Annie's Mailbox Payton takes what isn't hers

Dear Annie: I am 12 years old, and I read your column every day. Please help.
My sister, "Payton," is a thief. I don't mean she's stolen from stores, but I wouldn't put it past her. I mean she steals everything that belongs to me. She takes my clothes, my razor, which I paid for, my shampoo, etc. And I worked very hard to earn enough money to buy some cute bracelets, and she stole every single one and gave them away to her friends.
When my older sister lived at home, Payton also "borrowed" her clothes, movies and other things. She would even go into her car and steal money. My older sister has let me stay at her house by myself, but she never lets Payton stay over because she's afraid all her stuff will be missing in the morning.
We have talked to my parents about Payton's thievery, but my mom works long hours, and she is too tired to discuss it when she gets home. She just shrugs it off, goes into her bedroom and shuts the door. When I tell my dad, all he does is ask Payton why she takes things. When Payton replies, "I don't know," he just tells her not to do it again. Do you think she listens? No.
I fight with Payton constantly. My parents are sick of it, and I can't blame them. I'm sure Payton will be stealing from stores any day now. How can I get her to leave my stuff alone? Fed Up in North Dakota
Dear Fed Up: While many sisters "borrow" items without permission, Payton's behavior is a little over the top, and your parents are the ones who should put an end to her sticky-fingered habits.
Talk to your folks again, and show them this letter. Then ask if you can install a lock on your bedroom door so Payton will stop pilfering your things.
Dear Annie: I have a mother-in-law and sister-in-law who are heavy women, and I would like to know the most polite way to ask them their clothing sizes. I am tired of buying them sterile, impersonal gifts that they cannot really use. I'd like to get them some flattering clothing that I know they would love.
How do I tactfully ask their sizes? This is particularly hard since I am a newcomer to the family and quite petite. I don't want to offend them, but I need to figure this out before Christmas. Michigan Daughter-in-Law
Dear Michigan: Your heart is in the right place, but there is no tactful way to ask a heavyset person what size she wears. If you truly want to purchase clothes (and we don't recommend it), give them a gift certificate to a good store that carries a range of sizes, and offer to accompany them for a fun day of shopping.
Dear Annie: "Michigan Driver" wrote to complain about impromptu roadside memorials to people who have been killed in car accidents. Aside from the comfort to the bereaved, one hopes that these memorials will remind us that such accidents can happen any place, any time. A visual warning of where an accident has occurred may also remind us to slow down and drive more carefully. Massachusetts Driver
Dear Massachusetts: Several readers weighed in on this one. Read on:
From Montreal: In the suburb of Baie d'Urfe, there was a very dangerous intersection at the highway where many accidents and deaths had occurred. Concerned people lobbied, to no avail. Then, five white crosses were put up. Shortly thereafter, the area was rebuilt, allowing a very safe exit from the highway.
Arizona: Like "Michigan Driver," those roadside memorials made me worry about the person who died. I came up with a simple solution that works great for me. Whenever I see a memorial, I say a prayer. It distracts me from unpleasant thoughts of the accident, and I hope it brings a little peace to the loved ones left behind.
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