That is HILARIOUS! Sounds like something my parents would do.

So we're having a Holiday Lunch Potluck at work on Friday and I don't know what to bring. Most people are bringing dessert or chips and dip, so I kinda want to make actual food. The only thing is that it needs to be something not too hard to make and that will taste good even though I'm bringing it in at 9am and we're not eating until noon. Anyone have any ideas?

I'm a huge fan of sesame string bean salad. Pretty easy to make and tastes amazing.

Depending on what my unit was assigned (our total area has ~ 100 people, so we sign up for stuff to spread it out) I used to make a taco dip that was pretty easy, but sounds like that's covered.

What about something in a crock pot? Like lil' smokies. Those are pretty easy, unless you don't like meat or wouldn't have access to a outlet.

*BUMP*

Ok the holidays might be 56 days away, but this year's will be a big one. It's the first one my boyfriend and I are living together and we are trying to buy presents early and spread it out.

Here's where I need some help. The boyfriend's brother is getting married right before Thanksgiving, and the combined family equals 5 kids.

Since we're broke and trying to save for a house, what can you buy for five kids ranging in age from 6-13 and is under $20? I have no frame of reference for this thing so I'm hoping GC can help!

If it's just a "gesture" gift, my aunt sent us these cookies from Lands End last year and they were a BIG hit -- http://www.landsend.com/pp/Peppermin...&origin=search

I also saw on another message board how to make them yourself so if you want to send more than what comes in the tin and make it more personal by decorating your own box or tin to send them in (if you're crafty), then I can send you that too. Extended family gifts are the most stressful part of the holidays!

$20 for 5 gifts? Maybe a gumball for each of them? :p

Seriously, maybe buy them a DVD that they could all watch Like Shrek the Third or something. If you don't mind spending a little bit more, you could buy them a membership to a local museum or the zoo. My brother always gets us a membership to the zoo and I think it is around $70 for a family membership- which includes two adults and all children in the household under the age of 21. If you get that, then you could say it is for the entire family and not have to buy a gift for the brother and new wife.

Do you mean under $20 apiece or under $20 for all of them? And will they all be in the same (blended) family?

Boys? Girls?

Whoops, let me clarify, we're looking to spend around $20 each on the 5 children.
Girl-9
2 Boys-11
1 Boy-13

This is the total of the blended family. I've attempted to hint at a secret santa type of thing, but these are the boyfriend's relatives, so I'm not going to butt in.

And please no cash, we just went through that with these kids and a big birthday party for 4 of them and it was nightmare. Let's just say I was embarrassed as a guest.

I really loved the zoo or other family membership idea - something the whole family can enjoy together all year.

I like the membership idea, too. But if that won't fly - www.chinaberry.com has the most wonderful books and toys.

I can not wait to watch Christmas catoons and A Christmas Story!!!

"You'll shoot your eye out, You'll shoot your eye out!!":D

What about something along the lines of "Child's" Day out? You and the boyfriend take each child out for something...maybe lunch and renting a movie, a picnic in the park, a sleepover at your place, afternoon playing basketball or hiking or whatever...WITHOUT the rest of the siblings. Yeah, it'll take up a chunk of your time but would definitely be economical. Also, each child would get some special time with both of you AND get some time away from home.

Aieee! It's not even Halloween and J.C. Penney had their Christmas decorations up yesterday!

10.29.07: on my internet radio station, they actually played Brenda Lee's "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree"

its too freaking early for Christmas songs!!!!! :mad: