Isn't that unreal? Yes, I've been asking around for years now, since hearing that, and they do have a problem getting adopted. I suppose it could be a regional thing. The shelters won't let them go (or any cats, I think) around Halloween, either, because there are people out there who do bad things to them. That's when they're in demand. I hold my guy even tighter when I think of that. Just for the record, mine has brought me nothing but love and joy : ) Well, maybe not enTirely! as that mischievous young boy used to chase my little girl mercilessly when she was still with us. He's not too good with the girls, but my other female eventually fell in love him, anyway. I guess she likes those Bad boys, lol. He's draped across my chest right now : )

I've just discovered this thread and not a moment too soon (or late?). I can sooooo sympathsize. I'm also a stay at home mom former teacher debating the return to work. I have gotten totally jazzed reading all the great ideas and options. like you, I know htat my whole family would be miserable if I returned to work full-time. Right now I have a great set up subbing at my oldest dd's school. I have MIL babysit and when she can't I swap child care with a neighbor who works evenings. If you ever do feel the need to sub, find a nice girl's school with strict rules. My daughter's school is a dream to sub at. Small class sizes, the teachers always leave extensive plans and the girls actually respect the teachers (even subs). But as you said the pay sucks. It really only works out to be spending cash for me. So the ideas in the thread about future employment when my youngest starts school are real boosters. Good luck with that pet sitting. I am envious of your opportunity and the excitement that goes with something new and exciting - not to mention lucrative!

Iam going though the same thing. He complains about everything my daughters do. My 2 daughters 20 and 30 and my 7 Grandbaby. He does not talk to them for days. Every night when we go to bed he starts to bitch about them from they eat all the food, they r lazy and wht doesn’t my oldest get child support I tell him that is her business not ours. Well a couple week ago he told them to start paying rent 300.00 a each. They only make 9.00 my 20 pays To own car payment insurance and credit cards, my 30 old pays her bills and the day care bill of 400 a month. I told him they can’t afford that he don’t care and if they don’t like it they move out. He get mad if I buy anything for them. He says u always get defensive I tell I don’t I just don’t know why u treat them like that. They don’t disrespect you. In the other hand they stay in there rooms to not bother you. If they come to talk to me he starts asking wht do they want. He like making fun of my granddaughter( calling a cry baby) and my 20 (making fun of her weight)I tell him to stop and plays it off like I am kidding. Well two weeks ago my daughter told me she can afford the 300 she said I can afford 150. I thought buy telling her to go speak to her step dad he would listen and respect that she came to him and. It to me. I was listening to her explain the situation well he said that’s not my problem and just kept repeating it. Well she started crying and she told him. Why do u treat us like dirt. W you hve never like us and I hate the way u treat mom. Yes she did get load then I stepped in. He lost it and told to pack her stuff and get out. Then told me it’s them or me in front of her. She apologized to me saying she does not what to ruin my marriage. Well my girls r moving out at the end of the month but that is still not good enough. Now he is saying I don’t want them to come over. I was really. Now my son came to visit and he is telling me he is not staying here. I told him he is staying this week to help her sister with daycare. He was who gave him permission I was what. It turn into a huge fight. He said they do what ever they want to do. Mind me he has not spoken one work to him cause he is still mad at my youngest for the fight they had. He told if u don’t tell him to leave buy Sunday Iam going to. I was wtf. Those r my kids and this is my house. He said again Iam tried we should separate i was like look if that’s why u want go ahead. I know u hate my kids. He stayed quite and goes into the room and sulks. Iam i wrong for defending my kids. They have never disrespected him. Iam so over this fight with him.

Debra - it's looking great so far! Sorry to hear that you're a little behind schedule, but it's going to be totally worth it. Next week is templating for your granite, right? It's wonderful to hear that you are at peace with the patina that is occurring with your floor. I'd have a tough time accepting from the workers, but the fur kids I'd be totally fine with. Patina = someone you love creating character to your house. Damage = someone who is not family/friend doing something stupid to mar things! Love your gorgeous back yard (in our remodel, we are losing our back yard window...still makes me sad but it's in prep for when we do our master bedroom addition and then we'll have a fantastic view again!) You were smart to capitalize on that lovely view. Your color choices are so warm and inviting. I can't wait to see everything when it's done. I have Balanced Beige as one of my color possibilities for our kitchen too, but it may be a bit too dark for us since our floors will be much darker than yours. Looking forward to the next update - it'll start to actually look like a kitchen once the cabinets are in place.