OK, haven't read each word of each post, but I got a couple a thoughts here. Firstly, unfortunatley, maybe this guy's mind probably is more with trying to balance you and his kids and he really wasn't thinking (stressing "not thinking") about the joint thing for New Year's. While it's honorable that he is spending time with his kids, after 4 months, I would think he would have pitched an alternate celebration time for the two of you. Yes, dissapointing that you can't be together on the "day of", but at least his head would have been in the right direction - including YOU in his plans. This is not to say that he's not worth it - he probably is, but sometimes, espcially when kid's are involved, men just don't think as creatively as women. He may even be doing this to keep arguments down with his ex - this may have happened to him before and he knows the ocnsequences. The other possibility - I really think the control issue is involved with suggesting monogomy. Why on earth would a man ask someone about that after 4 months!! Something like that comes's naturally - you don't ask someone to do that!! He's probably carrying baggage from the former marriage or someone else since the divorce. If he is bold enough to ask that at this stage, he should be willing to fasttrack the rest of the relationoship by possibly spending at least one day of the Season as a group - with the kids. My real concern here is the commitment issue. Spending time on NY's with the kids, may force him to think about that, and he may not be ready. If he really hasn't decided on "the one", that makes sense. We wouldn't want our kids to be exposed to each girlfriend the ex brought home for the holidays. OK, FEAR - of being hurt by a woman, including the ex (no matter his thoughts about her), or her wrath, and of a commitment. With all else being equal, this guy might be worth it. However, if you are talking about breaking up over this, there has to be something else missing - like chemistry, maybe... I sincerely hope that something nice works out for you, but give it some time before making that decision, unless of course you are sure you don't want to deal with the family thing. Remember, this WON'T be the only disappointng time when it comes decisions related to kids of their age. If someone has touch on my points - well, great ideas! K-J: BOLD post Kid, but also very thoughts to consider. In these types of situations, it isn't easy, no matter how you look at it. Times are a changn' and in this day and age, one really has to consider the whole compromise thing. Seems like everyone has in this boat these days. Four months really isn't a long time to know about a relationship. While it's disappointing not to spend the holiday with someone special, partying like it's 2099 pales in comparison with being with your kids! Very Good Points!! OK, I know, big soapbox, so I'll get off. Hi to everyone!! gng

Thank you!1 She was so proud today when she saw it hanging in the doorway this afternoon.. sivyaleah- I hope you find yours.. when we were first married, relatives from Israel sent us a beautiful outdoor jerusalem stone mezuzah. When we sold it I couldn't remove it (the next owners were not jewish) w/o breaking it so I left it there (if they wanted to break it i would feel awful, but not as bad as If i did).. I have been looking for a new to replace it my new home, but can't seem to find any that compare. My mother went to Israel in June and brought one home for me, but it broke on the flight home so I am back to square one.. I don't have the heart to ask our relatives to pick me up a new one.. Anyone know of a good site?

M Miller, I see what you're seeing, but I think it's an optical illusion created by the reflection of the tile backsplash onto the granite. The line that looks like the bottom of a 4-inch counter material backsplash (when you look at the edge of the photo) actually instersects the sink. As pencil tiles go, I wouldn't find this one all that offensive ON ITS OWN, or in a different setting. The problem here is the pairing with the granite, and the wonky proportions of backsplash height and window height, which the valance just exacerbates. I think you've gotten a number of good suggestions for improving the situation.

Please summarize for us - do you need entry/mudroom to gather stuff? Do you all need more countertop work area? seems so. and do you need more kitchen storage? I thought there's nothing wrong with the table you have, but I'd rotate it. Possibly an island could look "non kitchen-y" and be placed against the wall like any other item would be. I'd consider removing the chair rail, because it looks 'busy'... like this table- :)