Hi dix, to be honest.. if my family made me feel that way, i'm not sure i would be going! Let alone forcing the kids out of guilt because "its family". Family is important, that is... the family that mean something to me, the ones that care about me as much as i care about them. If you make them it will show in their miserable faces and their sulky manner, you know what kids are like, especially teen ones! My counselor always taught me you dont have to explain anything, you just say "they had other commitments" or something like that and quickly turn the convo round to them.. "so how is *name* doing now?" When your kids are adults they will decide which "family" members they stay in touch with or dont as the case me be, so its pointless making them now, all you can do is encourage gently. Hope that helps.

Cherry, Its not so much as giving in, more doing whats "best for you right now"

cluck cluck

good morning dixie, doesn't sound like that is a fun environment for anyone. take an example of your journals, talk about your creative work, running a support room, being nursemaid to your husband, all with CP and just being content - priceless. maybe the boys could take a football or some other distraction to get outside. if they absolutely refuse to go then just say you know kids at this age, they're spending time with friends and smile.

my hair turned out really nice. he did lots of curls with an iron and then pinned them up to hold the curl til sunday. i look pretty silly right now, but hopefully it will be cute Easter Sunday. my sister is hosting and i'll be taking a few things. i need to get to the store today for a few ingredients. stuffed mushrooms, maybe clam dip, and deviled eggs.

hippy, i've tried to post the dogwood in bloom, but i was getting an error, so i'll try again. it's beautiful!

hope you have a low pain, low stress day!

Kim I would let them stay home, in fact I would stay home too if T isn't there if it is his family. I know how smart your boys are and I have a very good conversation with your oldest. I think he could outdo anyone at that table if he wanted. My oldest and his wife went on trip with us to Seattle and made the same comment about his two cousins. It is true. Their mom, my sister, is not that way at all. Some people are just that way. It is important to know your worth and not let these people overwhelm you even though they are a bore.

Serenity I bet your hair will be great by Sunday. Your food dishes sound so yummy. My sons love deviled eggs.i usually make two dozen . Possibly too many bytes on your pic. I take my pics on iPhone and am able to automatically reduce size. Otherwise I would never know how to reduce. Hope you are having a sunny day.
We are having a bit of rain.

Empathy wishing good weather for you so you can spend time in your garden. Hopefully the pollen count is down and you will be able to enjoy.

Feeling better today. Might have overnight with Kylie. It has been awhile. She is at tween age and I bet the days are numbered that she will want to spend night with old nana. Two weekends ago she had two birthday party sleepovers in a row. One was at Embassy Suites. I hope she will forever be my best friend like she is now.

Wishing all a peaceful day and less pain.