[Hoof Hearted]

Thanks, I hope it all works out, too.

Well, they returned home from work this evening and have mostly holed up in their room. I guess they don't want to have the discussion tonight, so tomorrow (BIL's b-day) it is. They did hang out a bit in the garage while Hub and I finished installing the soft top on Jeepers. BIL seems comfortable, SIL appeared to be avoiding me.

Later in the house, I overheard SIL ask her hubby if he opened the package of lunchmeat and I replied from down the hall that I had opened it to make my hubby (her brother) a sandwich for lunch. I don't usually eat lunchmeat, so she has nothing to 'dig' me on over that.
Besides, for what we are putting out to keep them, if she wants to fuss over lunchmeat...it will get ugly and go downhill from there.

I lived in a situation where I had to provide ALL of my own foods, kept seperate from the rest of the household AND pay my % of the bills. The food situation is a sore spot with me, and will always be a problem for me because of that situation. I do NOT want to harbor the same feelings here.

I think, to keep the peace, we will have our discussion but I will tone down some of the things I wanted to cover. I think I will outline how they are affecting our finances, request continued help with groceries and perhaps ask them to contribute meats or cook more. I do not want to charge them rent/utilities because I want them to save their money and get out on their own. If they have to pay us, they will be here longer. UNLESS, I keep their money and put it aside and give it back to them (or a portion of) to assist in getting them out. The biggest item...I think we need to give them an Out-Date.
No more bar nights on Friday/Saturday. They need to save their money and do those fun things when they're on their own, not while we are supporting them.

Oh, it is going to be so hard to be the bad guy...but I am certain it will have to be me. Hubby is a push-over if he see's Sis cry.

I also spoke with my mother today and she suggested letting Hubby handle it because it was his invitation and his family...but like I told her; if I wait for him, it won't get done. I need to push the envelope and get it on the table for discussion and resolution.

Thanks, everyone. I know I've dragged my feet over this, but it is nice to continue to get encouragement and advice. It keeps me moving in the right direction.