That's why I never, ever voice my opinions. I know I sound like an old nag but she has drained every bit of enthusiasm, humour and life out of my son. He just isn't the same.

It's my grand sons ..........I worry for them. I try real hard to get them enthused for Christmas (and birthday which we're celebrating tomorrow only after I really insisted) - if it was left to her she wouldn't bother. It's really and truly not fair. She's just such a miserable cow - I didn't even get a present on my birthday - I didn't mind that at all but she didn't wish me Happy Birthday or ask if I'd had a nice time or anything. It was her birthday in October ......I never got a thank you or even an aknowledgement that she'd received our gift.

It gives all the wrong signals to my boys. She really is unbelievable and I'm sick to death of making excuses for her.

If I leave it until next Saturday, my middle son and DiL will be visiting and they could help.

My sister in law is the same Soozy, she's such a miserable cow and literally ignores my parents when they visit even though they look after their boy's during the school holidays, I don't know what my brother saw in her as he's totally different 

 Soozy thats rotten  How hurtful and bad mannered too!

Must be hard Soozy but as you know yourself, if you say anything about it then you may lose contact with your son and your grandkids.  At least you make a fuss of the big events and I'm sure they'll look back and realise it was all you and not her.  

My mother in law has had to hear some awful things about her sons relationship recently.  Her eldest's wife was being a nasty cow to him and they ended up separating for a bit and the mother heard some of the things going on but had to bite her tongue.  Good job she did because the marriage is back on track and her son is back to his 'my wife can do no wrong' carry on.

Although my mother in law is in my bad books at the minute.  She didn't acknowledge my birthday with a card, a phone call or even a text yet she makes a fuss of that ^^  daughter in law every birthday and 'pretends' to forget mine every year even though my OH reminds her.  I don't care about the present but knowing how much thought she puts into the other daughter in laws birthday (she only has us 2 daughter in laws and she doesn't even really like the other one!) only then to ignore mine really gets on my nerves.

Anyway.....that turned into all about me as usual  Sorry Soozy, I have a terrible habit of doing that

Thats so hurtful Ells  More fool her if she's buying presents for a lousy daughter in law like that  

Ahh I'm used to it now Roger.  She does it to her own son (my OH. ) One xmas she even gave 2 of her sons presents right in front of him and gave him nothing.  She thinks he understands that she 'doesn't have a lot of money' which is absolutely fine if you can't buy presents but don't buy to 2 sons and leave 2 out!  She's actually a nice woman and we get along great but she is so mean with money and is always complaining about being skint so let her get on with it.  I'll just buy her something cheap for xmas and spend the rest of the money on myself

I like it I haven't spent as much as usual on my sons partner TBH ......she turns her nose up at just about anything and you never get a thank you .....the best you get is 'Oooh that's not bad actually'

I've bought her a few bits and bobs but I'm dying to see her face when she opens the bathroom scales (weight watchers) that I've bought her Meeeeeeeeeeeow.

Soozy and Ells - that sucks for both of you...... but I love your styles!

Thats the way to work it   

 Ouch Soozy!!  But they cost too much, you should have got her some cheap pjs four sizes too big.

 ROFL!!!... Oooh Soozy we'll have to put you out tonight 

Just reading that back^^^^ sounds likev it's my birthday I want celebrating.

It's not me .....my Jack is 6 on Christmas day - we've (I've) always done something earlier for him but it's been really hard to pin them down and they've ummed and ahhed about it. Last week they said 'I think we'll do something after Christmas - it's too short notice now'. Thenwhen pushed they said 'we'll just have a family thing (meaning they'll come to me and I'll put on a do as I always do).

The thing is - it's my other grand sons birthday on 4th January and they wont be bothered doing anything for that never mind about poor Jack.

I put my foot down and said I'm sending invites to three of his friends and we'll go to the pottery/paint cafe for a little party and then later in the afternoon I'll do a family and friend party at my house. I don't think it's fair to put his birthday off till after Christmas.

Soooooooo tomorrow me and my daughter are taking four littlies to the paint cafe for a party - I've done the food and the part bags. Then .....I'll decorate the house with balloons and banners and put on a do in the late afternoon at my house. His mother will sit on her arse and be waited on and not spend a bloody penny as always. Lazy cow ..........she's been with my son for 13 years ...comes to Sunday dinner every week (and used to bring her horrible children with her from her previous relationship) they've grown up now. She's never so much as cooked a meal for us.

RANT OVER!

Eeew Soozy she sounds lovely.

