(((trying2beme)))) It's one night, you have the strength to get through it. When I used to have to deal with my family coming to my house for celebrations (there was always much drama prior to it all, sometimes a month or more...yeah, cwazy huh???) I put myself in a mindset of this....I know what I want (an enjoyable time, things to go smoothly), I know how they are (my mom, kind of sounds like your MIL-she wasn't sexually abused, that I know of anyway, but the whole mindset), I know what to expect (oh, there is just always gonna be something), I know how to react (ahhhhhhh, yep-I have a practiced way of diverting situations, kind of look at them as unnutured children, and how I deal with them...in a kind, yet awkwardly firm manner). It works.

Bottom line, you want this to be a nice night for you and your husband....put on your teflon suit (that's what I call it, things automatically bounce off me on this occassion), have some enlightening and happy topics to talk about...or something...I always have a diversion planned.

(((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))) enjoy this evening, it's not you-it's them, don't let it creep in, you are in control, you are above this and you are not her (I empathize with my mom, but I cannot relate that to her, she won't receive it, I just turn the perspective-I am thankful I am not that lost-it just can totally change the way you view the evening)...best of luck! Let us know how it goes.

hugs, Lisa