The In-Laws
Sometimes, just when you give up on somebody, they turn around.
For example, remember the whole situation with my in-laws? Since Jeff, the kids and I were doing our own thing on Christmas Eve, we held a Holiday Open House, primarily to give us a chance to see his brothers and their families. I didn't post an update because I didn't want to get more annoyed, but, long story short: NONE of Jeff's family came to the open house. Not even Ali. Good thing we decided to invite my family and our friends, so we still had a decent turn-out. It was just such a bummer that the people we were throwing the party for couldn't even bring themselves to attend.
So, basically, Jeff and I wrote his family off. After receiving just one card from them and no phone calls or gifts this holiday season, we decided that our energy would be better spent on people who care enough to share themselves with us and our kids. We shipped them all their hand-knit Christmas gifts and called it a day.
Then, this afternoon the phone rang. I answered it and was greeted with a female voice saying, "Jenni? It's J!" (my non-evil sister-in-law). She called to invite us over to their house to celebrate the birthdays (Jeff and his brother D share the same birthday, 2 years apart). How surprised was I? It's a good thing we don't have video phone, because the look of shock on my face would have been difficult to conceal. It appears we have an olive branch! I'm not going to think that this means his family is finally going to embrace us and our kids fully, but it is a start.
And really, everything has to begin somewhere.
For example, remember the whole situation with my in-laws? Since Jeff, the kids and I were doing our own thing on Christmas Eve, we held a Holiday Open House, primarily to give us a chance to see his brothers and their families. I didn't post an update because I didn't want to get more annoyed, but, long story short: NONE of Jeff's family came to the open house. Not even Ali. Good thing we decided to invite my family and our friends, so we still had a decent turn-out. It was just such a bummer that the people we were throwing the party for couldn't even bring themselves to attend.
So, basically, Jeff and I wrote his family off. After receiving just one card from them and no phone calls or gifts this holiday season, we decided that our energy would be better spent on people who care enough to share themselves with us and our kids. We shipped them all their hand-knit Christmas gifts and called it a day.
Then, this afternoon the phone rang. I answered it and was greeted with a female voice saying, "Jenni? It's J!" (my non-evil sister-in-law). She called to invite us over to their house to celebrate the birthdays (Jeff and his brother D share the same birthday, 2 years apart). How surprised was I? It's a good thing we don't have video phone, because the look of shock on my face would have been difficult to conceal. It appears we have an olive branch! I'm not going to think that this means his family is finally going to embrace us and our kids fully, but it is a start.
And really, everything has to begin somewhere.
Good for you Jenni. A lesser person could have felt like that was too little too late. Good for you and Jeff for accepting.
that's great. i hope you all have a great time.
looks like an olive branch to me...
That's cool! Maybe there's hope after all.
I have visions of your chin hitting the floor. I hope you don't have a bruise, but if you do, be sure not to tell J. how you got it. :-) I'm glad they pulled their heads out of their butts. Babysteps!
I'm so glad they are making the effort.
I don't get in-laws.
I mean, I thought I used to, but really I just don't.
Good luck on the new start...
It's just so baffling - I mean, unless you guys are really ogres in real life, which I just can't imagine....and who wouldn't want to be with your kids every chance they could get? Hell, I'M dying to meet them!
Olive branches are very good - especially when you have the good sense to accept them (unlike myself)