You are ONE AMAZING lady, Anne!

You might tell DIL how tempted you are to pay off that trike now, and keep it at your house for the little guy. That way she may learn what *gift* means. It's not a payment, you don't owe her.



Oh and... dish towels for her, socks for ds, if you do have to get them something. Go cheap on them, spend on the tot.

What can I say....as much as I'd like to take numbers and kick butt, I think you are handling it with class....<pats Anne on back>..

Tacky!

~ Faith

Anne, I am so sorry you have to put up with that carp. I totally understand where you are coming from on keeping the peace. But I would definitely say something to the effect of, "Thank you for picking out the gift I am giving DGS this year. However, in the future I would like to do the choosing of his gift myself. It gives me great satisfaction to give DGS a gift from MY heart." You can come up with your own words but I think gently telling her something would be OK.

Many of you already know this but I come from a large family. We chose names in our family. Well, actually, my parents pick the names out of a hat and lets us all know who we have. Traditionally, as we have been doing since we were little, we have to make the gift. These gifts that are made and given are definitely from the heart and well thought out. It is amazing.

Many, many years ago my youngest brother had me and made me a picture out of wood. I still have that picture!!! He was probably in 2nd or 3rd grade if that. Anyhow, this year I have him and I have been tossing around the idea of wrapping that picture and giving it to him this year for one of his gifts. It is not so much that he will "like" the picture, just that it meant so much to me I have kept it, through all our moves, moves on my own, even the fact that I made sure to grab that picture when I left my ex-husband. (LOL I didn't remember to grab shoes that matched or even all my shoes but I certainly remembered that picture. Go figure.)

Hang in there Anne!!!! You are a good sole with a wonderful heart. Just let it shine this Christmas.

Thank you Faith and thank you Trish.

I'm resigned to giving DGS the tricycle for Christmas, but I wish I had the guts to give it to him early and keep it here at our house, but there's no way I would upset the peace by doing that.

I love the idea of packaging up that picture and giving it back to your brother Trish. I think if he knew you'd kept it all this time, it would make such a special, loving gift..... from the heart.

Whatever you decide.... I hope you and your families have a lovely Christmas.

well, that is downright rude and thoughtless.
but i admire you for taking the position you are.
it will probably be for the best.

you may have to compromise in yrs to come but i hope this holiday season will be one of peace for you and your family.