Almost spilled the beans......

[DMK855 15]

Just thought I would share this......

Today I had some tree work to do right next door so I just used a couple of the WH's and trailers. When I picked my son up after school, of course he asked if he could help, and would I give him 5.00 to put towards his "Suburban money"!!! I of course said yes and he went straight to loading the trailer with all of the pieces he could lift. He worked with me for a couple of hours and then went to play with the neighbor kids!!

Later tonight we counted his money and he has $190.00. After counting his money, he asked if we could get on RS and look at tractors for sale. As mentioned, he is wanting a Suburban. All of the Suburbans in the classifieds are either sold or way too much for him. At that point he started to get pretty upset, He said he would just buy any WH he could afford!! It was pretty heartbreaking for me listening to him wanting to "settle" on anything instead of what he really wanted. Long story short, I explained the importance of saving your money so that you can get what you want and not to settle!!!

Now as the title states, I almost had to spill the beans. I purchased a 551 for him that will be his Christmas gift. He obviously does not know, but has his heart set on buying one before we head north for Christmas. Needless to say, I will let him spend his hard earned money on a belt guard and heatshield if we can locate them!!!

Thanks for all of you and this website for making this such a great hobby that I am very fortunate to be able to share with my kids!! (And with out his interest, the wife wouldn't be ok with all these tractors!!! )

[chris11 184]

I would love to see the look on his face when he sees it.

[Freebyrd1 0]

I'd like to see his face along with yours when you give it, not sure which of you will be prouder. Good job Dad :thumbs:

[horsefeathers 15]

That's a great story! I know fo sure your boy will love it!

'Cause I suprized my boy with a go-kart when he was 8 y.o.!

How far north are ya' commin' for Christmas?

Oh Yeah!!! :thumbs:

[Horse'n Around 22]

You really have to have the camera ready the second that he finds out thats hes getting the 551. Ahhh a boy and his Wheel Horse

Your a good Dad!

John

[dgoyette 12]

Great story - sounds like you are doing a great job raising him. Nice job letting him feel the disappointment of really wanting something but not getting it (yet). There is emotional development that goes along with that lesson that some kids do not develop because their parents cave on everything. They end up in adult hood with inappropriate behavior. And also that he earns his money. Really great.

That is going to be one happy boy! Take photo's to add to the post if you can!

[JimD 3,347]

What a great story. I'll be looking forward to pics or a video of "the moment". :thumbs:

[MikesRJ 558]

Living vicariously through our children is what it's all about, Dwayne! we want Christmas pictures!

[Suburban 550 28]

Great story. Can't wait to see the smile on his face at Christmas. :thumbs:

[Coadster32 793]

Great story indeed. :)

[whfan74 2,071]

That is a fantastic story! Make sure you have a box of kleenex near by when the unveiling happens. I agree what a great lesson on helping your kids save their money for something. Those lessons are priceless and will pay big dividends in their future! Good luck with the suprise!

[DMK855 15]

Thanks everyone!! I am very excited about him seeing it for the first time!! I will have someone in the garage when we open the door taking pics and or a video!! I am very proud of him saving his money!! I had to buy my first car and pay my own insurance and that made me take very good care of it and not screw around!!! I didn't want to have to walk once I got wheels!!!

The little 551 will look nice next to his RJ!!! Now only if I can get my RJ restored before his 551!!

Horsefeathers, I will be heading to Pa. over the Holidays!! A little town called Coatesville!!

Mike, I would hope you can take the 5 minute ride to my parents for a visit!!

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Thats a wonderful story! And you teaching him these lessons in life on saving when most everyone else looks to plastic to solve their problems will pay big dividends in the long haul! Cant wait to see the pictures! :wh:

[MikesRJ 558]

Mike, I would hope you can take the 5 minute ride to my parents for a visit!!

Hell I'll even go out in the garage and be the one to take the video! Been a long time since the wife and I had little ones around to see their faces light up. Might even be able to find a Santa Suit too!

[hoppy 0]

this is awesome! hats of to you for being a good father and teaching the boy some of lifes biggest lessons at such a young age. i know a few guys in there mid 30's that still would let there parents wipe there butts if they wanted to. i was forced to learn at a young age to work hard and save hard. dont settle for less then what you want.

[DMK855 15]

Well, I kept it a secret!! It was a fantastic moment for him and I!! We both had to hold back the tears!!! Here is a cell phone pic for now!! I will post better pics when I get home and dump the pictures off of the camera!!

[Kelly 1,033]

He looks about as happy as can be, glad it worked out.

[bmuone 15]

That's as good as it gets!!! He'll never forget this Christmas. You did well Dad.

[Horse'n Around 22]

Look at that big ole smile!!! Perfect !!!!!

John

[clintonnut 126]

Glad he liked it! Hope he gets many years of hard work out of it like my suburban still provides me!

How long are you staying? I will be home from Iowa on the 31st

Charlie

[DMK855 15]

Charlie, we will be here until the 1st, weather pending!! We were not supposed to be here until tomorrow night, but I wanted to be here and settled before the snow arrived!! Glad I did after seeing the forecast tonight!!!!

Thanks again for making all of this work out. He is thrilled to death with the tractor!!! He is upset I didn't bring the plow for it though!! LOL!! Fired it right up this afternoon and it runs like a top. Just need to find a belt guard asap so he can take it for a spin!!

Thanks everyone for the kind comments!! The smile was worth every penny!!

[Rollerman 290]

Great story!

I did something similar years ago & presented my father with a 310-8 for Christmas.

Look forward to seeing pictures of the progress you & your son make on the Suburban.

[fabricator2009 48]

:ychain: Priceless.

[whfan74 2,071]

:ychain: Those are great pictures and a great memory has been made! Glad that it worked out for both of you.

[MikesRJ 558]

Beautiful. Merry Christmas Duane and Family! :ychain: