step 2. cut a hole in the box?

Just say no to creme pies.

did you make that up? What spice cake mix do you use?

I found it on allrecipes dot com. Good site. And I just used Betty Crocker, I think.

eta: For the cookies, another reviewer of the cake said to just add choc chips to the same recipe and drop spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet, bake for 15 minutes. I'm trying that tonight.

I like a cream pie sometimes but for Thanksgiving it has to be pumpkin and pecan

I, Anonymous: Dear Racist Asshole

some shocking language and the usual Stranger borderline NSFW ads

I can't link to last years hello kitty toaster saga from here. But 2 hours into our holiday drive I asked "so what does everyone wish for for Christmas?"

And this little voice pipes up from the backseat:

"I haven't gotten a hello kitty toaster that works."

First time she's brought it up since January. We just about died laughing.

A question/advice needed from the parents:

An old friend is in town for the holiday, her parents live here. She mentioned that she would be in the city to go to a museum. I emailed "hey, why don't we grab a drink and catch up while you're here". she said "lunch would be better, since we'll have the kids with us"

I don't want to be rude, but I wasn't trying to invite her husband (who I don't know very well, and she complains about him not watching the kids when they're together) or her kids, I wanted to get together to catch up with her. This is an awkward situation, because I believe that a parent's focus should be on their kid, but I still get annoyed when we can't have a conversation because they are making sure their kid doesn't knock something over, or the kid is asking questions every five minutes. How do I say/imply "I don't want to see your kids, I want to see you" without being rude? I was going to say something like I was hoping for some quality time with you, but if she says "oh, I have to bring the kids" or whatever, is it possible to say that I'd rather not meet up without sounding like a complete kid hater? I like kids, but I know that I will get frustrated if we don't get to actually spend any time together.

I think you're going to have to go with "I was hoping for some quality time just for you and me. Is that going to be possible this trip?" If she says she has to bring the family, then be gracious and grab a quick lunch somewhere and plead a need to be elsewhere very soon after. You can be pleasant for 40 minutes, and it will give you a few minutes to touch base with your friend, and bonus points in her eyes for making nice with the hubby and kids.

Or maybe that's my guilt talking.

Vortex, it doesn't make you a horrible kid hater. I understand the desire to see your friend and catch up. Personally, I would jump at the chance to leave the kids with DH for two hours and catch up with an old friend for a drink. You could couch it in those terms--"Would you need a break away and be able to meet up with me for a drink by yourself?" If she says it's impossible, just say you might not be able to do lunch and leave it at that.

I totally understand where you're coming from. I would hope that she feels the same way. I have found that meeting up with the kids present never really gives me enough time to catch up properly--especially in a restaurant or public place.

Beverly is nicer than I am.