Sew, What's Up

Sew What’s Up Presents

The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Bama
Date: 07-20-2007, 03:42 PM (1 of 42)
We have out of state relatives visiting and they just left for a couple of hours to drive around and to go get baby diapers. I needed this break. :pc: There's 3 adults and 2 kids here and there will be two more adults and two more kids getting here tomorrow. They're staying until Tuesday so please send good thoughts my way. :dave: My house doesn't seem quite as big as it did 2 days ago.
Also my 20yo niece (my side this time) is spending the night with us Saturday night, but she's no trouble at all. She had that planned before we knew the rest were coming.
I might be nuts by Tuesday. :nervous: Maybe I'll get another chance to check in on my Bingo words before then.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Sewhappie
Date: 07-20-2007, 04:43 PM (2 of 42)
:bang: :bang: :bang: come Tuesday this will be Bama!!!!:bg:
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: lendube
Date: 07-20-2007, 05:11 PM (3 of 42)
Either that or the embodiment of your avatar, Naomi! Now that's a scary thought!

Good luck. Glad I'm not in your shoes, you gracious woman, you.

Lennie
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006
Total posts: 1548
From: esrun3
Date: 07-20-2007, 10:58 PM (4 of 42)
You are a far braver woman than I!!! Good luck with all the houseguests! Sneak away and sew for an hour to unwind!
Lyn
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004
Total posts: 2345
From: Bama
Date: 07-21-2007, 01:55 PM (5 of 42)
Another tiny break! DH took them to see some friends who live near by. This is me now. :whacky:
Three of them went with DD and I last night at midnight to get Harry Potter 7. (More about that adventure later :nervous: ) They had no clue what was going on. I guess the adults think I'm crazy to stand in line for a book. (even crazier for wearing my Dumbledore's Army shirt today. At least I didn't wear it last night) I couldn't stand to wait so I bought my own copy and read until 3:00 a.m.. DD was still up at 9:00 a.m. but finally fell asleep clutching onto her book. Looks like her bookmark is about 3/4 of the way through the book. :up:
I hope hubby entertains them for a while. I just finished making chicken spaghetti and after I check the boards, I'm off to read for a while.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-21-2007, 03:07 PM (6 of 42)
My husband has one coming in the mail and I want to go to the bookstore and get my copy this afternoon.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-21-2007, 07:49 PM (7 of 42)
My DH went by the bookstore and picked up the one for DD that she had reserved. Said he walked right in, paid for it, and will have the store mail it to DD. Afterwards, he took me out to lunch and then to Hancock Fabrics for my shopping experience. I got the better deal.
Marty:cool:
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007
Total posts: 293
From: Bama
Date: 07-23-2007, 07:32 PM (8 of 42)
:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Patty22
Date: 07-23-2007, 08:36 PM (9 of 42)
I read the last chapter in the book.....now I am on about page 100 of the book. My daughter is furious with me and told me I am a spoil sport, but I told her this way I could read for enjoyment rather than racing through the pages seeing who lives.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: lendube
Date: 07-23-2007, 11:01 PM (10 of 42)
Poor Bams! Have you checked your Bingo? You're doing really well. That should cheer you up. :love: You only need 3 according to my list. That could be tomorrow!

Take Care, this too shall pass.......I feel your pain.

Lennie :whacky:
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006
Total posts: 1548
From: bridesmom
Date: 07-24-2007, 12:57 AM (11 of 42)
I feel your pain. I love company, but I'm ready for them to go home way before they are.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: Magot
Date: 07-24-2007, 02:49 AM (12 of 42)
Bama, breath in slowly, breath out slowly - repeat 10 times, then go get the frying pan. It is good to be in compete control when you brain someone.:up:
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
From: PaulineG
Date: 07-24-2007, 04:00 AM (13 of 42)
I read the last chapter in the book.....now I am on about page 100 of the book.

