W came to my room "I was just about to ask us to work on R until I found that recorder"
TOLD you. Typical script. They ALLLLWAAAYYYYS say this one.
Sorry that the in-laws are being such a-holes, BWP, but remember, you don't know what lies your wife has told them, so try to give grace in this area and continue to conduct yourself in the highest manner with regards to them.
