You have much to celebrate! I'm so very happy for you!:lol:

Crafts, cooking, baking , a girly movie (this is a great age to introduce Pride and Prejudice!). This time of year- Christmas baking, ornaments, gingerbread houses- there are LOTS of possibilities. Have FUN!

I'm sorry you are experiencing this from your ILs. BTDT. My mother never saw the importance of such things, either. Here's my advice (I didn't read many of your previous replies): 1. Drop you expectations. They don't appear to have the same idea about grandparenting that you do. Don't rely on them. NEVER plan a party around them- too upsetting for your boys if they bail. (I did that once and it was a fiasco- 2 hugely different ideas collided) 2. Your dh needs to step up and grow a spine. These are his parents; he needs to confront their hurtful behavior. He will need to shield his wife and boys from his selfish parents in the future. He may need to practice his speech to them but it is HIS to give- not yours. He's wimping out - Sorry to say that. Now, it could be that after he informs them of the effect of their self-centeredness, they may reform some. But,don't let them off the hook. 3. Find substitute grandparents. Yup. Find another grandma or a pair to get to know your boys and help them form that kind of relationship. Sad, but your in-laws have lost some of their priveleges, in my opinion. Of course, let them around your boys, but only in arrangements where you set the tone, time and boundary. 4. If your boys ask about them, be honest and tell them the ils are busy and they'll see them another time. Our kids had my selfish mother figured out by the time they were teens. Yes, it's sad, but an object lesson in many ways. 5. MOST IMPORTANT- you and your dh have to be on the same page about this. Give your in-laws and the boys the SAME message. Compromise may be necessary. Plan an extra little something for your son's missed opportunity. Blessings on you.:grouphug:

First of all, I'm so glad you want to know more about the Bible. Your time won't be wasted! I recommend these quick, yet meaty study guides to start with: http://store.precept.org/c-27-40-minute-no-homework.aspx or http://store.precept.org/c-53-new-inductive-study-series-big-picture-studies.aspx I've done many different kinds and find these are the most in depth and well written. Sometimes, the answers are 'obvious' but they fit into the big picture. The first set are 'no-homework' and the 2nd set are 15 minutes-a-day of homework. I like them both . Hope this is helpful. Oh- and they arrive really quickly by mail/UPS. Happy reading/studying! :001_smile:

Probably the same version he'd hear read at church so he can follow along. I'd go with a study bible so he could get more understanding of passages but you'll want the editors to reflect your theological system: Armenian, Reformed, Neo-reformed, etc... Getting them engraved with their names will make it more special.

If you REALLY REALLY REALLY love electronic instrumental music, it might be worth it. That's a LONG way- too long for me to go- to travel for that kind of music. We saw them about 6 years ago in Downtown DC (an hour from our house) and it was *okay*. I'm a vocalist but my dh is an instrumentalist- we're both classically trained so the theory stuff was of interest but overall - hmmmm. If your dh is a huge fan, I'd do it but mix in some more fun things to do while on the trip to make it more worthwhile.

I had to do this once.....my former friend had cheated on her husband and HIS lawyer first asked me to testify and then had me subpoened. No fun, but I did it. I just didn't look at her during my testimony. Actually, it was hard to recognize her as her lawyer had her dress in 'grandma' clothes and look conservative- hairstyle and ALL. The husband was able to get out of paying her the huge alimony she had demanded and proved that she was on the 'skankky' side which prevented the children from being with her un-supervised. It was a nerve-wracking situation but, my dh and I felt it was the least we could do to help the husband and protect the children. She had snookered us all.

OUr dermatologist gave us samples of CeraVe and I love it. http://cerave.com/

Usually we just do leftovers but I wanted to try a new recipe. Pioneer Woman's Turkey Tetrazzini is awesome. It's worth the effort!

I'm so sorry for you......we've experienced this as well. The person in our extended family (or their enabling spouse and offspring) never sought help. We had the option of severely limiting our contact with them and only had to interact at funerals and weddings. I hope you have support from those closest to you and know that many have walked the same path.

Where is the School of Hard Knocks in your list?:lol:

Take it from an old homeschool mom (24 years), don't wait years to give this message to those who need it. Avoid the drama, hassle and hurt and give it early on to folks who need to be told to mind their own business. Like my mother. Like my best-friend's mom. It can be said respectfully and you can talk about other things but there is NO NEED to be assailed by negativity and criticism. You don't need it and your kiddos don't need it. Hang in there. You're doing the right thing for your family.

Ziva Elise Swanson? A middle name with the accent on the 2nd syllable would sound best, imo. Elaine, Annette, Marie etc..... BTW- love the name 'Ziva' ! Congratulations!

:iagree::iagree: YES! Greg came to our church when our twins were about 3/4 yrs old- 1985....his presentation rocked our world. His book did, as well. I do remember the Greenleaf catalog, that led me to the Elijah company and Rainbow Resource, Lifetime books and eventually to WTM and CC. Thank God for great books.

Hilarious! I've got to get one of these- but because of my own mother.

We saw this sort of coming before we got married......one sil was NPD and the rest of the group are all type B personalities and 'let' her.....so, the first Christmas after our wedding, we went away. It was shocking and upsetting to all of my dh's family. They couldn't believe we would want to be away from them all for a holiday. It set the precedent that we would do our own thing- thank you very much- and wouldn't be dictated to by a nut-job. I always keep an open mind about holidays with our own 20-somethings. None are married yet, but I hold it all pretty loosely open. We TRY to nail down 1 time that we will be together during the holidays and then I guard it like a Doberman pincher.

I love the Ytreeide books: http://www.amazon.com/Jothams-Journey-Storybook-Arnold-Ytreeide/dp/0825441749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321446868&sr=8-1 They are great stories set at the time of Jesus' birth and lead you right up to celebrating Christmas. They really held our ds' attention.

Yup. I had to return once.....nothing to see. They just wanted a better view. And yes, I worried. Now, if it happened again, I wouldn't be so concerned. Hang in there. :grouphug:

I haven't read any of your replies but here's what I do: Cut all sugar Eat yogurt, garlic and citrus fruits Avoid white flour/pasta/rice - eat brown rice and ww flour and pasta Echinacea drops according to the directions on the tincture bottle Increase protein and vegetables Increase vitamins- just being regimented about it and keeping track usually means we're back on track w/in a week. I hope everyone in your house feels better soon. Blessings on you.

A medication I was on this past year caused my creatinine levels to go the wrong direction. The medication was changed and the nephrologist told me to NEVER take ibuprofen again. No problem. Numbers are normal now. The specialist was upset that my gp had never cautioned me about taking it....says it's pretty common for people to not know the dangers. Be warned.

I'd look for another church, if that happened to me. It's contrived and uncomfortable. Would this help you? http://www.9marks.org/ They give scriptural, practical criteria for a healthy church and you can do a search of some that may be in your area. I was happy to see our church on the list.

Impish- Your pictures are beautiful...... I was praying for you a lot on Monday and I'm so happy to hear you're doing well. I also love the big dad and newborn sleeping shots. Just so peaceful. Enjoy that beautiful boy. :)

Yes, this would bother me. The 'sauce'of choice is Ranch Dressing at my house. I've had to instruct my Philistines that it is RUDE to do this...Since the cook has slaved to prepare a meal, it should be eaten as is. I especially want them to NOT DO THIS at someone else's house. Mine do it less often here at home after I've explained (for the 10th time) the message it sends and how it makes me feel. They're getting it, slowly. Hang in there.

Robin Hood -The BBC series- 3 seasons, I think

:iagree::iagree: I can't say enough about this wonderful resource! I give it for baby showers.