I'm the youngest, and when I went to college, my mother stood in the driveway and sang, "Happy Days are Here Again."

My parents have a certain sense of humor that can take some getting used to.

I've lived about an hour and a half away from my parents pretty much since college. Lately I've been sending applications across the continent. They're all, "Ooooh, new places for us to visit. Go you!"

Timelies all!

TICKYBOX! Those pictures are wonderful. Her head looks so wee in Paul's hand.

Much as I love Hec, my biggest squee was when the camera panned around to the audience and I saw Tom Scola.

I was sitting right behind him. And on my left? Rio.

t /tauntycakes

(oh, forget that, I'm not ending that tag).

I want Calli's parents. Everytime I talk about the possibility of moving my mother convinces me I will never survive without her.

My parents went from 4 teens to empty nest in a very short period of time. They loved it. They went on vacations, ate dinner out, and treasured their new freedom. They didn't understand why anyone would want their kids to not seek independence.

I want Calli's parents.

They are pretty cool. They both rambled around foreign countries as teachers before marrying and raising kids. If I could get a job in Malta or Madegascar they'd be thrilled.

They went on vacations, ate dinner out, and treasured their new freedom. They didn't understand why anyone would want their kids to not seek independence.

This is the kind of parent I want to be.

I had to fight to move out on my own. Mom would have had me live there until I get married.

It's a good thing you did. My sister still lives at home and she's 48.

Sj - here are my response

If mom says " You should put your books away" you should say " yes, I should" - because - well, you should , it would be nice and you could find your stuff - but don't say anything more thatn that.

if mom says " let me put your books away " I think you have to choices either " mom, someday I have to learn to put my toys in the toy box" or " but then I'd have to redo them and put them away in the right places" The first is a gentle reminder that at your age you have to clean up your own mess. The secod one - says your place your stuff. -- the only thing is - repeat , don't try and explain. short sweet, and not a big deal.

I always bookmark Lily pictures.

I have an uncle who never left home. He was an alcoholic most of his life. About 11 years ago (after he'd been retired a while), he was abusing my grandfather, who had Alzheimer's. My mom sued for custody of my grandfather so she could throw my uncle out of the house.