[Baby Blessing]

Originally Posted by MindieRose

My kids are good kids. They will be happy no matter what. I just feel terrible because this Christmas my mother in law decided that she is not buying gifts for anyone because once again, her lifestyle is a priority. So this will be her first year not buying for any of the kids. My brother is not doing Christmas with my kids this year, not surprise because he is very selfish too, my dad now says he is going to postpone Christmas with us, and my mom isn't doing much. So no matter how great my kids are, its going to be a shock to them to not have anyone besides us this Christmas. Not that they ever get a ton anyway, we aren't one of those families that spoils the kids rotten for Christmas. It just hurts that my family is last or not even on anyones priority list (well my mom would do more, but she's having a hard time). I just don't get it. I love to give. I love picking out the perfect gift that I think will mean a lot to someone. I cannot imagine not wanting to give to my grandkids.
I'm sure it will break my heart more than it will the kids' this year.
As far as thinking there's a leak, I called them and told them about the smell and they said that it was normal to smell propane and hear a hissing sound when an appliance kicked on. A couple of days later they sent someone out who walked out there for a sec and then repeated the same thing to me. I have never noticed that at my old house before, and our tank was much closer to the house.

Right now there are so many, many people financially not able.

Personally in my opinion, getting a great big hug from a family member or loved one with a wishing you a Merry Christmas is gift enough. I believe too much emphasis is put into material things at Christmas. Please don't feel down and hurt, your family being honest about their not giving gifts is to be respected and not only that one's greatest gift of all from family and friends is not what comes from the wallet in buying gifts but being gifted from their hearts............Their Love, not just at Christmas but always.

Love is the greatest gift of all, God taught us this through HIS Son Jesus.

I come from a family that did not exchange gifts, birthdays either, but to this day how I remember on those special times my Grannie and Grampa putting their arms around me and giving me a big hug and saying I love you, oh my gosh, that is something I treasure to this day, a mountain of gifts through those years could never replace those three words and those hugs are worth so much more. I hope that our Grandchildren will remember Jack and I in the same way, even though we don't do the gift exchanging they each know we love them. When we retired we could no longer afford many things, and had to make many life style changes but one thing for sure it hasn't changed our hearts and we are blessed with family members being understanding towards each others feelings.

I pray your heart will feel less hurt and have more understanding and appreciation towards your loved ones being honest and forth right. Jack and I wish you and your family a Blessed Christmas.

Patti and Jack and girls.