How often do you water and for how long? How high/low do you mow? The weeds can be handled by something like Spectracide with Atrazine. But I would wait until the grass returns. I have gotten excellent results for fungal disease using ordinary corn meal. It is an organic approach that the experts at Texas A&M swear up and down does not work, but it has worked for me every year since 2002. It is a complete cure in 3 weeks. I am suggesting you try that because corn meal doubles as an organic fertilizer. Your spots don't look that much like a disease, but it could be. If you did not have the really healthy stand of grass right by the sidewalk, it would look more like disease. I would hit it with corn meal at 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet now and again in 3 weeks. If you don't see new grass coming up in 4 weeks, then get a commercial fungicide that works in your heat/precipitation zone - read the label closely to see how to apply and when. Corn meal has no restrictions on how or when. Then once you get the grass growing, zap the dollar weed (I assume dichondra or some other easy weed) and let it grow. And if you have not already raised your mower to the highest setting, do that yesterday.

At long last I've finally cracked it with the help of bromeliaddict and jaga. The zero before my post code was the secret to the code and thanks again jaga. I would like to say what a pleasure it is to at last be finally registered on this forum and I would like to thank you all for the many useful tips I've had whilst lurking in the background. I'm now looking forward to becoming a regular conributer

Unfortuntely Carrie,it is VERY normal for the dad to take the "leave me out of it stance". Although from what I read on a website from a pyschologist,it is the worst thing a bio-dad can do to the step mom and child. It says that,unless the father reinforces things,this will leave way for the "Evil stepmom syndrome" because the stepmom becomes the mean/upset/anxious/unhappy one. You are in a tough spot here,but I honestly think this daughter and these kids would act like this toward any woman their dad decided to marry after their mom died. The dad should tell them that their mom wouldnt have wanted them to be this way.And if he loves you,he NEEDS to stand up for you in some way. Do you make any head way by telling him if it doesnt stop you will leave him? What does he say when you threaten this? I guess the main thing you can hope for is the one daughter moves out.Do you and your husband have any extra money you could throw her way and tell her it's to help her get out there on her own? At 21 she's lucky if you all let her live there at all.That is certainly old enough to get out in the world and start creating her own life.Even if she doesnt get married yet or have kids.She should be hanging with other young women her age and doing things they do not trying to take your place. I dont really know what other advice to give you,because it is sooo important you and your husband be on the same page here.If he says nothing,he is letting his kids run you out of this marriage. There was a time when I had some issues with my step daughter hitting my daughter.My husband didnt want to say anything to his daughter about it either.But I stood my ground and told him that if he didnt,I was leaving and taking our daughter with me.So he finally did...cuz because he knew I was serious. I'am sorry you are finding it to be so hard.With 6 kids,I think you are a saint anyways! :) You certainly took on alot and it sounds like you are really trying.It's a shame your husband cant validate you to his kids. Welcome to the forum!

J- Okay, that Avantium is cool! I can see why you want to get one for your new kitchen :) What about a refrigerator drawer, or even two? You could put it/them under the dish storage (one possibility) where they would be really close to the sink and the stove. This would give you a place to put the smaller items, while leaving plenty of space for big items, water, pop, etc. in the big fridge. I've thought about this myself a few times, with some of my layouts, but I've been gravitating to a smaller kitchen lately (shocking, I know LOL) but fridge drawers are a great way to keep a few items handy, without the big fridge right in the work area. If you had veggies, butter or margerine, some cheese, cream or milk, etc. that would be a lot of the items (at least a lot of mine) that I run back and forth grabbing, while I'm also trying to stir a sauce or wash something at the sink. Your landing space by the fridge (first plan) seems fine, for the occasional item and usually I get the big ingredients from the pantry and fridge before I start a meal. What do you think? As for you back, totally been there...after lifting too much hay for horses a few years back. Another good reason to think about dish washer drawers, too :) I think the stove on the back wall could make an incredible focal point. What are you thinking about for stove/cooktop? What style are you leaning towards? I know the plan is the first step, but what are you ideas for the room? Love to know details on your design...the plan is so important for function, but the design...that's the fun part!