What's wrong with them? Actually I was a bungee daughter twenty-some years ago. My three young children and I moved back in with my parents for two and a half years after I left my first husband. It was economic necessity, and we were welcomed and loved. I didn't earn enough money to cover even child care for three small children, much less rent, bills, clothing, and food. The court system completely let us down as to child support, most of which was never paid. We had a plan. I worked as a waitress nights and went to school days to get a credential which made me employable at a rate that would support a small family, albeit at a marginal level. While I did this, my parents provided us with a home and child care. I moved out of my parents' home once I had my credential and a better job. There were tears on all side when I left. To this day there is great love between my children and their grandfather. My mother is no longer living, but she is treasured in all our hearts. When my own adult children needed some time in my home to achieve economic independence, of course I said yes. There does have to be an exit plan, but it is something I am happy to do. We are a family. If a family chooses not to do this, it is their right to say no, and no one can fault them. But if a family does want to do this, it doesn't mean that there is something wrong with that decision. Now, let's get back to roses. Rosefolly

First of all, thanks again for your guidance and encouragement. The event is over and yes, there were a few moments of tension. Although they did not involve us directly. I have to confess now to something that I didn't admit to earlier in an effort to avoid looking like a complete doormat. Early on I had offered to help with a dessert buffet to serve at the church, so they would have something for those guests they weren't inviting. As it turned out, I purchased, and made everything that was served (with the help of two friends and our children). All of the items were chosen by the bride ahead of time. We decorated the tables with greenery and candles, and made a beautiful and tasty presentation including choc. dipped strawberries, etc. We had fun working together on it which made it worth it. Since I hadn't originally intended on doing it all, I decided to forgo a "traditional" wedding gift. While we were in the middle of baking and dipping etc., I received a phone call asking how they should word something on the program inviting those who were not invited to the "reception" to enjoy the treats at the church. I told them that there was going to be plenty of food for everyone. Then I was told that they wanted to limit it to those who were not going to the reception so they could talk to others faster and keep to their time schedule. I replied that there was no way to word it that would not draw more attention to the fact that some people were not invited to the reception, and told them again that we had already worked very hard to make enough food for everyone. They finally agreed and dropped it. My 8 year old went up to the bride during the "church reception" and told her that he should be invited to the dinner because he was "part of it", she told him to talk to his mother. I questioned him and confirmed that she never said anything like yes, but just wanted me to handle it. So I told him that technically he should be included, but explained that it was going to be very boring and that he was going to have more fun at his friend's house. He seemed to accept that. One guest, a high-school friend of both the bride and groom, asked the bride how to get to the restaurant. She apparently told him that the seating at the restaurant was limited and that they had not been able to invite him to that part. I guess he decided to make a point of how rude he thought they were, because he showed up at the reception anyway. They had the owner of the restaurant ask him to leave. He replied that he was only planning on staying until the bride and groom got there so he could wish them well. So then the bride's mother came up and insisted that he leave, telling him that he already offered his congratulations at the church. (Incidentally, the bride never wanted him invited to the wedding for some reason, but gave in when he called asking if his invitation was lost.) He remained in the parking lot until the couple arrived, and said something like, "Well, apparently I'm not invited to celebrate with you, but I just wanted to wish you well before I leave." The bride's mother said something to me about not wanting to be rude, but that they shouldn't have to deal with something like this on their wedding day. Personally, I feel they created the mess, and she should have let them suffer the fallout. One niece,(the flower-girl) who at fourteen towers over several bridemaids, including another niece who is only thirteen, was somehow the only member of the wedding party (attending the recep.) not included in the limo ride to the reception. She was understandably crushed. They said something about the ring-bearer not going so.... Incredible! Anyway, it took forever to serve everyone. We literally sat at the table for 2 1/2 hours before they brought our table's entre'. The portions were so small that my husband ended up taking our boys to Burger King after to get something else to eat. Our only relatives from out-of-town had assigned seating in the corner opposite from us. And I mean...they were locked in...the only way for them to get out was to ask four other people to get up first. So I only got to visit with them for a few minutes after dinner was served, and while the cake was cut. They were seated next to the parents of the bride and friends of the brides parents that they didn't know. The best thing I can say is It's Over!; the couple is very good-looking; my ds was extremely cute as the ring-bearer and even added some comic relief the bride was hoping for; it was fun working with friends the day before; and It's Over!!!

