[justamom]

DANG! You guys have it pretty tough! We do have one relative that tends to knaw on eveyone, but he is much, MUCH better now.

First-I used to bite my tongue out of respect for my inlaws, but there comes a point where unless you take the dive and shovel it right back, it will NEVER end. Just because you are the "yung uns" doesn't mean ANYONE should be allowed to belittle you.

I suggest a preplanned statement (the generic form) that can be delivered in the full family forum (without passion) yet hits the mark. An example of my last one was-______, I've noticed that at every gathering you find something to criticize. Last year you felt everyone was too fat. (He was running and looked like a prisoner of war-no exageration) Before that, you couldn't understand why my daughter didn't want to be a chemical engineer. (This arguement went on for HOURS) This year, you are upset because the rolls are too brown and the kids went to private school. I would really appreciate it if you kept your negative remarks and
opinions to yourself and let us enjoy being together as a family.
Things really did go great this year and even ________ was in good form.

TKE209Sweethrt WHAT A JERK! You REALLY need a good comeback. Have one ready for CHRISTMAS!

PM_Mama00 I would NEVER let ANYONE do that to my kids!
(unless they deserved it) Perhaps you should tell your parents how YOU feel when they see him treat you AND your sister that way.
My sister's ex said something "ugly" about her in front of our Grandpa. He got out of his chair, bit his lip, looked him DEEP in the eyes and said a husband never speaks to his wife that way.

Killarney LL, You have THE best M-I-L stories!!!