I hope you all had a love long weekend. Somehow yesterday I managed to get no posts written or half the things I wanted to do. Which means my Diary of a Menopausal Mum post is a little late thing week.
Here is an update on the past week in the StressedMum house.
Table of Contents
Arguments
As many of you will know by now my parents live with us. My poor Dad is in remission with Cancer and a few years ago had a mini stroke, which changed him. He gets very angry ( we call him Mr Grumpy), and he is forgetful. I have had to take over all their bills, banking, everything really.
I am very close to my parents, but at times me and my Mum clash. When we do, it is very explosive. It is her 80th birthday in June, and I had to cancel a cruise they booked two years ago earlier this year. As she went into meltdown over restrictions etc. Basically, I would not be there to do anything for them. On Sunday, she said they were looking at cruises, so I mentioned the dates we were away.
Later in the day, I got told can I book a cruise for them, we are away for one of the nights. I know C is 18, but with her illness it is not as easy. We also have the dogs to think about. This caused a huge row that stemmed all through Monday and yesterday, with my Dad telling us both to be quiet.
Change of plan
After me, chatting with C, and rearranging our plans, so that we would come home on the night we were away. My Mum was asking me if Cruises were back to normal, how would I know as not been on one. So, I found their information page, and sat her down with it. Now they are going to Bournemouth for a week, they could come home, so we would be able to go away for our night which was planned. But no they are going to be away, and wanting me to bite.
Talking of Birthdays
As mentioned above it is my Mums 80th birthday next month. Putting the arguments aside, I do want to give her a birthday to remember.
I had the brain wave to get her 80 presents to unwrap, which I am doing with my Dad. When I say doing this with my Dad, he said great idea when I mentioned it. Just let him know what he owes me.
I have 17 so far, I am getting her pandora charms etc, but if anyone has any ideas of cheap gifts please let me know.
Vets Kitchen
You may remember last year, I teamed up with Vets Kitchen and their Woof and Well campaign. As a dog lover, and having my two fur babies. I was very happy to team up with them again this year.
Dogs really are mans best friend, they know when we need a cuddle, they put up with our jokes. They are always pleased to see you. Plus they get us out in the fresh air for their walks, which is great for clearing our heads.
Although the Woof & Well Award was created in recognition of the contribution dogs have made to our health and wellbeing since March 2020. We know our faithful companions have been there for their families throughout all sorts of situations, not just the pandemic. “We thought it was time to give our dogs recognition for their love and loyalty,” says Laura Shears MD of Vet’s Kitchen. “Humans and their canine companions have always made for a winning team. Whether they are a working dog on a farm, an assistance dog in the home or a companion. Our pets very quickly become an important part of the family and more than ever in recent times, we have relied on them for the emotional support we needed.”
Last Years Winner
Dogs like Roxy from Norfolk who was our 2021 Woof & Well winner, have changed our outlook on life. Roxy was adopted into Sarah Rhodes’ family and it soon became apparent who had rescued who. Sarah says: “Roxy has brought such comfort and amusement to us with her funny ways that it has made everything much easier to cope with. The Woof & Well award is a wonderful way to repay the love and loyalty shown to us by our dogs – they really are a unique member of the family.”
The Vet’s Kitchen Woof and Well Award is looking for tales of everyday heroism from owners who want to thank their dog for helping them and their family feel better; dogs who have proven their worth as part of your family. Have they been there for you through tough times; helped you get fit or supported the family in ways only dogs can?
About the award
The award is for a special dog or dogs and their family who’ve shown that living your best life can be as simple as doing it together! All entries will be judged by the expert team at Vet’s Kitchen including Fiona Firth, the Vet’s Kitchen Nutritionist who owns two dogs Theo and Yogi. She says, “At Vet’s Kitchen we recognise that the bond between dog and owner is a powerful one and speaking from experience I wouldn’t be without my dogs. They really are wonderful companions.”
Head over to Vets Kitchen to tell them your story by either of the following links –
- Filling The online form
- By Social Media tag @vetskitchen using #vetskitchenwoofandwell
The most inspiring dog will receive a trophy, a selection of Vet’s Kitchen products and a short break for themselves and their family at a UK dog-friendly location.
Second and third prizes of runner-up rosettes will also be awarded together with PitPat fitness trackers and a selection of Vet’s Kitchen products.