I've been told that somebody has (or is - I'm not entirely sure) getting it for me for my birthday - next month! I couldn't handle waiting that long as I've been re-reading books 1-6 as a buildup so I jumped on Wikipedia to see a quick plot run down. It was a lot more detailed than I'd like but I figure I can forget most of it in time - I could easily see myself rushing through it too.
Pauline
User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006
Total posts: 901
From: MaryW
Date: 07-24-2007, 07:56 AM (14 of 42)
I too have had house guests. More to come the first of August for 3, count 'em, 3 weeks. :whacky:

I say no more.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-24-2007, 08:15 AM (15 of 42)
If all you people that got an early start on the book want to talk endings please, please start another thread so those of us waiting for one reason or another don't hear about it.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Bama
Date: 07-24-2007, 03:04 PM (16 of 42)
Dorothy, my daughter keeps telling me to hurry up and read it so she won't let something slip to me. :bluewink: She wants to start discussing it with me and I keep stopping her. I've read 10 chapters. Hope to read for a long while tonight. I promise I won't post any spoilers.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Bama
Date: 07-24-2007, 03:53 PM (17 of 42)
Our visitors from #*!! finally left this morning. We have several of DH's family members who come to visit once or twice a year and I enjoy all of them except for two of these! My SIL is unbelievable. When they got here I showed them to the den in the basement where I had a queen sized bed ready for them. You should have seen the look on her face. "You want us to sleep down here?". It's not like it's a dungeon. It's a finished basement with tile floors and paneled walls. The den is 20' x 20'. Complete with furniture and TV. Besides, we didn't even invite them. :bang: The next morning she asked me if she could use my washing machine because they had to sleep on dirty sheets. I had just washed them and put them on that bed the morning they got here. :mad: By the 3rd night she had her husband drag the mattress up the stairs into my living room. :bang: She said it was hard for her to breath in the basement. That night she threw my crippled cat outside because he was meowing. He was confused because they were sleeping in his living room right beside his cat tent! I had already told them that the cat lives inside now since he was hurt. The cat spent the rest of the week sleeping in my room because of her fake allergies (she was always fine until her husband walked in, then she would have an asthma attack) and because I was afraid she's throw him out again.
They brought a toddler with them and never bought any milk or juice. I spent almost $300 on groceries while they were here. Oh and one thing that really got to me.... we had all kinds of food that DH grilled and her grandson ordered a pizza without asking and ran outside to ask for money for it. They told him they didn't have enough cash for it so I had to go inside and get money to pay the pizza guy. :mad:
They rode to the store with DH and after all the kids ran inside and grabbed drinks and snacks, they said they didn't have any cash with them and DH had to pay for all of that too.
I cooked breakfast one morning and she allowed her GS to eat 5 pieces of sausage when my husband had not eaten yet and laughed because he ate it all. Then she got out the package of sausage that was for the next morning and cooked it because her GS wanted more. Then he ate all of DS's cereal.
I overheard her tell her daughter that my bathroom was filthy as she cleaned the toilet seat with my Clorox wipes. She used the whole tub of them before they left. Everyone else thought it was perfectly clean. My daughter overheard her tell her grandson that my sewing room was a disaster. My daughter told them "Because my mom spends time doing creative things instead of obsessing over cleaning all the time". :bg:
DH keeps bottled water in the refrigerator in the garage. They went through 3 cases of his water, all of the kids soda, milk, juice, and never went out to buy more. I made 2 gallons of tea every day and had to pour it out twice because they left it out on the bar all night. I always had a big meal cooked, yet she still went through my cabinets and freezer looking for something for her picky GS.
The reason it bothers me so much is the one and only time we ever visited them, she didn't cook for us. I went to the grocery the day we got there and bought cereal, drinks, and snack foods for my kids. We ordered out or went out to eat and we even paid for theirs every time. We decided to grill burgers at their house and I offered to buy the stuff for that. Then they invited all the step kids and grandkids. It cost me $80 to grill burgers for all of them. (BTW, after she helped fill the shopping cart at the grocery store that day, she left me standing at the register and walked to the car) We spent more on that vacation than if we'd stayed in a hotel. We'll never do that again.
She washed all of their blankets 3 times while they were here. One was a huge feather comforter that was way too big to stuff into my washing machine. :bang: She used all of my laundry detergent and never offered to go get more. She took 2 to 3 showers a day. Did all of their laundry. Insisted the kids change clothes every time they got a little dirty or played with the dog. Used my beach towels when they went swimming and thought they had to be washed and dried before they used them again. And we're still on water restrictions here. :bang:
She constantly complained that she had bites on her legs. (She was hinting that it was fleas from my dog, but it was mosquito bites because she used so much scented lotion. My inside dog does not have fleas)
All of this going on and I was still having to go to my MIL's house and help her bathe and dress every day, do her laundry, and take her something to eat. I heard for two weeks from SIL's phone calls about how she was going to help me with MIL while she was here. HA.
I could go on and on, but I know you're all tired of hearing my rants. It would make a good Chevy Chase movie because it's so ridiculous that some of it is funny. :whacky:
When they pulled out of our driveway this morning, DH started ran into the garage dancing. :nah:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: lendube
Date: 07-24-2007, 04:59 PM (18 of 42)
Blanket invitation, Bams; you are cordially invited to stay at my house anytime that particular woman comes to stay with you. You are a saint.

