I made it through 1 holiday without having a major meltdown. I was seriously doubting myself.
The kids had a great Christmas. They were thrilled with all of their gifts even though they didn't receive that many. Their major gift was a Wii from us. We also got them an extra controller and nun chuck plus Wii pajamas for each of them. Other relatives supplied games. I have to say I am a little disappointed in the wii, I expected more from it but maybe I'm missing something. My brother and his wife are coming today and we are having a "wii party" so maybe I will find out what all the fuss is about.
We had a great time at my parents house, it was relaxing. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins. All the adults got along. My parents secretly stuck $100 in my stocking and I accidentally emptied my brothers stocking too so I almost got double candy. Score!
I worried all week about getting together with my husbands parents and niece because it seems like evertime we get together my husbands brother and sister come up and I was afraid the whole topic of their meeting last week would be brought up. I knew that if it was I would not be able to hold my feelings in and would probably let my IL's have it with both barrels. My husband and I decided that if they did try to bring it up that we would tell them that unless they wanted to ruin the evening that we wouldn't be discussing it. they did try several times to bring both of them up by mentioning them but my husband and I just changed the subject.
My husband and I both found it funny that or people who were so preachy that we didn't get a call or an e-mail wishing us a Merry Christmas. So much for practicing what you preach!
This morning when I woke up the phone rang and I grabbed it because I saw our last name (thinking it was my husbands cell) and at the last minute saw my MIL's name and it was my FIL telling me I was and aunt again. My husband brother and his wife had their fourth together, fifth total. I hate to say it but I wasn't even nice I said"OK, I'll tell my husband". My FIL was probably confused, but then again maybe not. I still haven't forgotten the stupid comments he made about him being afraid I was pregnant last year when he and my MIL stayed here to take care of the kids when my husband and I went to Canada and he saw the hand made cradle that my Dad made in our bedroom.
What I need to do is move on with my life and not think about these people and get all this anger and negativity out because it has been consuming my life for so long. I'm just not sure how to go about it. It seems that they are everywhere, all the time. I wish my husband would make up his mind what he is going to do and stick to it. The problem is my husband is a kiss ass and will do anything to please his parents. His sister has sent pictures of the baby this morning and I'm afraid if he see her doing this he will feel guilted into having to one up her because he has to be the better son. We haven't heard 1 word from the brother whose baby it actually is.
I need to come up with a mantra. Got any ideas?
My personal favorite when dealing with my ILs and job situations was 'serenity now' from an old Seinfeld episode. I made sure I took a deep breath, and it helped somewhat. You know not wonderful I was in dealing with my ILs. My husband was always trying to please them too, and not believing what I was saying. "I was over-reacting". "I should try to talk more to them." Yeah, I tried, and lo and behold he finally saw that I wasn't the CRAZY one! So, I get it. Say it with me,"Serenity now...Serenity now..."
(BTW, thanks for your comment on my blog. I guess I haven't done a good job keeping in touch with people.)
Posted by: Bev | January 24, 2009 at 10:27 AM