How do we tell his mom why we are going to my family reunion but skipped hers?

Question

My mother in law called the night before her family reunion to tell us that she was cooking dinner and we were expected to be there. We were in the middle of building our house and had an expensive piece of equipment rented for the weekend. My husband said that if we had known earlier, we would have waited on renting it so that we could have went to the reunion. My family reunion is coming up and he is excited about going. The problem now is that she is going to pitch a fit and blame it all on me (she is constantly doing that anyway, so it is nothing new), and tell us that it isn't fair to her. How do we explain?

Answer 1

Let your husband explain.  He already did, of course; she didn't give you any advance notice.  Your family did.  That is why you both are able to attend your family reunion but not his.  I bet he's not the only one who didn't show on such short notice.  It wasn't much of a family reunion, I'll bet.

It sounds like you have a good man who is able to handle his mother.  Sure she will have a fit, but that's not your fault.  Treat her nicely, but don't let her mess up your life.

Answer 2

It sounds like you can tell the truth this time, financial issues. If she his not paying your bills then there is no way she can say what you can or cannot afford

Answer 3

Tell her the truth. If she gets mad don't worry about it . You and your husband have a right to make your own choices. And you were telling the truth u were busy.

Answer 4

just  tell  here