As someone already said they will know who put the effort in

Aww I feel really mean now  I actually really do get along with my MIL, she is brilliant with my kids (most of the time) and never over-steps the mark in regards to have we raise them.  She often comes to me for advice on raising her grandson (he's 5 and lives with her) because she thinks we do a great job with our 2 and she always takes my side when I'm arguing with her son (although we never have huge fights and break up, just arguments which are short lived sometimes because she sends him home with his tail between his legs).  I just hate the difference she makes with us when it comes to xmas etc and how she treats my OH like her dogs body who will drive her everywhere and do everything for her because he's a big softy.  She watches my kids when I ask (or sometimes when they just get dropped off) and she treats them really well so I'm being a bitch and I'll admit that.  She pisses me off a lot (A LOOOOTTTTTT!!!) but I love her almost as much as my own parents.  I'm just moaning because I didn't get a card

Nothing like a good Rant Soozy   

GOD ^^^^^ I'm in such a bad mood tonight So sorry for sounding off - I usually manage to let it go over my head and just go along with it all. I'm just very, very grouchy today!

Us daughters in law will probably always find fault with the mother in law Soozy....and vice versa.  God knows what my MIL says about me in private although I think it wouldn't be as bad as what I've just said about her (geez I do feel really bad about spilling here lol...but it was just a vent).

 I feel for my poor sons because as much as I try not to, I know I'll find fault with their partners and have to be very careful with how I handle it.  

   And use old wrapping paper you got given presents in last year. Something really wrinkly with bits of old selotape on 

I think you're allowed Soozy - she sounds like a complete witch.   Lucky Jack's got his granny.

I simply adore my other sons partner - he is like another son to me- and I loved my daughters ex .............I was almost as heart broken as she was when they split after eleven years. It was like losing a son.

Believe it or not I really am very easy going but there are limits .........God only knows why my son chose his partner. Actually I do know .......she was an older single parent who'd had a rough time and he felt sorry for her. He really thought he could make it right for her. When I look at what a life she used to have I cannot help but feel sorry .......the thing is - you'd think she'd lived a life as a princess in the past as she's so bloody miserable and disdainful of anything - 

Yes.. or do what my ex SIL did to me and give a her a paperback book with the inner cover printed 'With the compliments of Clover Spread - not for resale'  

  bliddy hell

That's hilarious

I remember my mum (many years ago) buying her SIL a sort of dressing table mat set from a Department stores bargain basement. It was dead cheap and really naff (they didn't really like each other). It was hilarious when they both opened up their presents at the same time and they'd bought each other exactly the same 

Oh that's priceless

Well good on you for doing the party for Jack.  I have my sons birthday on the 21st and wouldn't dream of not doing anything for it.  You try to give your kids everything you didn't have and a life you know that they'll look back at and think 'my parents really tried their best' so I dunno why your daughter in law is the way she is  she will regret it though.  You don't get 2nd chances at your kids childhoods

That's brilliant.. and they'd both have to pretend they loved it!  

On a lighter note.....here's some pics of some of my birthday pressies. I looove the flowers and bangle my sister bought me.  The cake didn't taste nice but I gave it to my parents and they thought it was delicious so it didn't go to waste!

You really don't Ells. I'm surprised and sorry for her TBH - she has two older children and they are a complete disaster .......they had had a rough start and I always thought it was the 'dads' fault. The thing is .......you'd really think that she'd relish the chance to give two little boys as much in the way of love and security she could especially with all the support she gets from us (Me, Mr Woo, my mum, my daughter) we are all there and honestly we don't intefere we just try to help. She really is beyond help though - just bone idle and ungrateful. I really have made every excuse under the sun for her but ..............for some reason - today - I've just been pushed over the edge.

Those are lovely Ells. What a great cake 

Ooooooooooooooh lovely ^^^

I can't believe that ages and ages ago I lost my mobile phone. My son bought me a new one for my birthday. What do you think turned up today when I was sorting out the understairs cupboard?

It's a bugger being only 5'2". I can't reach the light swicth in the cupboard - I got my sons friend to turn it on today as I wanted to sort some stuff out and - hey presto - my old phone

It looked great Rog, tasted a bit dry BUT then again I'm not a big fan of cake.  I loved the thought put into it though  by my friends.  

Soozy, I really, really do hear you, but I wonder if the bit I've bolded might be part of the problem?

Honestly Supes no. It really and truly isn't - I know it looks ^^^ like I try and take over and on this one occasion I have but hand on heart I never intefere. I know 'my boys' sounds controlling and possesive but it really is a term of endearment as I love them as much (probably more) than my own. But .....I never intefere- I swear. 

Fair enough...but might be worth thinking about what she hears when you say that term of endearment?

True but ............I think it's a term I use in writing - like on here if that makes sense. I don't think I say it out loud. Maybe I do but - I don't think so.

My daughter's glasses weren't in there as well by any chance 

You found them yet Aimee??? 
Was wondering where this thread had gone..

I've gotten out of the wrong side of the bed this morning.  I think it might even have been the wrong bed!!  I've already fell out with my OH, called his brother an effing assh*le, told the man who replied to my email from gamestop that they are the most useless company I've ever dealt with (in much less acceptable language) and am ignoring calls from my friend because I know she wants me to do something for her.

I am really not a nice person today.  Maybe I need a snickers. 

Oh dear, maybe a cuddle will help ... Plus a snickers>>>>