Lets not forget that vacations are also much more liberal there too. My husband is from Europe and when he came here to live, he was shocked to see that we only get an average of 2 weeks vacation. In Russia, the minimum was 4 weeks and in Sweden they get 5! I would say do what's right for you and your family first. If DH can (and wants) to go on his own during his business trip, great but if not, then that is a huge amount of money to spend for one night and a lot for your in-laws to expect from you and your husband. After all, MIL wasn't willing to pay for it once she saw how much it cost, why should she expect you to? It's not reasonable. I have to add that last January, my mother also turned 80 and also wanted all the family together for her special day. She's in California so a lot closer but we're in Michigan and I have a sister in Texas. Rather than put any of us on the spot, she paid for all of us (7 total) to fly to California to celebrate her day. On her 75th birthday, we missed a surprise party the sisters in California gave her. Once I said we couldn't afford it, she was very understanding, more so than my sisters were. :c) So I've sort of been in those shoes and can totally understand the duress you're feeling; I hope it ends well and they finally understand your side of things. If not, ask them if they'd be willing to split the bill with you so you can afford to go. When I said that to one of my sisters, she backed off fairly quick. :c)

I had a great day. Went to eat at Provino's Italian Restaurant. Same as last year. And I am stuffed. Thanks everyone for the BD wishes. Pooh Bear

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! We did start Saturday evening with dinner out with my two sons and my mom. This was after my boys helped me with some yard work. Tonight I'm going to my mom's for dinner and next week, I'll go out to dinner with some friends from work (too much going on to go this week). Then next month, a lovely birthday present for me, my mom and my youngest sister (we all have b'days in Sept.): a 4-day trip to Key West, FL compliments of my BIL and middle sister! We are all so excited! Teresa

oceanna, your mock up is gorgeous! i am so happy you went with the colors he wanted instead of catering to that rug. i guess i was trying to say that when i suggested i had willed my taupe rug into participating:-) then, this am, i had another thought-- you know, real limestone is both warm golds and cool greys-- basically, taupe. so why can't you pick up on the warmer colors in the carpet, as if it were stone? everything does not have to match....and i think this proves that once again. spirit over rules.... you are a wonderful mom and i laughed so hard as you described his reluctance. i have a male friend whose home i help decorate and i have gotten used to hearing "um....okay, but is it going to be too much x?" i too sold him on a paint color by calling it whiskey and tabacco, alternatively. never thought to call it beer, though-- brilliant! i love the curtains and colors in your mock up. it's everything he said he wanted. he'll get used to the paint color; it's just new and i've noticed that men have a rally tough time visualizing color and accepting change. lastly, i've noticed that men like lace curtains. very, very strange. and same man will start twitching if you mention floral prints or animal prints. where's the taste?:-) can't wait to see a pic when you are done painting! hope he had a great b-day!