Hold me!
Y'all, my in-laws are flying in tomorrow afternoon, and I am Frea King Out ! I love them, but I just feel such pressure to have everything perfect. And perfect, I Am Not. (Do you love my capitalization for emphasis? Just trying it on for size.)
So. This is Big Daddy's Dad and Step-Mom that we're talking about. Although she's been his only Mom for pretty much our entire marriage. There's a biological mom and step-dad too, but ick. The less we see them, the better.
BD's stepMom (Nana) and Dad (Grandpa) live in San Diego, and his Dad has never met our girls. For those of you who are just joining our broadcast, let me recap. We adopted our daughters in 2005, when they were 2, 4 and 5. Nana spent Easter week with us that year, and the girls have never forgotten her. Phone calls and letters and photos have kept us close, but it's not as easy for them to connect to Grandpa, when they've never seen him in person.
So this is big. Tink has spent the last week making up games to play with Grandpa, and coaching Scooter on what she should and should not attempt to do with Grandpa. "Scooter, his knees might not like getting down on the ground." "Scooter, I don't know if he will be able to run like that." For the record, Grandpa is in his late 50's. Not exactly ready for a walker there.
Have you noticed that I'm rambling? That's what Frea King Out does to me. So, on to the purpose for our post.
I am not a great housekeeper. I mean, I keep things relatively clean, but there is quite a bit of clutter in our home. Might have something to do with us having two large adults, three active children and two jacked up dogs in a 1400 square foot house. Oh, and the fact that I'm a pack rat. There is that.
Nana, on the other hand, keeps her house perfect. At least as far as I've seen. And she is always offering to clean things for me, which makes me feel inadequate and judged. But you know what, this time I'm thinking of just giving her a list and letting her go at it. What do you think?
Here's what I think, and what I have been telling myself for days. There are people in this world who don't have food, or have brain tumors, or need a new kidney. So who gives a crap if Nana thinks my bathroom is less than pristine. It probably is. But she still loves me and I still love her, and they're our family. And that is all that matters.
5 comments:
When I opened my inbox this morning and there was no Lorimail, I was so disappointed. Then I remembered that TODAY IS THE DAY!!! Whoo hoo! I know you are so excited!
Just enjoy the visit and take lots of pictures!
Ah, my house is always messy. If they don't like it they can leave. I, unlike others, LIVE in my house, therefore it is not pristine. Oh well. Have fun and enjoy!!
What a beautiful story about your girls! I would love to have a few more by your route but I'm having trouble working on the hubby.
I know your pain with the in-laws. My MIL is a perfect housekeeper, too, and an awesome cook to boot. I used to stress, but now I let her do what she loves (cook) and don't worry as much about the house (although I do clean like crazy before she visits). I usually have a list of small projects for both my dad and FIL when they come - they'd rather be busy and it keeps the kids at bay. Hope you have a nice visit!
I like your attitude...by all means, give her a list!! Have a blast and enjoy them...some day you'll wish you had done that more!!
I hear you about Frea King Out before the in-laws arrive! I always do too. But, over the years, I've just learned to clean as best I can before their visit, and then forget about it while they're here. Oh, and I hardly walk into my kitchen when my MIL is visiting. It's pointless, really, because she fancies herself a better cook than just about anybody else on the planet. My only saving grace is that my MIL is a WORSE housekeeper than I am! (It doesn't stop her from being picky/perfectionistic, but it sure does make me feel better!)
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