Q: My mother-in-law is constantly inviting us over to their families very frequent family gatherings. I'm talking once every three weeks or so. It is a few hours drive, is there any way to get out of this?

A: Well you know you can't get out of all of them. Here's an idea. Start by filling up your calender months in advance with days off for your family. When she calls about another gathering, you can say you already have plans and it will be true. Of course the really important gatherings you should go to and I will let you decide what is important. This should work a few times but you will probably start to get some flack. Stick to schedule, tell you are sorry but you already have plans. Tell her seeing her and your family is important but you have other commitments. If you stick to it, you will be in control of when you visit.