Dear Sons

Dear Sons,

Happy Groundhog's Day! I again apologize that I neglected to inform you about this "awesome" holiday while we lived overseas. I had no idea it would be so exciting for you. I am sorry you were disappointed to wake up to no decorations this morning.

Here are my answers to your many inquiries.

No, I do not think the groundhog has been trained.
No, I do not think he had access to the weather on the Internet.
No, I do not think there is a "groundhog tracker" like there is for Santa.
No, I do not think we should go look for groundhogs today.

Sincerely, Mom

Dear Hubby

Dear Hubby,
 This is your official notice that Valentine's Day is two weeks away. I know you have informed me you can't be held responsible for any holiday gifts if I have not given you at least two weeks notice.

I am very aware that this is your least desirable half of the calendar year.  You have to worry about Christmas, Valentine's Day, my birthday, Mother's Day, and then our anniversary! Whoa, I am tired just from typing all those holidays. Just remember that then you get six months off!

Despite my high expectations, given that I am a "gift person", I realize I have no need to worry since you have been consistent and have showered me with many fine gifts over the years.  Not only your thoughtful gifts, but also your unwavering dedication to our family shows me how much you care for the kids and me. But I especially appreciate the gifts.

Sincerely, Your Valentine

XoXxxoOOxo
(big kiss, little hug, big kiss, two little kisses, little hug, two big hugs, little kiss, little hug)

Dear Bus Driver

Dear Kindergarten Bus Driver,
Thank you for bringing me joy every Monday-Friday at 11:20 am. Thank you for always being prompt and cheerful. I especially appreciate you waving goodbye to me daily since my son is too busy with his buddies to do so anymore. I will try to limit the number of kisses I blow now that you, alone, are aware of me standing there.

Sincerely, Shelley

Dear New Year's Resolutions

Dear New Year's Resolutions,
Wow, where did the month of January go? I am sorry I am just now getting around to you. In my defense, I already exercise every day. However, I am ready to talk if you are. I would like to resolve to drink less diet soda and consume fewer treats. Notice I did not say no treats. That would be impossible considering we are back in the U.S. and surrounded by inexpensive delicacies. Ok, so Hershey chocolate may not be considered a delicacy, but it certainly is inexpensive. So I will try to consume less until February. I can't possibly skip out on conversation hearts and sugar cookies. So why don't we just stick to me giving up diet soda. Great!

Sincerely, Shelley

Dear Family

Dear family,
I am so glad you liked Sunday dinner tonight. I must say quesadillas and seven-layer dip was not a traditional dinner, but it was yummy. I am glad the dip was a success. Remember when I tried to make seven-layer dip in Jordan last year? Whoa, was that a disaster! I should have known it wouldn't work when dealing with the following factors:
1. All ground meat in the Middle East has a certain percentage of lamb mixed in.
2. Avocados are expensive and they do not taste quite the same.
3. You can't buy taco seasoning.
4. Their sour cream is not sour, just cream.
5. Jordanian olives are delicious, but different in taste from U.S. canned black olives.

It is great being back in the U.S. this year where we can make so many fun things.

Next time I tell you we will be eating a yummy meal while we watch the Superbowl, I'll be sure to check the Superbowl schedule first.

Love, mom

Dear Trader Joe's

Dear Trader Joe's,
I cannot thank you enough for making salt-free products. My son has a kidney condition and he is on a low-sodium diet indefinitely. I buy your salt-free tortilla chips in bulk amounts! He loves them. I also buy a lot of your sunflower seed butter since my daughter is allergic to peanuts. It is so fantastic to have an alternative to peanut butter. And I may, or may not, buy a sufficient amount of your chocolate treats to get a busy mom through her necessary daily routine. 

My big question is why do you not sell products online? I feel you are really missing out on a huge opportunity. I know all my friends would be valiant customers. Especially in the state of Utah, where you have no stores. I lived overseas for four of the last five years. I had the opportunity to order things on the Internet that were shipped to my husband's work. On many occasions I was ordering from Netgrocer or Amazon and found myself wishing it was you instead. 

I hope you will consider my request.

Sincerely, Shelley (Trader Joe Toffee addict in denial)

Dear Mizani

Dear Mizani,

Thank you for making wonderful hair products. I have been a customer of yours for about three years now. After getting my hair cut a few years ago, the stylist recommended your hair serum. I bought it and loved it. I have been using it on the ends of my hair before blow drying.

This summer my sister-in-law was heading to the beauty supply store and offered to pick up any products I needed. I asked her to pick up some of your serum. When she got there she could not find the Mizani products. After inquiring she was sent to the hair products designed for African American hair. What may surprise you is that I have very fine sandy-blonde highlighted hair! You can imagine my surprise at this discovery! Then as I remembered that hair cut a few years back, I remembered that my stylist had black thick hair.

So my question to you is, are your products in fact designed only for this certain hair type? If they are, why are you limiting your customer base? Just between you and me, my real hair color could be quite dark brown by now. I keep highlighting cause I have no intention of finding out. I would like to continue to use your products, please advise.


Sincerely, Shelley