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Elisabeth
Dedicated June 2012

Presents for Future In-laws?

Elisabeth, on May 2, 2012 at 3:52 PM Posted in Planning 0 18

Hi, I'm a long time reader and a first time poster. :-) My wedding is June 16, 2012. I am marrying my soul mate :-) Chad is amazing and wonderful! We have been together for just a little over 2 years now but were best friends for 6 years before hand. This is such a natural fit for us :-)

The problem lies within his family. He was married once before and his parents have had a really hard time with the divorce. (they are super religious) Long story short, she cheated on him multiple times while he was deployed to Iraq with the Marines.

His parents have finally welcomed me to the family with open arms. It took over a year for them to remove the wedding picture of him and his ex out of the hallway. :-/

My parents threw us an engagement party, paid for our very expensive shower, and are paying for the reception. (this is my first marriage) We have decided that we are buying them an oak tree for their backyard (that is what my mom wants). The question is, do we buy them..con't

18 Comments

Latest activity by Elisabeth, on May 3, 2012 at 11:41 AM
  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    A gift? They have not offered any help with anything to do with the wedding. His mother is only excited because his brother who lives in MS is coming and his sister who lives in CA are coming. His mother also would not book a mani/pedi or her hair appointment with me, my mom, and my BMs. His mother has even made mention that they are only staying for dinner at the reception since we are having dancing and a full open bar and both of those things make her and 'Pastor' uneasy. I feel like they really don't even care.

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  • Kimberly S  ( formerly Kimberly L )
    Master June 2012
    Kimberly S ( formerly Kimberly L ) ·
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    Welcome to WW Elisabeth. You dont' have to purchase the in laws a gift , only if you want to. With your situation, I think it may be a good gesture to start the bonding process with your FMIL. It is possible that she cares, maybe she just isnt overly excited since this is her son's second marriage. Only she knows. Give her some time, hopefully she will come around.

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  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    I thank you for your kind words, Kimberly...I see that you are the week before me...are you getting the excited/nervous feeling yet or is it just me? :-)

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  • Kimberly S  ( formerly Kimberly L )
    Master June 2012
    Kimberly S ( formerly Kimberly L ) ·
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    You are very welcome. I am so excited , can't wait until that day gets here. I purchased my FMIL wedding day attire. I also ordered her this necklace It is inexpensive but it could be a nice little gesture. They are made from scrabble tiles and the seller has them in other colors and designs as well. If you are interested I will look her up and post the link for you.

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  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    That is beautiful! :-) I am using hot pink and light pink as my "pop" colors among black and white...this is perfect. Thank you

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  • Mrs. M fka Sami B
    Master June 2012
    Mrs. M fka Sami B ·
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    I would consider getting them a lovely framed photo for their hallway Smiley winking.

    My understanding with uber religious is adultery is one if the few legitimate reasons for divorce so hopefully they come to terms with it over time. If they really liked first wife it could take a while. It's unfortunate they don't plan to stay, my fils aren't staying for brunch the next day and my feelings are hurt so I imagine them not staying for the dinner smarts a bit more Smiley sad.

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  • MT
    Devoted March 2012
    MT ·
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    I like the idea of a framed photo!

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  • justine
    Super July 2013
    justine ·
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    First off WELCOME! my opinion is his mom and dad will be in your life for a very long time! try to make the best of it. thats all you can do!

    i think the picture frame idea or maybe even write her a letter saying how thankful you are that she raised such an amazing man, and how excited you are to spend the rest of your life with him? some thing little like that...

    I hope it works out! and good luck!

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  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    These are all wonderful ideas, ladies. I appreciate your kind words and understanding.

    I love the idea of a framed photo since every time I walk down the hall there is a space where the other picture was :-)

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  • Jessica
    Master July 2012
    Jessica ·
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    I agree with Kimberly, that some type of gift would be a kind gesture on your behalf as your families all become one.

    I've seen some lovely embroidered handkerchiefs on Etsy, with cute sayings like "Thank you for raising your son to become the man of my dreams" and things like that. I'm considering something like this for my FMIL.

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  • Sabrina
    Master November 2014
    Sabrina ·
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    Welcome to WW!!! wow did his ex-wife know my hubbys ex-wife? She did the same thing to him while he was in Korea! WOW... however my inlaws couldnt wait to take her pictures down, they like me WAY better than her, lol.. i wonder why. As for a gift, I would get them something.... for many reasons.. for raising a wonderful son.. who serves his country, for his honor and integrity, etc...ask him what they like.. my inlaws are hard for me to buy for...heck my parents are too! lol GL

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  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    Sabrina, they probably did know each other...lol They barely even saw her. He would usually go to family functions alone because she was "too tired" or "didn't feel good". I make a point to go to everything I can. I travel a lot for work. (I am a federal law enforcement officer) but do try to go to what I can even if it means getting off a plane, going home, and getting a shower then driving an hour and a half to their house. I am not sure why they don't like me. I am everything she never was...I think you and the other ladies are correct. We should get them something...a little something at least...

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  • Josie
    Super May 2012
    Josie ·
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    I'm getting my FMIL a gift bag with a photo album, yankee candle, and flowers. I want her to feel special. All together its only costing about $45 but she would be happy with anything. My best advice is to always be courtous and respectful your in-laws will accept you as time passes. If/when you have children the bond will strengthen. good luck!!!!

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  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    Josie, are you getting her one of those wedding day scented candles? that one smells yummy. I like the idea of a gift bag...maybe I will make a gift bag with a photo frame, a candle, and the necklace Kimberly L showed me above.

    You ladies have been so helpful...:-)

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  • Brittany
    Devoted April 2014
    Brittany ·
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    Women who cheat on their men in the military make me sickkk! You would think his parents would be more understanding of the divorce. I agree with the ladies above though, that it might be a nice gesture to warm them up to you more. Good luck with the FMIL! As far as specific suggestions, I have no idea because I am still unsure what to get mine Smiley tongue

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  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    I agree, Brittany. She had the nerve to tell him the affairs were his fault for "leaving" her. :-/ Whatever! Good luck with your gift hunting...:-)

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  • Kimber
    VIP September 2012
    Kimber ·
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    You could also make an album for them on Snapfish or another photo site. You can get a nice, hardcover bound book and tell them how great it will look on their coffee table Smiley smile Put a nice big picture of FH and his mom in there somewhere, and I'm sure she'll love it.

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  • Elisabeth
    Dedicated June 2012
    Elisabeth ·
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    Kimber, that is a great idea...I know my mom would love that...

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