When Marie receives a letter from a relative detailing how wonderful her life is and how well her kids are doing, it drives Marie insane with jealousy. She enlists Debra's help in writing a Barone "family update," but despite efforts to make everyone sound successful, the letter makes them all feel inadequate about what they have done – or not done.

Held captive at Frank and Marie's during a snowstorm, Debra, Ray and Amy actually find themselves having a great time. The light mood is soon halted, however, when Debra unintentionally insults Frank. This causes Marie to defend her husband and finally reveal her true feelings for Debra.