Very sweet story!  Certainly makes you feel appreciated when the spouse sees just how hard it can be when they are left alone.

I don't take vacations, but my DH takes them occasionally.  He just recently went down to Mexico to visit his Dad for Father's Day.  He left Sunday morning and didn't return until Thursday afternoon.  Other than the kids eventually asking if he was still at work, nothing was different for me.  I did have to give my eldest son his growth hormone shot, and I had to water the lawn/plants (systems are not on automatic timers), but other than that the days were exactly the same for me.  I do 99.9% of everything here, all the time.  The sad thing about it was, although he was missed, his feelings got hurt that everything went on as usual here.

My DH is a great guy, he is a hard worker and supports all 6 of us, providing food, shelter, and other necessities.  We love him dearly!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I haven't seen it yet, but my neighbors took their 2 children (ages 10 & 15).  They LOVED the film, and said it was extremely family friendly. 

Hopefully we will have a chance to go and see this film.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Until I read this thread, I had not heard anything about this senseless crime.  What is wrong with people today?! 

 Besides the fact that suicide should never be an option anyways, murdering your wife and innocent child is just cowardly.  This is of course, only my opinion, but I find it sad and disturbing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family that was left behind, that they are able to find comfort in knowing that their loved ones are in heaven and no longer suffering.

Less is BEST!

My sister and I had our own babysitting service when we were kids.  We made flyers (no computers back then in the dark ages! ) and we walked around our neighborhood and put them on peoples doors).  We ended up having over 50 families that we babysat for on a regular basis.  We put together a directory, and had a calender set up so that our jobs could be lined up in advance.  My Mom helped us each open our own savings account, and by the time I turned 16 (5 years worth of babysitting), I had saved over $3,000 dollars (takes a long time when you are only paid $2.00/hr).  I bought my first car with that money!

My eldest daughter also babysits.  I helped her open her own savings account, and she too is saving up to buy her first car.

I learned a great lesson about hard work and it's rewards.  I hope to teach my other children this as well.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Ahhh...the Fair....I remember it well.  It was so much FUN!   Great story! Brings back tons of great memories, and the food was sooo YUMMY!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

It seems like his age may be playing a huge factor in his behavior.  I have been there and done that several times when my older children were that age.  We tried a new method with the last two children, and it seems to be working better. 

I have limited the amount of times I use the word "no".  I usually try and redirect the inappropriate behavior.  It doesn't mean that it has worked every time, but I found the last two children to be more agreeable and seemed to follow directions much better.  Positive encouragement has helped me out tremendously. 

Best Wishes.

Less is BEST!

I wish I had some helpful advice for you.  It seems as if you have really been trying out alot of other options with very little luck.  What about trying to get both of your children on the same napping schedule in the afternoons so that you can take a nap before you have to go to work? 

I myself went over 8 months with no more than a few hours of sleep every night ( not consecutive hours either).  It was really hard, but I knew that it would be for a short period of time, and that was the only thing that kept me sane.  Well that, and the fact that I knew she was going to be my last baby (she was #4) and I wanted to savor every moment.

Best wishes on getting some of those well needed zzz's!

Less is BEST!

It is unfortunate that some people feel the need to gossip about matters that they know nothing about.  Maybe it makes her feel better.  Certainly it doesn't make the hurtful things that she says true.

The friends and family that know you, will know the truth.  Her life must be filled with pain and sadness for her to try and bring others down.  Pray for her as she obviously needs the support.

On the brighter side, CONGRATULATIONS!  A new baby is always so much fun!  May your sister's pregnancy go smoothly, and soon enough you will be an Auntie!

Best Wishes!

Less is BEST!