I had to go eat dinner with Brad's family at his mom's house.  Now don't get me wrong I love kids and all but his niece and nephew.... ugggg..... just shoot me already!  The boy is 4 and the girl is 2 and they have no earthly idea what in the world an inside voice is, or that 'we don't run in the house, especially other people's house.'  The mom and the dad NEVER tell them to settle down or to not touch anything.  They just act like the grandparents are supposed to be babysitting them.  You can't carry on a conversation with the person beside you because these kids are running a muck.  I HATE having to have dinner with his family.  I mean I like his mom and dad and I actually DO enjoy having dinner with them but not when it's supposed to be a FAMILY dinner and it turns into the Jack and Abby show.  If the kids want to change seats at the table the then Brad's mom makes us all play musical chairs to please the freakin kids.  I grew up and have always taught Cody "Find a seat and STAY there."  The thing that really upsets me is that his mom ALWAYS cooks for whoever's birthday it is.  And she wants to cook for my birthday.  But the last thing I want for my birthday is to listen to those freakin kids!  Granted my b-day isn't until Sept.  but still it's MY birthday... so shouldn't I get to spend it in peace?  Sorry I just had to vent.  Oh and granted my son isn't perfect but at least he has manners... like an inside voice!

Jolene, it is your b/d! Ask her not to invite the 'kids'. If she insists, tell her you appreciate the thought, but you just can't/don't want to deal with them. It is YOUR day.  You should get your wish if not, pleasantly decline the offer of her making dinner for you. I used to deal with this kind of thing. After I turned 40, I just decided IT IS MY LIFE! Sorry if I don't make the rest of you happy, but life is too short. I don't mean to be rude to any one, (never do that), but you have to come first, or you will be miserable, and beholden to these people.