paint a magnet and then they would fire it and we would pick them up the following week.  I might just have to go to Michael's or JoAnne's to see what type of activites they have there.

Well, that is it for us.  We are home bodies and try and keep indoors as much as possible.  I am trying to convince eldest DD that if she gets up early enough we could start taking her dog for walks a few mornings a week.  She seems excited about it, but we will see how tomorrow morning goes when she has to be up by 6 a.m.

Woo Hoo! Summer Fun!

Less is BEST!

This is extremely exciting news from our homefront!  My BIL and his girlfriend just found out that they are expecting.   As excited as everyone is, myself included, I am feeling a little bad about the whole thing.  I'll explain....Over the past 17 years, my BIL, whom is my age (now 36), has had many many many girlfriends.  I have ALWAYS ended up getting close to these girls, and then they break up and are no longer part of our family.  I have found this EXTREMELY difficult.  Cried tears over it as a matter of fact and so have my children. My hubby and I even attended one of his former girlfriends weddings.  We LOVED her!  I found myself, on purpose, distancing myself from this new girlfriend.  My BIL had just recently broken up with his last girlfriend, so when the new one came around I was still missing the last one. Of course, it is my BIL's life and I can't make his choices nor do I have the right to tell him what to do.  This I completely understand.  The part where I am feeling bad comes from the fact that obviously this girlfriend is here to stay and I really didn't make the effort to spend any additional time with her other than the regular family events. So for the first time in 17 years, I decide that I am not going to get attached again, and I feel disappointed in myself.  She wasn't really all the friendly in the beginning, and now it seems she might just have been a little shy...which is wonderful.  My BIL is on cloud nine and since none of the family ever expected him to reproduce or settle down, it is great.   He seems to really have something special going on with this girlfriend.  She might just have made him grow up and become a better person.   It really is AWESOME! 

 I guess she needs a big "Welcome to the family"...

Better late than never!

Less is BEST!

I was told that if you miss a day of birth control and then take the double dose the next day, that months bc if no longer effective.  I am not sure how true this is, but I first started taking birth control the month before I got married.  I had a hard time remembering to take the pills, and missed often.  I was constantly doubling up on  that next day. 

 BTW...I ended up getting pregnant while taking those pills....

I did have a beautiful baby girl!

 I haven't been on birth control since.  I just can't remember to take the pills, so I decided to use other methods.  Ummm, my other methods didn't work to well either!  We have tried them all.  Having my tubes tied after baby #4 seems to be the only thing that is keeping me from getting pregnant again.  Although I have heard that is also not 100% guarantee....

Less is BEST!

Great article!  The website has so much information and tons of products.

 I have just one backpack in the back of my car.  It has a change of clothes for me and the children, along with a few snacks, and extra medication/first aide items.  Should one of my kids have an accident, spill something on their clothing, or vomit on me (go ahead...start laughing...this actually happened!)  I am TOTALLY prepared! 

On an added note....I went clear across town several years ago to help my girlfriend paint her house.  Her hubby is a volunteer firefighter, and rarely had time for house projects.  We decided to redecorate "while he was out" so to speak.  It was getting late, and since I had all my children with me, including my 3 month old at the time, we decided to just spend the night.  Viola!  I pulled out my backpack, and we were ready!

I felt like the "Mother of the Year" that day!  Completely, utterly, PREPARED!

I think I need to get a couple more back packs and get some clothes for my hubby too...

Less is BEST!

It was super hard to narrow it down to just the Top 5, but  here is my list in no particular order...

1. Little House on the Prairie

2. The Dukes of Hazzard

3. Growing Pains

4. Family Ties

5. Married with Children

Less is BEST!

Each Hospital usually has it's own rules.  I would call and check to find out what they are. Usually they will allow one parent to spend the night.   Also, check and see what toiletries your hospital will provide for you and your child. 

*Bring favorite toy/stuffed animal/blanket (probably something that can go in the washing machine when you return home or that can be easily disinfected).

*Comfortable clothing for both you and the child.

*Snacks for yourself (fruit, nuts, or crackers).

*Magazines, books, cards, or games for you and your child.  It will help pass the time while you are waiting.

*Your own pillow and blankets.

These are just a few things that came to mind when I saw this post.

Hope some of it was helpful.  I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers that your little one's surgery and recovery go smoothly.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Thanks for the heads up!&nb...

Less is BEST!

I guess I don't have it...

Less is BEST!

This is AWESOME!  I know from experience how much the donated hair means to the children whom have lost their hair due to radiation and chemotherapy.  My son has been a patient at PCH for 7 years. My DH, his father, and some of our neighbors (all the guys) shaved their heads in support of Braedon when he lost his hair.  It was soooo funny! 

The staff at PCH is wonderful and supportive. 

The amazing smiles on the children, despite their circumstances, will melt your heart.  This is a great chance for people to get involved.

Thanks for posting!

Less is BEST!

DH and I have been married for 16 1/2 years.  We  try and make the most out of everyday and jump over the hurdles that are in our way.  Marriage is alot of work. Throw in a few kiddos and it can be down right difficult!  We try hard to focus on the positive, keep communication lines open between us, and tell each other how much we love each other often. Ahhh...the little things in life!

 A few kind and caring words go along way over here! 

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

DH has some really good excuses.  He has used them on me over the years, and for the most part, I don't ask for his help anymore.  Quite frankly, it is easier to do it myself, and then I know that it gets done right.  I can change the airfilters, wash my own car, get an oil change, trim bushes, chop down trees and change the light bulbs.  There are so many other things....too many to list.  But I do like some of the excuses I have gotten....most of them are so funny!

1. Was it written on the calender?!

2. I didn't hear you.

3. I'll do it later, I promise I won't forget. (BTW...he always forgets!)

4. Do I have to help?

5. I'm running late.

I hope you are all laughing!

At any rate, this is not to say that my DH isn't hard working.  He has two jobs and provides for all 6 of us very well.  He does on occasion start doing a project without having seen me doing it first.  It is days like that I truly appreciate having his help.

Less is BEST!