My ex-brother-in-law and nephew arrived tonight (Wednesday) to live with us temporarily. Staying with us is supposed to give my BIL a chance to get on his feet and find a job and a place to live in August when my other nephew and his girlfriend are to join them. Cross your fingers that it works out that way--I admire cultures where extended families live together, but have no desire to emulate that model. We already know my husband has been a saint for the last 20 plus years when it comes to my crazy family.
BIL and nephews have been living in Camas, Washington, but really wanted to return to San Diego, which has always been their home. I wrote the backstory way back in January when I was just getting this blogging thing off the ground. If you weren't one of the handful of people that read it the first time around, I highly recommend it.
I hope they find the sense of home they're looking for, and a place to make their own.
Posted by: Jennifer H | July 03, 2008 at 03:27 AM
Off to read the backstory. I, too have absolutely CRAZY relatives...
Posted by: manager mom | July 03, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Baby, you are awesome to help them out! Best of luck to them (and you!) :-)
Posted by: Janet | July 03, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Oh gosh, I hope it works out OK. I am very intolerant of visitors - I love my own space too much. A few days is fine but after that I start hiding in cupboards to get away from them! And my cupboards are not very comfortable.
Posted by: Reluctant Blogger | July 03, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Wow, he really needs your help, and he DESERVES it from reading the back story. Hopefully he will land on his feet quickly, for your sake.
You are all saints.
good luck
Posted by: Suzanne | July 03, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Best of luck to them.And you!
Posted by: LifeAsIKnowIt | July 03, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Given that backstory, I predict the extended family living project will go quite well. In fact, you can tell him he has an open invitation to come live with my family.
Posted by: Kalynne Pudner | July 03, 2008 at 08:23 AM
My first reaction was, "Are you crazy to let relatives live with you?" but then I read the back story and it all makes sense. Still, you are a very good woman!
Posted by: Jen on the Edge | July 03, 2008 at 08:25 AM
You are a saint.
Posted by: Cheri @ Blog This Mom! | July 03, 2008 at 08:40 AM
It sounds like he is an amazing guy, and the kindness of your family welcoming him will give him what he needs to propel him onto his next journey.
Posted by: standing still | July 03, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Good luck to you surviving the next few weeks. Good luck to him in working all this out...
Posted by: HRH | July 03, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I hope it works out for you ....
Posted by: Nicey | July 03, 2008 at 09:14 AM
You are a good woman! (And I'm sure your sister is appreciating you looking out for her boys.) What a sad story - although pretty amazing how he came through in the end.
Now, I would line up a list of housing options for him to check out and start posting his resume on websites and telephone poles!
Posted by: Sue @ My Party of 6 | July 03, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I agree. YOU are the saint!
Posted by: Lisa | July 03, 2008 at 09:36 AM
I admire you and how you repeatedly open your house to those who need it. My family doesn't need it, but I would do the same. What good is being blessed if you can't turn around and bless others in return.
KEEP BELIEVING
Posted by: Angie @ Keep Believing | July 03, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Good luck and God bless! You are kind and generous, Jenn!
Posted by: melissa | July 03, 2008 at 11:19 AM
They're lucky to have you for family. And I'm with you - props to your husband for putting up with YOUR families sh*&.
Posted by: Fannie | July 03, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Who Works At H.P.? Let's see a show of hands.
Posted by: Johnny Ion | July 03, 2008 at 12:35 PM
How nice of you - have fun!
Have a good day - Kellan
Posted by: Kellan | July 03, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Kindness breeds kindness. Good stuff.
Posted by: Hilary | July 03, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Wow, best of luck to your BIL...and of course to you. Living with extended family can be nothing but pure drama. I hope it goes smoothly for you.
Posted by: Worker Mommy | July 03, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Sounds like he deserves a second chance. Sounds like you're a good person (as is Mr. Fix It) to help him get one.
Good luck - to all.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | July 03, 2008 at 03:32 PM
It's nice of you to help out in that way. I'll wish for him a speedy get back on his feet time.
The back story was inspiring. It's nice to read that he stepped up.
Posted by: San Diego Momma | July 03, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Where would we be without our family? It's nice that you are helping them out. What goes around, comes around.
Posted by: Mrs. G. | July 03, 2008 at 07:38 PM
It's really powerful to see adults change. I hope that he finds a brief breather with you and finds his place soon. You, of course, are a gem for housing him.
Posted by: JCK | July 03, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Family is so important. At Christmas my nieces and nephews and I came up with our own text abbreviation: SSF (So Supportive Family). It was a bit sarcastic at first (we are a crazy family, too) but now we really are becoming more supportive of each other.
I hope your BIL finds a great job and that everything works out.
Posted by: Shelia | July 03, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Go, FAMILY!!! I can't say I'd be able to do the same, but I hope I could.
Posted by: kcinnova | July 05, 2008 at 02:24 AM
It'll include tough moments, but I hope you'll all get to look back at this time with fondness. Wishing you lots of laughable moments.
Posted by: Tricia | July 05, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Wow. Um, yeah. Wow to you all.
I have a deep admiration for families who do the right thing in the face of adversity.
Posted by: Just Jamie | July 05, 2008 at 11:56 PM