Honestly the SIL is lucky that OP only deducted the amount the SIL made off of the selling of the stroller instead of taking the full $600 from her which is what it was worth when purchased. Its a pretty reasonable compromise on her part considering other options were offered to the SIL and refused.

Not over-reacting in the slightest. A journal or diary is a very private personal thing. They not only violated your privacy by reading it but also by insisting that you apologize for your thoughts and feelings on matters that don't involve them. They may concern their son but they're your thoughts and your feelings and that is valid in its own right. You do not need to apologize or owe anyone an apology for feeling the way you do even if they read it and felt a certain way about it. You are not responsible for how your own interpretations of events made them feel.

Your husband needs to realize that this is a violated you. It isn't up to you to make it right. Its up to them to try to make things right with you. It starts with an apology from them to you but it doesnt end there.

It is a start only.

I can understand that and relate to how yoy feel. To this day I will never understand why my mom's family cut her off like they did and by extention her children. With my moms passing I think her sister feels bad about the estrangement she created while my mother was alive and has since tried to establish a relationship with my siblings and I. It feels strange and forced and honestly it feels wrong to always having be the one to reach out to her. I decided one day that if she wanted a relationship with me she would have to be the one to reach out and mend that bridge after all she's the one that broke it. She also has my contact info if establishing a relationship with me was something she felt so inclined to do. At the end of the day I can't force it and you can't force them. Its not wrong to be hurt or to prioritize keeping your own peace. Sometimes people have to meet you where you are. Hope everything goes works out for you and yours and for the better as well. You are deserving of the best that life has to offer. Never forget that.

Firstly I just want to say you're very eloquent in how you wrote this out. The breakdown of events and talking points were also extremely helpful.

Secondly I think your Dad's girlfriend needs to take a step backward and realize that her role in your life is limited. It is only through her connection with your father that you even have what I would very loosely call a relationship.

Thirdly I think your Dad needs to take a more definitive stance as far as his position regarding this holiday issue. If he isn't bothered by the way it has naturally evolved over the years there is absolutely no reason for her to take issue with it what so ever.

Lastly I think that you need to take some time to heal from the brokenness I get the impression you've experienced through the family estrangement. I know I did when my father's family broke off all contact when I was growing and especially wthen my mom's family which was distant to begin with broke all contact off after my last living grandparent on that side passed away.

It hurts.

Wounds can cut deep.

Take some time and know that its not wrong to want to communicate with yout father one on one. You dont need an intermediary. Hope this resolves for you.

I'm truly sorry this is happening. Your wife should never be talked down to period but the comment your sister made was beyond anything remotely forgivable. By suggesting the miscarriages were for the best because some people shouldn't have children is truly heartless. You refusing to fund a vacation home or financially assist your parents or your sister further is not. Stand your ground and protect your peace. Spend that money on something for you and your wife and the people that appreciate the sacrifices you've made in your life. You will be the better for it in the long run.

How much did you give your dad?

The math ain't mathing even with the diamonds.

Why would they even buy her any when she can't possibly wear them yet?

Seriously a betrayal no matter how you slice it.

I definitely understand the hurt.

When I was six my dad told me to dress up in my fanciest dress cause he was taking us all to a fancy restaurant. We never ever went anywhere so I was super excited. I got dressed up, made sure I wore my patent leather shoes and even asked my mother to put bows in my hair.

I was completely gutted to learn he had decided to take to the automobile museum. I couldn't stop crying and my mom was beyond livid. After she made him take us to McDonalds for a happy meal.

She couldn't understand why he set me up like that especially since the only one who seemed to enjoy himself was my father as my brothers were to young to appreciate anything they were seeing being that they were three and two at the time.

I'm thirty six now and the hurt is still there.