We'll make sure to attend midnight mass.

I'm totally doing the Rosary and crossing myself frequently. And saying, "Hail Mary" at random intervals.

"These potatoes are great, Hail Mary."

"How thoughtful of you, Hail Mary, to get me this CD!"

"Hail Mary and a bag of chips."

One of you gets to wear a latex nun outfit.

But who's bringing the penguins?

who's bringing the penguins?

I just said, latex nun outfit.

And a pin that says "Hilary for Prez."

mmm, I don't recall that many random "hail mary's" as a kid growing up catholic.

But what might REALLY piss off is stuff like "mmm I wonder what the Pope would say to that" or "isn't that a Pope's blessing" (as a mild exclamation of joy)... or talk of a pilgrimage to the Vatican.

And a pin that says "Hilary for Prez."

Ugh, ND. I’m sorry that the Christmas visit is an obligation and not a joy. Staying in a hotel sounds like it would be helpful. It’s easier to deal with family crazies after a good night’s sleep. (Also, feeling all awwww over the in thread comfort side by side posting with Kristin. U 2 R cutieheads)

Yay for great Christmas dinner, Cashmere. The kids at that age at Christmas are so sweet. before they turn into selfish *&#% teens

There are two pictures of Dubya and Laura Bush sitting in the living room.

Maybe you can pretend you are in a sitcom. Visiting the set of All in the Family or something. My parents and most of the sibs are like minded politically with me, but I’ve had to become an expert of changing the subject with my brother to keep the peace.

Yay, Deena. It sounds like a lovely day all round.

Also, I was told I have to come back tomorrow so that he can "have a talk" with me.

Eeep. Must be that he wants to tell you how proud he is of you. Or at least that should be the reason.

Thanks to everyone for the comfort and support. I heard some “boys are like that” noise from MIL and SIL. That just isn’t acceptable. I’m the least materialistic person you could meet, but they have to learn to think of others and be more considerate. If they had brought me a cup of coffee and a biscuit in bed all would have been right in the world. I’ll try and talk to them today.

Morning Laura! I'm so sorry about the boys yesterday. That's so frustrating and hurtful. I hope they're able to hear you when you talk to them today.

{{{ND}}}

Yay for lovely days for Deena and Cashmere. The kids are at SUCH fun ages!

It was a lovely day here, as well. And my SIL finally relaxed a bit and let us help her, which was nice. She did have a little breakdown at dinner about the lawsuit, but I think she still had a good day. And I got my red Kitchen Aid mixer. YAY!

vw, yay for the mixer! I hope you saved room in your luggage to pack it.

Laura, good luck with the Christmas reeducation. I know kids are self-centered by design but I hope they can see the error and how hurt you were by it.

I have to admit something. I was dubious, to say the least, when my MiL said she found an adorable and cheap toddler drum set for Owen. Noisy gifts aren't my favorites. But it's so damned cute to see him sit down at the wee little stool, take up the sticks and actually drum and sing. My BiL is a drummer so he set up the kit and lets Owen play his big boy drums all the time. I'm waiting patiently until my SiL sends me some pictures of the two of them together.