special days cause so much trouble

I agree with falcon bird, hope everyones day goes well and no-one has any arguments or fall outs.

yippee Ive just found out how to do little smiley faces.

It's so sad, isn't it? I never did anything right in my MIL's eyes, starting with marrying her son (she even said she wasn't asking any of their side to the wedding!), followed by having a daughter before a son (!), and so it continued for 30+ years until she died. Even when I was nursing her at the end she was still complaining, very hard to cope with.
You're clearly close to your daughter which must be a comfort, but I do empathise with you.
My DS's in-laws live abroad and speak very little English but we do get on well together when we see them.
I wish you all the best x

I'm in Oz so will not be involved in the UK Mothering Sunday celebration, although I may get a phone call. The Oz one is in June, I think, so I will miss out on that one too as I will be back in the UK. It's always been low key in our family, thank goodness . to us all

loopylou, I had the same problem, no-one came to our simple engagement meal even though they had been invited, at our wedding they all sat at one side of the room and no one spoke to the 'other side'.
My DH was in the TA at the time and some guests were members and MIL was heard to remark 'who are these rough people are they camp followers or what', she was referring to some of the women who had had a few drinks and were enjoying themselves a bit loudly but no one was misbehaving. I could write a book about snobby horrid relatives but as we all know life is short and we should try to get along for the sake of the gc if nothing else. My DD received nothing from her grandparents will so the nastieness has lasted 30+ years in our family. I suppose looking at it in that context a mothers day fight is not much.

MIL refused to invite anyone so DH and I did the best we could-which also wasn't right because we'd invited people she 'couldn't stand on purpose'!
She wasn't a snob but a very hypercritical church-goer, and looking back, I think a very dissatisfied and lonely lady.
It's sad that behaviours can continue to impact for so long, I'm just thankful none of her children have developed the same traits!
I do hope you have a lovely day tomorrow, (the daffodil emoticon has gone!)

I've had a card from darling daughter and DGDs, I'm going playing with my bow and arrows!

Have a great time Galen..... That reminds me, I must ask DD whether she wants her archery kit fished out of the attic now she's moved house.

I only know mother's day is looming (doesn't it just?) because people put sob stories on gransnet. I gather this morning that it's today. I am often thankful that most of the world's trivia passes me by without my noticing it. Today is one of those thankful times. It's bliss to have no expectations. Try it sometime

Happy Mother's Day everybody whatever you do

And a Happy Mothers' Day to you Bags

just had a lovely txt from DD wishing me a happy day, will see her later and DGD so I cant wish for more for myself but I hope she will pop in to see the other gran too. In the meantime Ive got a a squashy cake for them later.
However on the horizon Is easter looming and we will have arguments all over again .
Happy day to everyone

Have a lovely day ethel.

Thanks, anya. I shall. And the same to you

See we all put smilies ?

Meaning...?

We are smiling, duh!

thatbags I don't have any expectations about Mothers Day. However it is a lovely feeling when DC make some sort of effort. I am very lucky with my three DDs who don't spend lots of money but show their gratitude and love in other ways.

DS and GCs all called yesterday, flowers and cards. The eldest 5.5 wrote her and sister's card beautifully which warmed my heartstrings.

It's nice to know they are all happily appreciating their own mummies.
to mummies everywhere. x

Blessed is she that expecteth nothing, for she will not be disappointed . .

I never expect cards or flowers from my busy children with their full lives. I chose to have them and to bring them up, it was my pleasure and the fruit of my happy marriage, why should they feel guilty if they don't thank me regularly on a day instigated by the card manufacturers? And why should I dissolve into tears thinking myself neglected because they don't observe a man-made obligation?

Today I shall see DD2 and SiL, and I had a card from DD2. Neither of the other two ever remember Mother's Day. They don't love me any less, and they are not any less glad to see me. We meet on other days, and we don't backbite one another. That is more important.

Exactly, elegran. I know, and so do my daughters, that I was and am a loving and conscientious mother. We don't need a special day to express our appreciation of each other. And, yes, appreciation works both ways.

Just in case anyone thinks I'm boasting, please note that I said conscientious, not perfect. I'm a conscientious person, not a perfect one. I applied my conscientiousness to my mothering, as I'm sure a lot of others also did/do.

There are FOUR threads on Mothers Day. Hallmark will be so pleased.

I feel quite the same, Elegran and B.

Expressions of appreciation, love and thoughtfulness needs no special day. These are shown in the small interactions of kindnesses, respect and laughter throughout our lives.

Elegran