*sigh*

We are moving across the state to the same town as my parents. My mother is about to wet herself with excitement. I am...taking it one day at a time. Yesterday she was about to jump out of her skin with this 'great' idea.

She wants DH, myself, and all 7(!) of the kids to go to their(very small) house once a week where they will cook and we will all play games together. This she says is to give me a break.

First, I do not cook on Saturday nights. DH and I eat out then either go out or watch a movie in our room. I do not have to see skids. That is a break!

Second, SS12 is a manipulator and if he doesn't get his way he screams, pouts, whatever ruins the time for everyone.

SS10 does not like playing board or card games. He just doesn't like it. Why force him?

SS16 and BS16 are teen boys who are not really excited to hang with the family anymore. When I was 16 I was gone from the house as much as humanly possible. I don't take it personally and am glad they can go and do something away from the house. For SS16 this is HUGE. He never had a friend until about 2 years ago. No play dates, sleepovers, anything. Now he has hobbies and goes out to do teenage things. He already has a friend in the new town! This is HUGE! I am not forcing family game night on them.

Finally, my parents and I have a somewhat rocky relationship. Once a week is a lot of interaction IMO. Plus, having to deal with all of the children at their(small OCD'd) house...well it makes me wanna go hide.

I was not immediately enthused at game night plan so my mother was butt hurt. She wanted to know why I didn't think it was the best plan ever. I shared the above. Now she is all upset and said that I am not the mother I should be and for sure am not the daughter I should be. I should be thrilled that they want to help. It will good for kids to have a tradition. All of the kids. If as a teenager I had been made to stay home with the family more I would be a much better person overall. And now begins the sighing and quiet tone whenever anyone here contacts her. What's wrong grandma? Oh, your mom...she's very hurtful.

Now whatever we end up doing, once a month game night, game night at our house, movie night, whatever, will be an ISSUE which will entail dramatic sighing, sad faces, and passive aggressive comments. Yay for family traditions!