This is dh's family??? What did he have to say about all of this??

Totally justified rant! :up:

Lennie
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006
Total posts: 1548
From: Bama
Date: 07-24-2007, 05:21 PM (19 of 42)
Thank you Lennie. I will be tempted to do that if they ever show up here again. I would have slept at a friend's house this time if I wasn't afraid they'd snoop through my room.
It is DH's brother and his wife that drive us nuts. His other siblings are great. DH said he wouldn't care if he never saw them again. It's sad to think like that, but they take advantage of everyone. And something is usually missing whenever they leave one of our houses. Towels, cups, maybe an article of clothing. Now I can't find our remote for the TV. They almost left with DD's phone charger until I insisted that it was hers! Happened with one of her CDs last time.
While I was washing up their dirty dishes yesterday morning, and SIL was lounging in the living room, DH came into the kitchen and started banging pots and pans around like he was trying to help. :bg:

And wouldn't you get a hint that someone doesn't appreciate your GS being on your computer (especially when it's in the sewing room!) 15 hours a day when they put a password on it as soon as he gets off of it???? They repeatedly asked me to tell him my password. My son punched it in for him before he knew I didn't want him in here anymore. There were candy wrappers and drinks left in here this morning. He stayed up all night. He got mad because I yelled at him not to use my razor-edged scissors to cut plastic. :mad:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: MTjumpnJX
Date: 07-24-2007, 05:59 PM (20 of 42)
Lennie, hopefully that's the worst thing that you will have to go through this summer.

Whatcha gonna do next summer when they come to "visit" . . . head for the hills??? lol

You kinda got lucky. We had my BIL, DN, & their 2 dogs( one in heat) stay for 3 weeks.

They left by police escort......
User: MTjumpnJX
Member since: 05-17-2007
Total posts: 29
From: vickki
Date: 07-24-2007, 09:10 PM (21 of 42)
Wow!! I got knots in my stomach just reading it,can't imagine them visiting me.....I sure would have to use ex-lax in their supper....Wouldn't take them much more than a couple of meals to want to leave...Ha
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005
Total posts: 374
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-25-2007, 12:21 AM (22 of 42)
You are entitled to your rant, Bama. My relatives used to do some of the same things until I wised up. I finally mentioned that my DH's family thought that "fish and company begin to smell after 3 days". My mother was insulted and said that she would never stay in my home again and she hasn't. Now, on the rare occasions that she visits, she stays in a hotel for 3 days and then leaves. We will treat her to a meal at a restaurant of our choice. This is the same way I am with my siblings. I think they got the message after driving me crazy for several years.

