[gmoney2400]

I need some advice. I have 1 son and 2 daughters. The girls are from my husband's first marriage. My mother wants to get a family picture taken. But she wants to exclude the girls from the picture of the grandkids because they aren't "blood". I told her I refuse this as I look at them as my kids too. My younger sister agrees with her and says that there will always be some kinda separation...Am I wrong to think they are crazy?? If I don't agree to this my mother is cancelling the pictures.

[ruthann8]

How awful your children must feel. Your mother should treat them like she would any other grandkid. It shouldn't matter if they are step kids, adopted, or blood. My dh's stepdads family treats him and his brother like they don't exist and I find it pathetic that his mom never stood up for them. They weren't even invited to family gatherings, even Christmas. Stand your ground!

There will always be some kind of separation b/c your mom and younger sister treat it that way. They need to grow up.

[JMSPGH]

The issues with being a blended family aren't going to be a quick fix. The family picture is an easier fix in my eyes. Take a picture of just your son for your mom and sister, a picture of them all together for your house and a picture of just the girls for their moms house.

[skidoo_grl]

This sounds like my Grandma at my wedding. My sister really isn't my Dad's.. but since my nephew was born (almost 8 years ago now) he has really stepped up and been a father for her, and a Grandpa for him. At my wedding (about 2.5 years ago) my Grandma wanted a picture without my sister and nephew in it for the "family" photo. My Dad told her no, no way was it happening. Well after they took one of everyone she was starting to ask the photographer if she could have one without them in it and I told her she couldn't and if she wanted to then she would have a picture without my husband and myself in it. She told me I was being selfish and threw her flowers at me and stormed off. My Dad stuck up for me, and suprisingly, so did his 2 siblings. She has now gotten over it and seen how foolish and childish it was.
I think you should go with what you feel. If they are just like your children to you, stand by that. I think if you get pictures without them in the picture for your mother and sister, they will probably be hurt, because I am sure they will see these picture when they go to their homes, if they do. Go with what you think is right and stick to it. Good luck!

[purelegance]

if you feel that they are your own, then everyone else should accept that and them. If your mother feels so strongly then she can enjoy a picture of your sister's family instead.

[QueenAngie]

Since it is only the 'blood relatives' am thinking that your spouse and your sister's spouse should not be included either.

That was tongue in cheek. I did not mean it.

All the grandkids should be the same: half, whole, step, adopted, etc.

If it were me, she'd have to take my entire family or we wouldn't be there.

Too bad for her that she does not accept your stepchildren as her own grandchildren. She is the one missing out on two beautiful little girls!

[DivasMomma]

this happens all the time at my work (I work at Sears Portraits) Most of the time they will do it with just "blood" family, then do a big group shot of everyone in the family, including step and half bros/sis's

[ruthann8]

Doing separate pictures bothers me. Can you imagine how you would feel going to grandmas and seeing a big FAMILY picture on the wall and you were not included.