Dear So and So

[limewave]

Dear In-Laws,

I was so excited when you called and asked what DS would like for his birthday. I gave so many suggestions: beach toys, toy guitar (this kid LOVES music!), his own hydration pack for family hikes, explorer toys like butterfly net, compass, etc. And then you asked if he'd like at truck for the sand box--while he likes trucks he already has dozens of them.

Considering that you all have only ever bought him toy trucks and he has an overflowing fleet of them, did ALL of you really need to buy him MORE trucks for his birthday? Even after you asked and I suggested something else?

10 birthday presents. 10 trucks. DS's disappointment could be seen by all. He just wanted a guitar and a hydration pack

Sigh.

~Limewave

DD,
Thank you for innocently saying something I could not. "Bear already has a bunch of trucks. He has that exact one! He has so many we just donated a bunch to church. Maybe we should give these to church? Why does Bear only get trucks?"
Love you kid.
~Your mom

[Crankin]

Indy, I could not have restrained myself from uttering angry swear words in a situation that compromised safety on the trail. You are a better person than me!
I've had one-two dog altercations on the road, right on my street. Dealing with my idiot neighbor was bad enough, but I was truly scared for my safety with a dog running at me. I used what I learned here on TE and it worked, but the situation didn't make my fear of dogs better. I just am not an animal lover, which I have always been hesitant to state here, but usually, if a dog is well behaved (i.e. has a well behaved owner), I can tolerate it.
People just don't think.

[azfiddle]

Limewave- you have all my sympathy!

My kids have never forgiven my mother-in-law for giving them scotch tape in a Christmas stocking (never mind we mainly celebrate Chanukah) and getting my son matchbox cars at age 12.

[malkin]

My granny always gave us weird stuff too, but these things miraculously always became useful or treasured in some quirky way.

She also took us shopping too, so there was never any disappointment.

Sorry you got kind of a clueless one.

[lph]

Oh Limewave, I know how you feel. One of DS's grandparents gives him the most clueless gifts ever, like books in a language he can't read. But it's pretty much outweighed by the others, who adore him

[Crankin]

I empathize with you, Limewave. My in laws once gave my older son a very expensive European made tricycle right when he turned 2, after we said he wasn't ready for one (he was not that coordinated back then). This was at a Thanksgiving dinner where my parents were there and my dad was unemployed at the time.
It caused a huge fight, with my DH reminding them we had asked them not to do this and my FIL calling my DH a f******* azzhole in front of my parents.
We didn't speak to them for 2 years after this and we lived about 5 miles away.
Lovely people.

[Reesha]

Dear Team E friends!

I am leaving for my cross-country biking adventure (American Lung Association's Big Ride Across America) in less than a week (it is VERY hard to believe it's time!). I have been so humbled by the support you have shown me as a collective group and so thankful for the donations made to this wonderful cause. For those interested in following my journey, I will be posting pictures/videos/updates and thoughts from the open road on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lariss...84979924902812

Can't wait to share this journey with everyone!