Ok...well I thought I would give my thoughts...you are so right...there is no reason for jealousy because how could any parent not want the grandparents to love their child... But here is where the reptile...a snake in this case spits venom....when a DIL sees that her children may lean more favorable to their husbands mother...that is a no-no.....in my case, I am the more fun grandmother...my grandchildren gravitate to me when around both grandparents.... My DIL hates it and likely me as well...and for this reason...she just backed off in our lives...our son basically goes with her flow...so we are grandparents with a lot of love to give but only when we initiate a time with them....my son only comes over with his family on a holiday or a meal is involved...but I have had some foot issues in the last couple of years...not as active...and just had surg. To correct these issues...no visit...DIL or son has not gone out for a card for the kids to send...nothing ever nevrr... This got worse when DIL's mother left her husband and moved to the area...she used me for years as a babysitter...hated to see any attention her children gave me or me to them...she did not seem that interested in her own grandmother...so maybe that was the telltale sign of who she is.. While it takes a village, I am no village idiot...I know when I am being rejected....now my other DIL is expecting and I can tell it will be the same way...she knows how close my grandchildren were to me...she has a mother..she will protect her mothers best interest...I have decided to just let it be.... I am not going to put myself out there for anymore hurt...life is too short...and I am dealing with other issues in my own home to worry about someone elses....she is the most controlling person I have ever seen...she is even trying to control what people buy the baby for the baby shower tomorrow...which thankfully I am not attending.. I refuse to show up in a boit cast and crutches only 3 wks from surgery for this woman...its not the babys day yet...its still hers...I bought some great gifts for the baby, but was told that she told her own mother if she did not get the right item, she would take it back... I even hesitate to give these items to her....for fear it will not be to her liking....never mind they are very nice items....this is just what my sons went out into the world and married...the total opposite of their mother....

I don't need it....nothing....don't need anything more.... BUT....today I went to the $ store because I needed several gift bags....and while I was there...I just had to walk around...and bought 3 glass pinch bowls...I was getting along just fine with custard cups...but... AND I got a new dishwasher last week...but that was because my 22 year old trusty Maytag died. I know better then to buy one of the newer Maytags (the ex CEO was a very good friend and next door neighbor and when he made all those trips to China and Japan, I figured it out!).. Anyhow I got a Jenn Aire....I know they are in the business of down draft vent systems....but it's a hotsy totsy model, likely last years but I made the dealer an offer...prepared to up it....and he said OK. Surprise! But its' not "fun" in the way that a new stock pot would be...I still am trying to figure out the best way to load the thing! Also got 2 new YeehaH stoves for the church...I bucked the people who said why do we need to spend that for stoves.....and I splained why!! Because I cook on them and you don't! I think I need new potholders.....mine are beyond awful...and people give me oven mits and I feel clumsy using them, so I save them for the grill. I Have a fairly nice assortment of Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's day potholders...but I need some simple every day ones that don't have burned corners and the stuffing hanging out. Linda C

I have sent photo cards since my oldest was a baby. I love receiving photo cards...I had no idea that there are people who don't like them! In my demographic, which is families in the midst of raising children...photo cards are the norm. People do some amazing layouts and really creative cards... It is so fun to see what everyone has come up with. I love them all. Makes getting the mail so much more exciting in December. One of my best friends and her husband are incredibly funny and creative and come up with the most amazing cards each year. Last year they did a Downton Abbey theme, but changed the name to Downton "Their street name." They and each child dressed as a character (photo shop was involved) and the whole group was photoshopped in front of the real Downton Abbey house! It was awesome! i have another friend who is so smart and wickedly funny, besides being an incredible writer. Her Christmas letter has had me literally laughing out loud with tears streaming down my face it was so funny! Who wouldn't love getting that in the mail? I love Christmas letters, even the ones that might be construed as a bit braggy....who cares? It it interesting to hear what everyone is up to! last thing...I try to put a little note on most of my friends' cards that live far away, but I never judge people who don't! We are all busy and who knows what might be going on right then. Getting a Christmas greeting in the mail is just a fun tradition, and I hope it never goes away entirely!

I received a lively card with these seeds: Asian greens, cut and come again zombie,straightneck squash, pink phlox, national pickling cucumber, sweet cheer tomato, cardinal climber, blue balloon flower, and marjoram! Also seed packets and winter blend tea! Lived it alk! Thank you so much! Also, got my prize for pic! Got cute card and 3 more types seeds! Thank you so much for it all!