FIL's e-mail re: Surprise Party I am giving DH
First, a little background. I am giving DH a surprise 30th birthday party at my parents' house in 2 weeks. We live in VA so my mom offered to do the shopping and I'll pay her back since I can't bring much without DH seeing it. I informed both of his (divorced) parents about the party. His mom offered to make her cheesecake that DH loves. His stepmom replied to my e-mail to FIL since she checks the e-mail more often. So, I've been back and forth with his stepmom and she offered help. I suggested that her and FIL go to my parents before the party starts to help with the food, decorating, etc. They will also be bringing a salad and she's been looking into cakes for me (and I thought we agreed they'd be paying for it as well). Today I get this e-mail from FIL:
'I need to let you know that the upcoming celebration is kind of leaving me feeling upset. (Stepmom) has offered our help and it seems there is nothing left for me to do. I will make a round baseball (canoli) cake for my son just because I want to be able to do something special for his birthday.
Of course this does not prevent you from getting whatever cake you want to get. The cake I plan to make will not feed 40 people by any means, I just want to feel like I did something for his birthday.
I am certainly willing to talk with you if anything bothers you and explain better if there is any misunderstanding.'
Um... what? My mom and the stepmom spoke on the phone. She and FIL will be getting to my parents' house early to help out, they are bringing a store bought cake, and a salad. I'm confused now. There really isn't anything else that needs to be done. What am I supposed to say to this? Or is he now feeling guilty because neither of DH's parents did anything special for when their other 2 kids turned 30? And I refuse to ask for FIL to help with the costs. DH owes him enough as it is. But that's another story for another time!
'I need to let you know that the upcoming celebration is kind of leaving me feeling upset. (Stepmom) has offered our help and it seems there is nothing left for me to do. I will make a round baseball (canoli) cake for my son just because I want to be able to do something special for his birthday.
Of course this does not prevent you from getting whatever cake you want to get. The cake I plan to make will not feed 40 people by any means, I just want to feel like I did something for his birthday.
I am certainly willing to talk with you if anything bothers you and explain better if there is any misunderstanding.'
Um... what? My mom and the stepmom spoke on the phone. She and FIL will be getting to my parents' house early to help out, they are bringing a store bought cake, and a salad. I'm confused now. There really isn't anything else that needs to be done. What am I supposed to say to this? Or is he now feeling guilty because neither of DH's parents did anything special for when their other 2 kids turned 30? And I refuse to ask for FIL to help with the costs. DH owes him enough as it is. But that's another story for another time!
