No heat..good grief

[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.

[MindieRose]

Yes, I understand all that, and please understand, if I had a close family, or if my husband did, this would feel much different. See, his mother never pays any attention to my kids at all. She complains because she has grandkids, because she is "too old to be a grandma". She is an alcoholic, and says she is going to be 29 forever and never get old. At least at Christmas they can feel like she cares a little bit if they get something from her, since they don't get love or hugs. As far as my brother, he never comes around, he has a gambling addiction, never even calls my kids to wish them happy birthday, but last year when we went to their house for Christmas and did a gift exchange was the first time my kids felt like they meant anything to him. Not because of how much they cost or how many gifts there were, but because he actually took the time to think of them. I feel like at least at Christmas they got to feel a little bit like these people cared about them. Yes, it was through gifts, but these are people that do not show them affection or give them any attention any other time. They are not going to not give gifts this year because of some tragic financial crisis, its because my mother in law would rather party and drink her money away, and my brother would rather smoke and gamble it away.
I came from a family that does gifts at Christmas and Birthdays, and I respect the beliefs of those that don't, but as a person that loves to bless people with gifts myself, I cannot comprehend how someone can blow off their grandchildren or nieces and nephews this way. I would feel differently if they cared otherwise.
I understand the meaning behind Christmas. I have been a strong Christian my whole life, and my husband and I are very active in our church. I hate the commercialism of the Holiday now, and I hate how children are demanding ipods and gifts that cost hundreds of dollars. I cannot fathom how someone can spend so much on Christmas. However, we do love to bless our children with modest gifts this time of year and it is very heartfelt. It hurts me that my family, and my husbands family make such different choices than us that effect our children.

[Baby Blessing]

Originally Posted by MindieRose

Yes, I understand all that, and please understand, if I had a close family, or if my husband did, this would feel much different. See, his mother never pays any attention to my kids at all. She complains because she has grandkids, because she is "too old to be a grandma". She is an alcoholic, and says she is going to be 29 forever and never get old. At least at Christmas they can feel like she cares a little bit if they get something from her, since they don't get love or hugs. As far as my brother, he never comes around, he has a gambling addiction, never even calls my kids to wish them happy birthday, but last year when we went to their house for Christmas and did a gift exchange was the first time my kids felt like they meant anything to him. Not because of how much they cost or how many gifts there were, but because he actually took the time to think of them. I feel like at least at Christmas they got to feel a little bit like these people cared about them. Yes, it was through gifts, but these are people that do not show them affection or give them any attention any other time. They are not going to not give gifts this year because of some tragic financial crisis, its because my mother in law would rather party and drink her money away, and my brother would rather smoke and gamble it away.
I came from a family that does gifts at Christmas and Birthdays, and I respect the beliefs of those that don't, but as a person that loves to bless people with gifts myself, I cannot comprehend how someone can blow off their grandchildren or nieces and nephews this way. I would feel differently if they cared otherwise.
I understand the meaning behind Christmas. I have been a strong Christian my whole life, and my husband and I are very active in our church. I hate the commercialism of the Holiday now, and I hate how children are demanding ipods and gifts that cost hundreds of dollars. I cannot fathom how someone can spend so much on Christmas. However, we do love to bless our children with modest gifts this time of year and it is very heartfelt. It hurts me that my family, and my husbands family make such different choices than us that effect our children.

I am so sorry, please keep praying for things to be better, and for your family members.
We pray your Christmas is wonderful and also please tell your children that this Grannie and Grampa send them great big hugs and tell them we wish them a very Happy Christmas and God's many Blessings in the New Year.
Hugs, Patti and Jack and girls.

[Woogie Man]

Sorry to hear you're having problems at Christmas but I do wish you (and everyone) a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!! If you want to know if you have a leak, you can get a spray bottle and put some soapy water in it (dishwashing liquid works well). Spray some around any connections and if you have a leak, bubbles will appear.