Nola Redd's comments

Negative Feelings toward Stepchildren, Part I - Blog Entry

27 Nov 2006 10:09 AM

I'm not a step-parent but I am a step-child twice over; I was a flower girl at both my parents weddings. When my dad and stepmother started dating, there was a lot of resentment because I was 'daddy's girl' (I was about 8 at the time). Apparently I sulked through the wedding and was not really thrilled. After about two years, I started coming around but by then the damage was done and my stepmother (who wasn't but about 15 years older than me anyway) despised me. I tried to show her I liked her but she never accepted it, and it made it hard for me, since she lavished care on both her son and my ittle sister. So, basically, I just wanted to say - kids can change, and even grow up. If you are struggling with them at first, don't force that negativity to continue; odds are it will improve.

Be a Friend To Your Fridge - Blog Entry

27 Nov 2006 09:39 AM

Thanks for a humerous look at taking care of my fridge. I need to keep the laptop out of the kitchen so the fridge won't see just how badly I am neglecting it....

Giving the Gift of Taboo Books to Teenagers - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:44 PM

Like our kids don't get enough of drugs and sex on TV, right? Let's put them in the mind of a character who experiences it. Obviously those offering this 'great' idea don't realize that a well-written book can draw you in and change your mind - especially when you are young and impressionable - than a TV program.

Setting Up a Realistic Budget - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:40 PM

I listen to radio show host Dave Ramsey, and he suggests your review the budget at the beginning of each month, as each month has different upcoming events. For instance, one month you might have to pay a child's sport dues; another month might involve a trip (or five) to the pediatrician for the annual checkup; another month might bring the need for new tires for the cars. All of these can be planned for, and if you take them into account at the start of the month and revise your budget accordingly (maybe less in the 'eating out' or some other portion), you won't struggle midway through.

Five Ideas for Food Storage Christmas Gifts - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:37 PM

Great ideas! My inlaws gave us a bunch of things for our emergency kit last year. While not particularly exciting to open, they were needed, appreciated, and used!

Do You Fight Before, During, or After Holidays? - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:35 PM

Another problem that comes with the holidays is the extended family. Whether you are spending more time than usual with folks who already live nearbye and you get along with, or whether you are still trying to iron out traditions. It took dh and I about three years to settle our 'Christmas' problems, and his parents are still resentful about our solution (he used to spend the night at his grandparents house with his parents on Christmas Eve, but I was just not up to dragging all our presents over there, plus wanted 'our' Christmas). Also, if you come from two family types - one close-knit family (dh and his 40+ people holidays) and one distant (we always did the two hour drop in; walk in, eat, leave) - then you can really clash, just because the holidays can be different from the norm.

Is Your Marriage Making You Fat? - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:32 PM

I know, and for years, I thought it was just my great cooking! LOL

Seriously, when dh and I met, dh was working out all the time. The more we dated, the less time he spent working out (though we did go for walks and runs on occasion), and once our first child was born, I was NOT thrilled with him going to the gym for an hour after work. But that part I knew was my fault...it's still his fault I binge on chocolate, though, and one day I know I'll pick it all up at once!

Marriage: Hush up and Listen - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:30 PM

Another suggestion: print this out and leave it for my dh to find. Insist he read it. Beat him over the head with it.

I remember reading somewhere, in some marriage book, that women are 'wired' to review the problem and offer each other moral support, wheras men tend to take the problem-solving approach. So that's something to remember - not that I ever remember it when I'm trying to vent, LOL.

Healthy Ways to Have Fun as a Family - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:26 PM

Not only will these ideas help keep your kids in shape now, but they will help you as you get older, especially if you make a family walk consistant. My in-laws are struggling to walk now, in their 50s, for health reasons. Both weigh over 300 lbs. If they had been walking for the past 30 years of marriage...well, let's just say that's incentive to our family to stay in shape and avoid what health problems we can avoid!

Make Resting Fun - Blog Entry

26 Nov 2006 12:20 PM

When my DD (now 5) stopped taking naps, I started giving her books to look at and read. She still won't sleep, but she lays quietly while her brothers nap - which allows me to relax, as well!