I actually have two things on my mind today, but I think I'll save the second for tomorrow. Today's is...I finally scheduled a BBQ for my mom's side of the family for next weekend. It's her two brothers, their wives and then my 5 cousins. I have already started some cleaning up around here...nothing makes you feel sad that your home isn't "perfect", because it's a starter home, than when you are having people over and you see things how they might see them. I'm all of a sudden noticing tons of stuff that we need to work on/fix etc. If only $$ & time weren't an object.

I digress though. My question is, with all of those people and Dave & myself (not counting DJ) there will be 11 of us. In our small home, but hopefully mostly outside since it's a BBQ! The weather better cooperate! Anyway, is it rude not to ask my parents to come as well? Since it's my mom's family? I don't want it to appear weird to her brothers, or to upset her. But, honestly it's going to be a full house as is. Plus, my mom can often make it hard to interact with people while she's around because she interrupts a lot and talks over you. I also figure that they might want to see/play with DJ, and with my mom around, she'll hog him. And not to go unmentioned, you know how my mom is towards me and how every little thing can be so darn annoying, esp. when I'm trying to organize and plan something she'll be telling me this needs to go in the fridge, is there enough cups etc.

I just don't want it to come off as strange or rude that they're not there. My mom doesn't even want me to have them over I know, because she says it's too expensive, but they've never seen our home!! (We're just getting around to having some people over, the last two years have been hectic) Honestly, I don't think her brothers will care, because they actually seem to go to lengths to avoid her at certain family events like funerals and showers- sitting apart from her when they can manage it. So, let me know what you think. I am not good at some of this etiquette stuff!!