Just heard from DD......

Hi j08 Sounds like you are understandaly upset but try and remember what it was like when you were that age, I think it was nice of your daughter to offer to come over on the Monday. When children grow they become more independant and busy!! but its not to say that they don't love you.

I hope all goes well for you

Trendygran you are not being unreasonable. (sigh!)

Trendy I feel for you. Why should we have to be super tactful and take out place at the end of the queue, pathetically grateful that our offspring can find any time for us at all? There are many times when I suspect that a phone call is the prelude to a request for babysitting - I don't want to be cynical, but when there is no need, it can be a long time between calls (and before anybody says I should ring them, I know that the phone is ignored if they are not in the mood to answer it.) I too got a snide remark about scoring low on availability when I couldn't do a babysit next month because I have to take DH to his follow up appointment after his mini strokes last month. I did get an apology immediately afterwards so she clearly felt bad, but the damage was done.
Like you I do not want to fall out so I bite my tongue, but maybe we should risk being a bit more outspoken?

"Take our place" was what I meant.

Thank you Cary. (smile)

As they had a large garden my parents started a tradition of Easter egg hunts when my DC were little. It was sad when they grew to an age when they no longer wanted to do it. Us adults all missed it. Now, this year, my DDs are brining back the custom now the DGDs are old enough. Now I feel really sad that my mum is bed bound in her care home and won't be there. I don't think I'll tell her.

gracesmum, I do so agree with you about a phone call being the prelude to a request for a favour - usually babysitting! You want to believe they've just phoned for a chat, or to see how you're doing....but so often with my DD there's a not-so-well hidden agenda. Sigh...

Again, I am glad I am not alone in this! I hate to criticise my own children, but I can see it coming time after time. It's like when they were students and needed a hand-out!

Oh dear I find myself nodding, yep, sounds about right, just like mine.

Then I thought, oh blimey, I did that to my poor old mum and dad too.

What goes around comes around?

I didn't! (Only because it wasn't possible )

Have to admit I have no idea if I will see any one over Easter. Must get round to floating the idea of Sunday lunch to my daughter or it will be just a quick egg handover. I know my son & his girlfriend can't come as he'll be working but I expect he'll be around some time. I will have to go and see dear Mother in Law so she can tell me she hopes I haven't wasted any money on chocolates for her and then get really mad if I haven't

Dd says she doesn't know if she's coming this weekend. I'm definitly not going there as they will be panic packing and I'll be in the way. I'm keeping a low profile!

Floated Sunday lunch today & my daughter said she'd presumed I'd ask at some point. She also remarked that she hadn't actually asked if I was going to look after the new baby when she goes back to work. I said that I'd taken it for granted that I would, although I haven't mentioned it to her father yet. I suppose some people organise this stuff - but where's the fun in that?

DD has today informed me that when they come to visit on Easter Monday they will be leaving the kids here for a few days.

I'm fine with that.

Lucky you! Enjoy.

Thanks Jess.

jingl do NOT hide put the Easter eggs in a safe place, 'lose' them and then 'find' and eat them later in the year. We shall be watching!

Jings I would be bowled over with joy if I could spare an hour with the Wee Man over Easter. You are soooooooooooooooooo lucky. Enjoy!

grannya Good memory you've got!

Thanks soop and butty.