The next time that they mention visiting, I would have some shopping completed in advance. Tell them that this is what is available to eat and if they want something different, then they are free to go to the grocery store ALONE. Under no circumstances should you go with them shopping unless you are willing to pay the bill. Also, I would install a lock on my sewing room door (if I had one). I would make sure that the basement family room is the only room that they are allowed to use. Keep one's washing powder and other items locked away unless you are willing to let them use all of your supplies. There are ways to discourage the freeloaders when they come. Just because they are family is no excuse for you to become their doormat.
Now, that I've finished my rant :bang: go have some fun with just you and DH.
Marty :smile:
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007
Total posts: 293
From: Jeke
Date: 07-25-2007, 02:00 AM (23 of 42)
Oh my gosh, Bama, it does sound like a Chevy Chase movie. :shock: I am glad for you that they are finally gone. I will NEVER say another word about my SIL who comes to town and never calls us. It's probably better that way!
Jay
User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 232
From: Sewhappie
Date: 07-25-2007, 02:58 PM (24 of 42)
I think that I would have done that ol' bat in if she was staying at my place!!!!! AND after what she did to the cat!!! Not at my house, there's 4 of them here. She would be outside with her fleas!! One less pain in the butt to deal with.

Bama you have to be a TRUE SAINT to put up with her.

Make sure that you do a really good cleaning on your computer, heaven knows what the kid downloaded when no one was around!!!!
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: ddreev
Date: 07-25-2007, 03:43 PM (25 of 42)
Bama, The next time they want to visit ,you should tell them you"know that her allergies are bad so maybe they should stay at a hotel". You will be happy to call around and find some hotels that are pet and allergen free for them.... then they can chose where they want to stay( on their dime). You can then meet them during the day to do something together.

I think every one has had less than desirable guests at one time or another but, they take the cake.
Dorothy D.
User: ddreev
Member since: 05-29-2007
Total posts: 69
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-25-2007, 05:30 PM (26 of 42)
I agree with Dorothy (funny, that). Next time they are coming just give them a list of motels to choose from. The only family I stay with are my daughters. In-laws -- I stay in a motel. That way I don't get on their nerves and they don't get on mine. It's nice in this apartment complex you can rent a room for $50 a night for guests you don't have room or temperament for -- pretty cheap. It's as nice a inexpensive motel and just across the driveway from us.
Dorothy (me)
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: mozeyrn
Date: 07-25-2007, 08:08 PM (27 of 42)
Bama - after what you've been through there is no reason for you to leave YOUR home - just don't let them stay there again! You don't seem like to type to be nasty but that was above & beyond what you did for them.
If they get nasty or try to give you a guilt trip for not staying with them, don't cave in! Politely say, "We'll be happy to find a hotel for your next stay" and leave it at that. Do not let them in your house, they will find some reason to stay, and not leave until THEY are ready to leave. No one should be subjected to what you went thru - even enemies are nicer to each other!
It's probably better that you give her advance warning (about not staying there - you really don't need a reason - you'd prefer they stay elsewhere) so she doesn't show up on your doorstep saying that she didn't find a hotel. Do not offer them anything and don't let them anywhere near your kitchen or refrigerators. If they say they are thirsty, get them a glass of water from the kitchen sink tap. But make sure it's a disposable cup.
This is the type where you give an inch, they take 20 miles and never say, "Thank you" or "I'm sorry".
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!!
Kenmore 16231000
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005
Total posts: 349
From: Bama
Date: 07-25-2007, 08:26 PM (28 of 42)
Hubby said that next time they say they're coming to visit, we'll just happen to have a trip planned for that week. :dave:
It will be much easier to turn them down after DH's parents are gone. I'm trying to keep peace so my MIL can see her son.
Can you believe I've gotten 3 phone calls from them since they left asking me if I've found things they say they left here. :nc: I still have not found my TV remote. SIL was holding it when I went to bed the last night they were here. I'll order another one before I ask her about it. :mad:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Bama
Date: 07-25-2007, 08:27 PM (29 of 42)
Oh yes, thank you all for listening to my ranting and raving. It sure makes me feel better. :bluesmile
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: ddreev
Date: 07-25-2007, 11:06 PM (30 of 42)
Have you checked down the sides of the cushions in the furniture for the remote...We lost one for a few days and it was wedged down in the crack between the arm and the deck portion of the couch. I think one of the kids hid it from the other and then left for school.
Dorothy D.
User: ddreev
Member since: 05-29-2007
Total posts: 69
From: grandma C
Date: 07-25-2007, 11:11 PM (31 of 42)
Bama, You are a dear soul and I am sorry you were taken advantage of. I do hope that you have a speedy recovery and find forgivness in your heart for people with such poor upbringing. I to think that a hotel is the best place for them.
My brother and his wife are comming next week for two days and I am booking a cabin down the road from us. They both smoke and we don't allow smoking in our home. My brother respects that. We also only have one bathroom and that complicates things at bedtime and upon rising. I hope to add a bathroom next year but with the smoking I suspect they will still stay elsewhere. I do stay with them when I visit them but it is a long distance to a hotel. Bama, Isn't it great that they give you so much appreciation for your other guests that visit occasionaly and are pleasent to have visit. :up:
Belinda
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
From: Bama
Date: 07-25-2007, 11:34 PM (32 of 42)
Dorothy,
I'm going to take out all the cushions tomorrow and see if the remote is wedged down in some of the furniture. :up: At least the house was quiet today because the kids read instead of turning on the TV. Funny how they won't walk up to the TV and push buttons like we did when I was a kid. (actually we "turned" the channel)