Georgysmom, we did think of Marki after the Hallmark suggestion. :) I do tend to prefer names that end in a "ee" sound. I feel like they respond better or it rolls off the tongue more smoothly. She's a very, very chill little girl. I usually like to see their personality a bit before pick out a name. Yesterday I had her and the mom in the barn in the morning and set down two bins of hay for the mom. The baby went and laid down around the far bin where the mom couldn't see her. Butter was SCREAMING for her baby and the baby just laid their quiet. I kept repeating to Butter that the baby was right there, but she didn't get my words and pointing gesture. Finally fed up of her freaking out I went into the pen, picked up the bin and set it on the other side of the baby. LOL If that wasn't bad enough, I let the two of them outside with the rest of the crew late afternoon. My husband was bringing them in and Butter once again starts freaking out and screaming over and over again for her baby. The baby was right behind her and didn't make a peep. Haha This darn girl is already torturing her mother.

I have experienced so many kind gestures over the years and they all equally made my heart swell with love. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, friends and neighbours and people I have never met in person. Neighbours Ken and Freda for one. After my Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which caused her to have diabetes I had to learn to give my Mom insulin shots. After my Mom came home from the hospital and I had to give her the first insulin shot I couldn't do it. I called Freda and she came right over and did it for me. All the kind cards and gifts from people here at the KT isent to my Mom in her last few weeks to help brighten her days meant the world to me. She held onto the doll, she loved the cards, was warmed by the colourful lap quilt that she stroked to name a few. After my Mom died, Ken came in with his crew and painted and plastered the walls in my house and Freda decorated my bedroom with reversable handmade bedding and table cloths from material based on Monet's water lily and garden paintings. They also gave me the emotional support I needed. My younger brother has surprised me over the years with wonderful gifts chosen because he knew how much I would love them. When I was a young teenager he gave me a set of the Tolkien Trilogy Lord of the Ring and Hobbit books because he knew how much I loved to read. (I still have the boxed set). Another time he asked me to go for a ride with him because he had to pick something up. We stopped at this window place and he came out with something in a big box that he put on the car seat next to me. Driving home something in the box started making a noise and when I looked inside it was a tiny purebred black lab puppy and Paul said he was my birthday present. Amos was the best gift ever! One Christmas season I came home to find a huge wrapped box under my Christmas tree. I pushed it with my toe and it was really heavy. I thought maybe my brother brought the gift over for his girls and left it so they wouldn't see it. I even remember coming to the KT and telling the size of the box, and how heavy it was and they guessed what was inside before I even knew the gift was for me. The gift sat there for a few days before my brother asked me if I peeked at "it" I asked him what "it" was and he said the present. I said of course not, I didn't know who it was for. He then told me it was an early gift for me. I came home and opened it and it was a Kitchen Aid mixer. Again another gift from him that knocked me over. haha he said because I was the family cookie baker he thought it would help me out. He also surprised me over the years by leaving filled Christmas stockings left hanging on the front porch or sneaking inside and hanging them on the fireplace for my sister and I Other kind gesture after my Mom passed away was the gift of a kitchen and bath remodel. My out of town cousin called me and said she wanted to give me something for all the years I took care of my Mom and even though I told her it wasn't necessary she wanted to do something. Anything I wanted. I told her the only thing I would want was to have the outside kitchen wall replastered because of water damage under the window. She told me to find a contractor (neighbour Ken) and have him call her. Next thing I know I was getting new cupboards and countertops, flooring, and also a bathroom remodel with a new floor and walls replaced around the tub so a shower could be put in. I couldn't let her do everything so I bought the fixtures, toilet, vanity and sink in the bathroom and I already had my kitchen appliances. And if the gift of a kitchen remodel blew me away what came next was even more surprising and so kind. The members of the KT held a kitchen shower for me. haha what a shock it was when Dances and Ed (Joyfulguy) showed up at my house bearing all kinds of kitchen gifts and cards from Kters. Everytime I use one of the items and I still have them all I think of is who sent it. Kters were so kind and generous. The best gifts are being asked to share special moments with friends and family.