Toughin Up Club

(((((((((((((Josie)))))))))))))) Big hugs from us all!!!! Linny "ole wise one" will have her best comments for you. Sorry that I lack the tack that Linny has....lol I would be just as ****** as you are currently for the ignorance that people have today. I have recently had the same comments to me about being the grandmother. I can understand how it can really set you in the wrong direction but you want to stay calm for your children (yes your children). I just smile while I grit my teeth and correct them on the fact that they are my children. Vent all you want here....We are here for you!!!

Michelle, THANK YOU. Your words and support definitely made me feel better. I am so proud of our family, our beautiful children, my wonderful husband and the job we do as parents. Just one rude comment though, can really set you back on a bad day. I told my friend about it. She has a child with Down Syndrome and is already a member of the "Toughen Up Club". When she asked how old this guy was and I guessed in his 40's she said "and he's still working at Sam's Club trying to drum up clients for photographs", sounds like a LOSER TO ME!! I had to laugh. Leave it to a girlfriend to lighten the load . . . every time, huh ladies???????? So thanks for letting me vent. And for really understanding.

(((((((((Josie))))))))))))

Josie....chat/vent all you want. We are all here for you and everyone else. I enjoyed the laugh too. Thanks for sharing.

I am 45 and my son is 6 and at least once a month, someone assumes I am the Grandmother! I think there are woman that have child by birth at 39. Why do people make assumptions?Depending on my mood or my son's mood, I can be very nice or rude back.

Jackie I had my bio son at the age of 37. My adoptive son came home when I was 41. So why do people want to question us. I know of celebrities that have(or adopt)children far older and they are never questioned that "are you the grandmother"? Whats up with that?

We are both in our 50's, adopting a 3 and 5 yr old. When people mistake me for their grandmother, I just say oh no, my grandchildren are a lot older than my sons! That floors them!!

:giggle I've been mistaken for Olivia's grandmother a couple times - it takes me back for a moment but I proudly say I'm her lucky, lucky mommy!!!

Jenf and melmomom you both have the right attitudes!!!!!! There is no need to tough'n you all up here....lol No really come all you want and chat with us.

I was just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Hope you all are staying tough.

I'm still here and hanging tough - haha - dealing with a toddler and hot flashes at the same time is sure an experience!

Melmomon that is never fun. Right there with you! Hang in there I do hear it gets better....lol

(Note to Josie: LOL ) Now WHY is it that when I DON'T check with this forum for a few days, I find that my name's been mentioned???????!!!! Okay, so if I've ever been singled out as my childrens' grandmother....I guess I probably haven't paid enough attention. This ISN'T to say that those of you who HAVE paid attention, are doing a disservice to yourselves. It merely means that I'm DENSE! :) (I'm fifty here, with a 4yr old, 5yr old and under 12month old baby.) As for the Wally World guy making that assumption to you, Josie...well, let me think. And realize---please realize that I'm the world's WORST person to think quickly and clearly on my feet (or my back for that matter---LOL). Here's somethin' I think I would do though. When someone makes that assumption.......I believe in putting the comments back to 'em (though too often, I don't think to do so at the time). For instance: "These must be cousins?' (or, 'There will be more than one family for the setting?', etc) Perhaps to say the question back to the person: "Ohhhh, you're thinking these children are cousins?" "Ohhh, you're thinking there'll be more than one family here?" Then....THEN you can put the inquiry right back on 'em! Then say, flat seriously: "What would give you THAT impression?" Because then----THEN, they'll have to explain their thinking process!!! And guess what? MOST people don't like to do that, because by your question alone---they'll know they've jumped right in the kimchi ! And so, while they're blubbering about their ridiculous question, you can make comments like: 'Gee, I knew I was looking older since my climbing expedition in Tibet , but I didn't think I was looking THAT bad????' Yeah, I don't think quickly enough.....but give me a bit of time, and I can make someone wish they'd not commented at all! :) Sincerely, Linny

See, Linny?? This is why I love you!!!! You make me laugh (and looking at my aging body in the mirror lately, I could USE a good laugh at something other than myself). Hugs, you youngsta' you!!!!!

You all are the best!!!!!