Ellie: I agree. I was P Od at Christmas but knew if also bothered Josh so I let it go. Smiled and nodded. We had the best Christmas ever with the whole Fam Damily in matching pjs (all 19 of us) and Josh stayed with us for the first time ever. His twin sister told him the book she ordered him never arrived for his gift. Ummm - he still never got it and she pulled that a couple of years ago too. And, by the way - she does quite well financially (lawyer)
I just can't imagine inviting (and letting each of us know that it was expected) people then changing the date because you are such a snob that you want a certain caterer and nothing else will do.
Knowing Josh, he will probably foot the bill for an lovely dinner on the Monday but you can be SURE that I do not want to go. Of course I will. And I'll put on my "Barbie" face. But seriously - there is a good chance Ryan will be just getting out of the hospital a couple of days before (they're talking about releasing him for his birthday on the 18th) and I sure won't be wanting to leave.
My parents' 50th was 9 months before ex left. For probably less $ than that caterer will cost - my 3 siblings and I pooled our resources and threw a party for our parents at our church hall with hors doevers, cake and coffee. We gave them a couple of very personalized gifts - a photo quilt of memories and scrapbook of similar. We had letters from government, telegrams etc and Ashley (then 12) wrote a lovely poem and read to them. This was followed by an exquisite "family only" dinner out. It was lovely.
I guess I had higher hopes for his family. Expectations were out of whack again.
I regret responding to the email at all. I stewed about it all night. UGH!
