Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just posting because I need to vent and I don't dare do it aloud where family could hear it!

Christmas dinner went fine, my brother came into town late that night as a stop over before attempting to see his kids the next day. His wife called me on Christmas to yell at me - again. Even told me I had no right to give her kids gifts. She didn't refuse gifts when I dropped them off weeks ago! And 24 hours after she told me once again I could never see her kids, they were in my house for a 5 day visit.

After being told repeatedly we couldn't see them over the holiday, Big Scary Man and I made kid unfriendly plans including some kitchen construction. The 5 year old was cooped up because the back yard was full of power tools.

It's not even my divorce and I feel like I'm going through a grinder! No need to reply - I just wanted some place to say "This is nuts!" without getting into more trouble.

She sure is making things easy on the kids. She need to think of them. Maybe you should yell back.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Gabby and Tucker

No no dont yell back. Calmly speak your mind.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Gabby and Tucker

Or, speak to your brother. He is as much at fault if I understand correctly for showing up Christmas Night with little notice and then keeping his family at your house for several days. If he thought it might happen, he should have asked in advance. His is as imposing on your good nature as she is a "witch" regarding you trying to be a good, fairly imparital Aunt.
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

It sounds like she needs help. Maybe she is manic/depressive? Or some other form of mental illness. You should put your foot down and not let your brother walk all over you, on a moment's notice, unless the sign at your door says "Marriott hotel". No means no. If the kid's mom says no gifts, then put the money you would have put towards the presents in a bank account for them. When life does return to normal, the bank books can be given to them to help with whatever they need. good luck!

>> If the kid's mom says no gifts, then put the money you would have put towards the presents in a bank account for them. When life does return to normal, the bank books can be given to them to help with whatever they need. good luck!

What a wonderful idea!

Sorry that things are so rough with your family. Sigh...although I don't have royal pains, my family and I are emotionally and physically distant. I'd rather spend Christmas my the friends I've seen every year for the past 6 years than have to travel across the country to be with people who really don't know me or appreciate me.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

OK, let me get this straight: this is your EX-sister-in-law and she behaves like this?! Well, there probably isn't much your brother can do either, since she seems to have the kids. Sorry you have to go through this too. Life is tough enough.

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ellen
gracie, voodoo, Puss 'n Boots.... & Willow!

Well, you should have seen Christmas at our house. We had a house full, with roast beef and a turkey for dinner. After dinner, I made a doggy (or should I say kitty) bag for my Dad of shrimp and a big piece of roast beef. Somehow, the beef never made it home to my Dad. My brother, who gave them a ride (and brought a guest to dinner who we didn't know- another story) grabbed the beef! Sheesh! Relatives!

Thanks for the support everyone. It has been nuts.

We had invited all the kids (there is a stepchild) first and when we were banned from seeing them, I invited my brother (and another couple) to visit instead. He didn't make plans to see us until after he paid off some bills so it was last minute. We thought is he took them to his home in VA, she would try to have him charged with kidnapping.

I believe his estranged wife has our phone numbers blocked and she won't call or answer e/m. Communication is nil. Part of her latest attack was I had no business inviting my brother into my home. (?!?) There is a history of manic/depressive in her family. And my family has a history of just emotionally withdrawing which just sets her off.

I did tell her, her behavior was uncalled for and warned her several times befroe telling her I didn't intend to be rude or disrespectful but I was hanging up on her.

Grandma, Big Scary Man and I are collecting furniture and household goods for the stepchild's first apartment in 2 years. She asked last summer if she could move in here while she attends the local community college. We said yes. Hopefully things will settle down by then.

Thanks everyone!