Belinda,
Yes! It makes me love the good house guests even more. :up: In fact, I'd love to see them. :dave:
I hope you have a nice visit with your family.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Jeke
Date: 07-26-2007, 12:18 AM (33 of 42)
"Turned" the channel. Sheesh - I forgot I had to do that! :bg:
Jay
User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 232
From: ddreev
Date: 07-26-2007, 08:59 AM (34 of 42)
Just think, our Moms did not have to put up with our Dads surfing.... on the tv.
Dorothy D.
User: ddreev
Member since: 05-29-2007
Total posts: 69
From: Magot
Date: 07-26-2007, 09:26 AM (35 of 42)
ah and to think Tony complains I am no good at setting the DVD - it is because I am not allowed the remote dammit!

Glad you have some space again Bama, hang in there with your MIL and be good to yourself occasionally!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
From: MaryW
Date: 07-26-2007, 11:31 AM (36 of 42)
Bama, don't let this happen again, EVER! I have had guests like that from time to time. It's too hard on everyone, nerve wracking. I hate to see my SIL come, she smokes.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-26-2007, 11:37 AM (37 of 42)
With all of the abuse that you suffered from your DH's family, I think it is time to pamper yourself with a fabric shopping trip. That should help eliminate some of the bad memories of their visit. :bg:
Marty :love:
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007
Total posts: 293
From: Bama
Date: 07-27-2007, 08:24 PM (38 of 42)
I do plan on shopping for some Civil War fabric one day next week. :up:

Good news! I found the TV remote. It was wedged way down inside a chair. Not just under the cushions. INSIDE the chair. Found a baby pacifier in there too. :nah: And some Cracker Jack popcorn. :sick:
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: ddreev
Date: 07-28-2007, 09:50 AM (39 of 42)
Bama, glad you found the remote. We have remote eating furniture, too.
Dorothy D.
User: ddreev
Member since: 05-29-2007
Total posts: 69
From: temom
Date: 07-29-2007, 04:07 PM (40 of 42)
Wow, Bama, you certainly were used and abused! That takes the prize in the rude houseguest category!

I hope you are recovering nicely.
Hugs to Bama!
Theresa
User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007
Total posts: 410
From: Bama
Date: 07-29-2007, 06:08 PM (41 of 42)
Things are finally getting back to normal around here. :up: Thanks again for all the support. I don't know if I could have stood it if I didn't get to vent here. :bluewink:

Did anyone see my pic I posted in the Harry Potter thread?
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-29-2007, 06:35 PM (42 of 42)
Your photo is very good as it has you looking relaxed and comfy with your furbaby.
Marty:wink:
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007
Total posts: 293
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