I wonder if the Ex gives him money to buy for his father and stepmother? I’m guessing not. Personally I would not give him money to buy souvenirs, but would for birthday, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. That is just me. I do not routinely buy souvenirs and feel the expectation of others can be out of hand. Came back from a business trip once and a staff member wanted to know what I brought them. Ummm, nothing. We had 50+ staff.

OP should speak to the pediatrician regarding his/her recommendation. Rejection issues should definitely be considered. I also think 8 is too young and 12 would be reasonable. That is my opinion and everyone else has their own opinions. NTA

For anyone who has issues cooking rice and does not have a rice cooker, a double boiler will make perfect rice. 1-cup rice and 1.5-cups water, 45 minutes. Perfect every time. I started using this method as a young bride more than 40 years ago.

Good description. A bit more information. The creation of the Extension System was a bill passed in 1914 (Smith-Lever Act). (My father worked for the Extension Service). The idea behind the extension service was to “extend” the university research done at the land-grant universities to the community. They developed new varieties of crops, researched how to grow healthy livestock for food production, developed mechanical equipment for better efficiency in farming, and many other farming practices. The researched how to best preserve food safely, proper nutrition, and other homemaking skills. More than one in three of the US population on the 1920s were farmers. More than 60% of the population lived in rural areas. Most homes had a home garden. Communication was poor, especially in the rural areas. This program promoted the education of the rural population where they lived. I’m guessing this is more than anyone ever wanted to know about the US Extension Service. LOL

This one has been cut down to size for a household. I posted it and it is from Alabama in the late 70’s.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Old_Recipes/s/rXdpGw9ctu

I buy the bag of garlic from Sam’s Club all of the time. Roasted garlic will make you fall in love. LOL

Grocery bills could be in thirds. Yours, his, ours (cleaning products, child’s expenses, spices, etc.). However in my opinion this is not the best path to take. It looks like your relationship is moving apart, not together. He could have put his needed items on the shopping list for one purchase and said he would make his own meals. No, don’t purchase the house. Instead invest in couples counseling. Good luck.

I’m not sure of your location, but frozen for the corn. You don’t want to shuck and silk a ton of ears. LOL. Boil those ears, drain the water out, back in the pot on low heat for a few minutes to dry the water, butter in the pan, roll them for coating and season with salt. That is the simple straightforward version. You can get fancy with the toppings, but when you are not experienced, the KISS method is best.

You could probably do corn on the cob for the same money. Also a marinated slaw, could be another side or for slaw dogs.

You are off to a great start, your brownies are beautiful. Presentation will really show off your beautiful work.

Move.

These paper liners are very pretty:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/wedding--444237950741551270/

I can’t seem to add only one image, so the tower with purple and white flowers. If you are in a climate where you can get pansy blooms, they are safe to eat provided they have not been sprayed with a poison. I’m sure a florist could help identify safe flowers.

https://www.dellomano.com.au/pages/dello-mano-wedding-cakes-and-brownie-wedding-favours

If you could sugar some blueberries or raspberries and put one or three on top.

Just make certain you have a beautiful display platform.

Was brother off the grid? Could you have texted him a photo of the bad ones so he would understand the urgency?
If you could have and you did not, YTA.

A rice-vermicelli and bruschetta if the tomatoes are in season.

He is 100% love. When asked about our many rescue breeds over the years. We explain they are the “One-of-a-kind” breed.

Sheets 1-2 weeks, depending. My job is an office job. Husband is retired at home and does a great deal outside in a hot climate. Winter he is less active outside. If he has sweated doing chores, he takes a shower before bed. Summer, he might sweat during sleep, in spite of the AC. So closer to two weeks in winter and one week in summer. Towels weekly for laundry, but we pull down a fresh one occasionally if needed.

I vote for this one. Beautiful.

NTA. As others have pointed out, apparently your brother and SIL are not prioritizing their family. Shame on them for not giving you money to cover expenses or bringing the food with them each day when the babies were delivered. You have saved them a great deal of money, so they should have some cushion built up. Give them a date then don’t provide caregiving after the date. Should be easy if you have left home for the office. If they pull any tricks to leave them anyway, tell them you will call child protective services because the babies have been abandoned. If they have a key to your home, change your locks. Congratulations on your promotion. Enjoy your success.

PopularAd4986. Apparently you are not allowed to state the obvious either. LOL

Our small dog slept on the bed. She growled if we disturbed her peace. We still laugh about her, and she crossed over 25 years ago.

I bet it is a struggle. Chasing small game is bred into them and part of their DNA. Good luck, you will need it.

I would be interested to know this too.

Nope, not healthcare to terminate a life.

I agree with your statement, PopularAd4986. However for everyone else, the friend’s pronoun was already provided by the by OP. Why do YOU feel entitled to try and change the pronoun? When it makes the intended meaning ambiguous, revert to proper names instead of pronouns. Do not use “they” when the discussion includes multiple people, but you are referencing only one of the subjects being discussed. Poor writing skills people.

NTA. Tell your friend the trip was intended for the two of you. If he can’t accept those terms, he can’t accept your gift. Too bad. You can take someone else instead or if possible rebook the trip at a later date. His mom can pay for the friend to take his little sister.