The competition launches on the 10th March as Crufts kicks off and remains open until 31st July 2022. Full T&Cs on the Vet’s Kitchen website.
Out Of Office
Apart from not getting much work done yesterday. I am also out of the office tomorrow with a day in London meeting up with my Aunt and one of my Cousins. We have a family business passed down by my grandparents to my Dad and Aunt. With myself and my cousins now being prepped to what goes on.
Next Monday, I am also out as sadly I have my Uncles funeral. He had been ill with Dementia but this was a total shock to us all.
I do have some fun planned for Saturday evening, as we are going out with a group of friends to see our friends partner play live with his band. There is always something great about live music.
I hope you have all had a great week.
It is amazing how you can all that aside and organise her 80th birthday.. My mum and my husband are the only person I have properly argued with. I’m not usually one who screams and shout but in front of my mum I can release some real emotions that I would never dare with anyone else. But I guess like you I would still go ahead and plan her birthday if I need to, haha
We have some really bad arguments, but a lot of it is my Mum, but we do always make up quickly. We just separate for a while and then it is all forgotten
Loved your WOOF campaign last year – food for thought for 2022
Dealing with aging parents can be so rough, especially when they get stubborn. I love the idea of 80 gifts to unwrap for your mum’s bday though. I can also sympathize with the struggle of finding doggy care when traveling.
They are ok most of the time, but have their moments, I am struggling with the 80 gifts so turning to wrap up single things as well.
I’m sure it’s been an adjustment to move in your parents. I am sure they are very grateful to you to help them in their time of need,
It makes m life a lot easier if not more stressful
How wonderful that your mum is going to be 80, I do hope you give her a birthday to remember an the cruise goes all according to plan. You are such a good daughter
She will have a lovely birthday, and no cruise now they are going to Bournemouth
We can all relate to the family arguments. I am also experiencing that with my family. But we manage to sort it out. I’m also sorry about your uncle.
Family arguments are something that just happens, all ok now thankfully
I have had many arguments with my mom. We always work it out. Other great little birthday gift ideas could include things like a changepurse, little figurines, anything relating to a hobby she loves, etc.
We all seem to argue with our Mums don’t we, but always gets resolved. I have things like that but my Aunt gave me some great ideas today
You are so good at taking care of your parents, even though sometimes it may be hard and you may clash. You are a wonderful daughter.
Aww thank you x
Sorry to hear about your uncle, and about the arguments with your mum. Me and my mum clash quite a lot and I expect if we had to live together for longer periods we’d argue a lot x
Thank you, usually we walk away but at times it ends in an argument, all ok again now though
I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle. Dementia isn’t an easy one, my gran had it too. Wow, 80 gifts, that’s going to be a challenge but I’m sure you can manage it. I suppose it depends on what you might class as a gift as her favourite bar of chocolate could be an option. Good luck x
Dementia is not easy my husbands Nan had it as well. 80 gifts are a challenge and believe me single bars of chocolate may come into it haha
I’ve had many as argument with my parents. Me and my mom used to be close, but not much these days. Families eh.
I think it shows you care if you argue and can move on, my mum is a nightmare at times, and even though she was in the wrong has not apologised
Uh-oh! The arguments don’t sound like fun. I hope everything is sorted soon.
That is a lovely idea to get your mum 80 presents to unwrap. My fella did that for my 40th a few years ago and I loved it and I’m planning to do it for his 50th in a few months. Eek.
I hope you have a nice day tomorrow with your Aunt and cousins. So sorry about your uncle though x
Thank you, the arguments weren’t fun but needed to clear the air. I am struggling to find 80 gifts though, need to start looking for a few more. Thank you it has been years since I saw my cousin last
ohh I related to the family arguments, my Mum annoys me regularly haha. I hope you had a great time in London with your family!
I think it is a Mother and Daughter thing with the arguments, it is tomorrow I am seeing my family
Love reading your diary updates. Honest. Vibrant. Your pour all your emotions. Waiting for more to read.
Thank you, it is real family life the ups and the downs
Arguments with parents, you reminded me of my endless arguments with my brother, sigh! I wish those can be avoided, I try my best to understand and sympathize but often things get out of hand.
Me and my Mum are very close, but at times we do clash and everyone else is stuck in the middle. Luckily we get over them quickly usually