Mr and Mrs K's New Journey to a Debt Free Life.

Igamogam

AlexLK wrote: »

As for my mother's present that will probably cost the most, as we've always no clue what to buy for my parents so usually ends up being something rather expensive.

Well why not surprise her and buy her 'nothing' other than gifts from the Oxfam Unwrapped range - you could get her a whole herd of goats in her honour - that didnt come out very well;) Seriously maybe its time for some 'feel good factor' gifts................

AlexLK

Igamogam wrote: »

Well why not surprise her and but her 'nothing' other than gifts from the Oxfam Unwrapped range - you could get her a whole herd of goats in her honour - that didnt come out very well;) Seriously maybe its time for some 'feel good factor' gifts................

:rotfl: You really don't know my mother if you think she'd appreciate a herd of goats for some poor African tribe. :rotfl:

One of her favourite topics to moan about is foreign aid, well once she's got over Sainsbury's at Matlock.

She is not the kind of person who would appreciate charitable gifts, wine, chocolates or "spa days" at all. As she has her own collections, we usually buy her something for one of those, same with father but nothing they like could be called a "cheap" gift.

Igamogam

AlexLK wrote: »

You really don't know my mother No I dont which is a blessing IMO as I have met plenty like her.............. if you think she'd appreciate a herd of goats for some poor African tribe. But the African family might do..............food for thought ALK

Sainsbury's at Matlock.

I would moan about supermarkets in general however..........:(:D:(

Granariesgirl

AlexLK wrote: »

I hadn't spoke to my parents regarding their behaviour but I imagine they will be able to "hold back" for a couple of hours.

Yeah - would you bet your life on it? Bet a bookie would give you lousy odds on that chance, especially as there will be some simmering resentment at the event being held chez K, not chez K Senior, & with your in-laws present...
:eek:
Speak to them, at least it will make it clear what you expect & the treatment of both sets of grandparents will be equal.
After all, Mrs K cared enough about making the party a civilised affair that she had the guts to lay down the law to HER parents which can't have been easy - surely you care enough about the success of your son's first birthday at home to do the same with yours? :cool:

Of course your parents should know better, as should hers, but they obviously don't, do they?

Yes it will take a certain amount of courage & willpower to stand up to them & take the eventual consequences but you have faced worse: bollockings on MSE, facing up to your debts & NOT buying "stuff" all the time!
It will also show some support for Mrs K which I feel has been sadly lacking in your dealing with your parents...



Just remember:
If your Mother starts coming the Hyacinth Bucket with the in-laws & any of Little K's mates' parents whom she doesn't consider "smart" enough for her grandson to consort with - which from the sounds of it she will probably do... it is YOU, your wife & child will be the ones to pay the price as all there will label you as the same kind of ghastly parvenu snob when you're really nice & normal (once you forget to pretend )!
:eek:

Mara_uk7

Buy your mum a book on etiquette for her birthday. Failing that, a bottle of Baileys ! Lol

*Robin*

Hi Alex, :hello:

Just de-lurking to hark back a page or three, to your idea of making a jigsaw for the birthday party goody-bags:

Do you have, or is there time for you to take a 'photo of each child? To use as the puzzle picture.. An absolutely unique [and very :money:] gift.

Umm, why not make [a larger] one for Mother's gift too? Featuring her favourite boys** of course, and presented in a box/frame with sturdy clasps that make it easy to remove the jigsaw (if required - bet it would become an ornament, lol). She's hardly likely to get sniffy about that!

<**Grandpa, Dad and Son would be lovely; could you wangle a secret 'photo-session without Mother's knowledge? ..Is there time?>

AlexLK

Well picked my chair up. :rotfl:

Igamogam: I know where you're coming from, my mother would be the first to admit she is a bit of a snob and rather selfish. However, that doesn't stop her being my mother.

Granariesgirl: No I wouldn't bet my life on it. I wouldn't even bet £1 on it.

I suppose I need to have a word with them tomorrow. Pretty much certain father won't say anything as he has really quite mellowed over these past few years. However, I have no desire to be making enemies out of the very people my son has chosen to be friends with.

Mara: :rotfl: You really think I'd dare?

Robin: I don't have a photo of each child, no.

However, I rather like the idea for my mother's birthday present. Don't think I really have the time this year but for next it would be brilliant, thank you for the tip.

Granariesgirl

Good man, Alex - you CAN do it! :j:j


<Imagines Alex in WW1 helmet & uniform about to "go over the top"> :rotfl:

AlexLK

:rotfl: I suppose I can, can't I?

Can't beat a bit of dress up .... oo and er indeed.

Granariesgirl

(In best General Melchett voice)
In your own time... Carry on Mr LK! Good show & all that, what!