Mother in law was here

**Dancing Lotus** · 10-29-2010, 10:04 AM

With out dragging this story out I'll just refresh your memory a bit.
Many times I have ranted about my MIL's extended visits. You have heard me tell tails of the crazy in-laws for some time now.
You may recall that she likes to visit for VERY long periods of time without proper notice.

Last week the hubby and I went on a cruise. We decided that it would be good for our relationship to go without the kids. We took the money that we would have spent on buying passage for the kids to buy a plain ticket for MIL so she could stay with the kids while we were gone. That was a fantastic idea... here is why.

DH and I had a blast just being a couple and not parents while on our trip. It was romantic and relaxing. So glad I didn't cancel the trip when things went bad two months ago.

Even more so, things were different this visit. I actually enjoyed the few days that we had with her. I think I have learned to accept who she is and all her drama didn't affect me in the least.
But the most important is that even DH enjoyed her. His counseling has made a huge different in the way he communicated with her.
He had planned to talk to her about some issues while she was here but he never did. When she left I asked him why and he said he no longer felt like he needed too. He even hated to say Goodbye this time. I am beyond words for how this makes me feel. It has always hurt me to see him in pain over his family. Maybe his hitting a low was the best thing that could have happened.

**mamachop** · 10-29-2010, 10:07 AM

I'm happy to hear that things are working out for the better, you both deserve it!

**Booklover** · 10-29-2010, 10:14 AM

This is fantastic news! I'm so happy for you at how things are turning out. I love that the counseling is working, and you are seeing results.

Maybe you enjoyed her visit because you didn't pick up on the usual tension between them? Just thinking out loud.

**Darlene** · 10-29-2010, 10:56 AM

Love it when positive attracts positive. Woohoo!

**Russ** · 10-29-2010, 11:02 AM

And there you have it, Counseling DOES work!

Glad things are better Ann.

**frugrrl** · 10-29-2010, 11:44 AM

That's wonderful Ann!

**HappyMama** · 10-29-2010, 01:15 PM

What a blessing you had a nice enough MIL to come babysit, there are many of people I know that don't have that kind of help .

**Dancing Lotus** · 10-29-2010, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Booklover

This is fantastic news! I'm so happy for you at how things are turning out. I love that the counseling is working, and you are seeing results.

Maybe you enjoyed her visit because you didn't pick up on the usual tension between them? Just thinking out loud.

I'm sure that had something to do with it. I could just see that he was more comfortable around her. I also did not try to mediate anything.

**Dancing Lotus** · 10-29-2010, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by HappyMama

What a blessing you had a nice enough MIL to come babysit, there are many of people I know that don't have that kind of help .

So true. And I'm sorry to say that I think I was so wrapped up in all the crazy that I didn't always see the good. For all her flaws my mil is a generous person. She believes that you do for family what you can no matter what.I am lucky that she came and that counts for something. I think Dh gets that now too

**rudypoo98** · 10-29-2010, 04:12 PM

That is GREAT!!! So glad you guys are getting along good.

**Debbie-cat** · 10-29-2010, 11:57 PM

That's fantastic Ann! I am so glad you had a great trip too!

**Paws** · 10-30-2010, 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by Russ

And there you have it, Counseling DOES work!

Especially when the two involved love each other and are willing to make the extra effort.
Congrats and best wishes on over coming your obstacles and finding your "happy ever after".