I agree w/ Sandi's advice...the retrieving items from different rooms might be something to avoid...I can remember doing that as well.
Sorry to hear about FIL...it's sad that they have divorced as i think that will only put a damper on your sitch as far as a family wanting and hoping to keep a family together.
I got the same thing from MIL who was widowed at 45 and then remarried and divorced in a month a few years later...she's not the best ally in my sitch.
You mentioned having surprised her w/ a visit from her father- here's the key- you cannot do anything to impress her...do it b/c you want to, when you do and you guage her for her response it might set you back.
Good job w/ the "no big deal attitude" when W agreed then changed her mind.
That was a huge set back for me and could have cost me everything in my sitch- my problem was I had quit posting here when things were going pretty good. I was flying blind.
