Cooking is a great idea. Don't know about you, but I LOVE ME SOME PASTA!! Along the lines of scrapbooking which is also a great idea, how about making a recipe book to go with the yummy food? Something you can copy and give to the kids?

I don't know about your MIL but what about a trip to the craft store? Maybe you can find something you can work on together or a puzzle or something she can work on when you aren't feeling so hot and just need a break?