Mum's day off? (Mothers Day in the UK)

Member Name: jo1976

Product:	Mothers Day in the UK
Date:	24/03/09 (159 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The one day in the calendar dedicated to Mums

Disadvantages: Things might not always go to plan!

Last Sunday was 'Mother's Day' or 'Mothering Sunday' as it is more traditionally known. This year my Mother's Day was particularly memorable, although not for the best of reasons. My youngest son came down with a tummy bug the day before, meaning that Mother's Day for me consisted of a poorly toddler, an irritable (and at times irritating) six year old and me and my husband at each others' throats for much of the day! The highlight (or rather low point) of the day was when I lifted my youngest son out of his highchair after his tea, only for him to projectile vomit all down my back, in my hair and everywhere! Even worse was not being able to properly wash my hair until the kids were in bed. Happy Mother's Day to me!

This just proves a point about mothers in general. We never get a day off, regardless of what the calendar might say. Motherhood is a 24/7 responsibility for all of us Mums out there. Just because it's Mother's Day doesn't mean I get a day off from soothing irritable children or mopping up vomit! (Although, to be fair, my husband did actually clean the sick up. It was Mother's Day after all!) So, is it worth it? If you don't get a guaranteed fuss and special treatment on Mother's Day, how do you make it through the rest of the year?

I have to confess that my Mother's Day wasn't a total disappointment. The day before my oldest son's school put on a special performance and I managed to get time off work to go and see it. I was fighting back tears throughout the whole show! My son's class sang a song to the tune of 'You are my sunshine.' From memory the words were 'I love you Mummy, My dearest Mummy, You make me happy, When I am sad, I want to tell you, I really love you, When I'm with you, I am so glad.' How could any Mummy fail to be in tears when faced with that? My son was standing there singing with his slightly coy face that just makes me want to go right up to him and cuddle him!

The school also hold a sale to raise money for the PTA where the children can buy a small gift for their Mums and it's wrapped up in school making it a real surprise for the parents. My son loves doing this and really chooses his gift with thought and care. He was bursting with excitement and pride when he woke me up on Sunday morning (admittedly at silly o'clock but, never mind that.) He had chosen a lavender scented teddy bear on a key ring which he picked so that I could attach it to my work bag - which I will do with pride. My littlest had been shopping with Daddy and between the pair of them had chosen some lovely Lush goodies. Just a shame that my bath that night wasn't a nice relaxing soak - more of an emergency hair washing session! Both my boys had produced hand-made cards. My oldest had made a card saying 'Who is the best Mum' and inside was a mirror. Bless!

So, in spite of the tears, the arguments and the vomit and the fact that I never did get a cup of tea in bed that morning - just how many hints does a woman need to drop?!- I still spent a magical day with my family. Who needs flowers and a fuss when a homemade card and a look on your child's face can bring so much joy, each and every day of the year (even the bad ones!)

Summary: Can I have a cuppa in bed next year please?