Thanks! He's had some trouble deciding what he wants to do, and the job situation in our area is really bad. He was without work for a year. It's so hard on the young people's self esteme when they want to work and can't. He's soooo excited! And he hated school before! Tami

While I wouldnt judge a child or their parents based on looks alone (unless they really were strong indicators of something bad) I wouldnt be so quick to disregard your gut feelings here. I hate to be one of those people who sounds superstitious or whatever,but my gut instinct about people is rarely ever wrong. If you are feeling a strong dislike there must be some reason why. Personally,to answer your question,what I would do,is talk to my child privately before seeing these people.I'd tell her some things just stay between us and that I didnt feel it was right.Also about not knowing the parents is a great thing to say. I'd probably add in a more strict tone,not to ask me again either...but that's just me. I dont see anything wrong with what the others suggested about giving it a shot though. I'm just totally not the kind of person who ignores my inner gut feelings,and I can see why you'd be skeptical.

Looks like a tie vote. I scanned this picture of my DS wearing a T shirt. Now I see what is lacking. A design, not just the letters. Click to enlarge. This is where the nick name comes from: When DS's son was born his other GM and I both, not knowing the other had, the same thought. He was short and plump, and we each said he was built like a jeep. (Now he is tall and thin. Go figure.) From that day on he has been called Jeep. So after a while My DS became known as PAPA JEEP. So I want to get him a shirt with that on it, with a design, and it would be on the front. I don't want a Jeep on it, but something similar to the shirt in the pic. I am not at all artistic. Any of you artistically talented peeps want to come up with a design? Sue

It's lovely Deborah, and I'm sure your son would be pleased. Even though they come for the holidays, I too have scaled back our "ginormous" tree (as well as the overall holiday festivities) as my DD's have married and moved out of state, so I can empathize. "If he can grow up and be such an outstanding young man, I can grow up and be a good mom and wife." I realize you didn't mean it exactly this way, but when you do decide to "grow up" don't just make it about being a good mom and wife. Those are wonderful, worthy roles I aspire to myself, but they are dependent on someone else for fulfillment. You can't be the wonderful wife without the husband, nor the wonderful Mom without the child. I think of it like a mirror; you reflect back to your family their love and dreams. For lasting happiness and satisfaction, what you really want is to be a light; self contained and shining. Wishing you a bright holiday. ;^)