I'm sorry that people think that by replying I'm disagreeing with those who are against this, - I'm honestly not. I wanted opinions and I've had them. I seriously didn't think it was such a big deal, but as I've said above, maybe I will reconsider given that there is such negativity about what I'm doing. The reason I've replied to posts where people have commented or asked questions is because i've seen posts where the OP is slated for not returning when people have disagreed with them. I was quite prepared for some people to tell me they think I'm wrong, which is why I asked this here and not in the education thread.
But FWIW BimboNo5, your 12.48 thread is really just nasty. We're not the bisto family by any stretch of the imagination. Mum is 67, Dad is 75, so neither of them work, therefore I don't think it's unusual for them to want to see one of their children on her birthday. There won't be show stopping gifts, we're not a particularly wealthy family, just an average family, struggling to get by financially like most families these days. Gifts tend to comprise of CDs, bubble bath, books, chocolates etc. we just happen to be averagely close to our family and like to celebrate birthdays together if we can.
I'm sorry if I've given the impression of being a prima donna who expects the world to stop for my birthday, I genuinely don't. I'd be quite happy to pootle about with DD for the day, but DH and Dsis have taken the day off as both are off for the weekend, so thought they might as well make a long weekend of it. I really didn't mean to sound nauseating like I would be basking in everybody's attention. Reality is mum is diabetic, so will moan about the menu not having things on it like she cooks at home, Dad will talk over everybody, ask the same question ten times, and DD will want to run around the place as soon as she's finished her lunch. But that's my family. Definitely not bisto as all. Nowhere near perfect. Apologies though, I do love them.