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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to expect family meals to go as I imagine them to?

16 replies

JoshandJamie · 11/04/2014 19:52

I'm not talking about everyday meals. I mean those meals where you put a tiny bit more effort it. Like a Sunday roast. Or as happened this evening, a BBQ, our first of the year.

In my head I imagine DH, kids and I in the back garden standing around the fire, having a catch up about the week, a laugh, general relaxing with a glass of wine/soft drink for kids. Then all enjoying the meal together.

Except that is NEVER what happens. The kids watch TV and moan if we suggest they come outside and chat. And husband catches up on work emails. I stand outside next to the BBQ, turning sausages, clutching my glass of wine on my own, having made all the salads and set the table, waiting for someone to come and join me.

then finally as I turn the last sausage, they saunter out and say they are hungry. They sit down to eat and the food will be too spicy or the salad to salady or the potatoes not to their liking. And someone will strop and my husband will try to make it all right by saying how delicious everything is but I can see he is twitchy as he hasn't finished his work. And I think, sod it, open a second bottle of wine and ignore the lot.

Just me?

OP posts:
Pleasejustgo · 11/04/2014 19:54

Wink YNBU

????

Pleasejustgo · 11/04/2014 19:54

Bloody phone! Supposed to be a martini glass.

phantomnamechanger · 11/04/2014 19:55

Invite me, i'd come over and chat and be very grateful for all your hard work, and right now anywhere away from the little darlings sounds tempting!

WilsonFrickett · 11/04/2014 19:56

No, so not just you and thank you for posting that. We just had dinner - in my head it was going to be all luffly, in reality it was the usual round of appalling table manners, open mouth chewing, food flying, DS taking 20 minutes linger than everyone else to finish hell on wheels.

(And before anyone pops up to flame me, of course I am trying to teach my child to have better manners thats why eating with him is a total pita)

JoshandJamie · 11/04/2014 19:56

I take the martini glasses pleasejustgo - and would fill them but I am about to open the second bottle of wine and don't want to mix my drinks. Think my typing is going down hill too.

OP posts:
JoshandJamie · 11/04/2014 19:57

phantomnamechanger - I am in York and if you are here you are welcome to join me. Bottle opening as I speak. WilsonFrickett - you too

OP posts:
Pleasejustgo · 11/04/2014 19:58

Couldn't find the wine glass, I think one if the little monsters I mean darlings smashed it.

superbagpuss · 11/04/2014 20:01

I really fancied a family BBQ tonight

I'm sat on my own with wine

phantomnamechanger · 11/04/2014 20:01

I'm in Kent Josh but oddly enough we are coming to York on holiday tomorrow for a week. very stressy here trying to get everyone organised, DD1 has PMT and is driving me insane - pass the wine! (I don't even drink wine, but I am tempted to start lol)

Sarsaparillajones · 11/04/2014 20:02

Still laughing at salad that is too salady ! Here's a pitcher of Margarita to help get the evening going !

WilsonFrickett · 11/04/2014 20:06

I'm on the gin. I mixed it myself so it counts as pudding. At least one course is going to plan...

JoshandJamie · 11/04/2014 20:07

well phantom, we'll be like passing ships in the night as we are away on holiday on Sunday. But I hope you enjoy York. Shout if you need ideas for things to do. Superbagpuss - wine on your own is so much easier. Sod the bbq. Thanks for the margaria Sarsaprillajones - I am sure it will add to my hangover in the morning

OP posts:
MoominMammasHandbag · 11/04/2014 21:20

I don't find barbecues relaxing at the best of times; everyone sitting around waiting for food. Last year I remember we ended up sitting in the garden eating take away pizza a few times. No moaning from the kids and everyone just chilling. Sometimes it's about the vibe rather than the food.

Scrounger · 11/04/2014 21:22

I always imagine picnics in a lovely meadow. Children gambolling happily through the grass and making daisy chains. Food from a hamper with chilled wine and everyone laughing happily. Reality is a windy field, crisps getting dropped in the grass and children picking bits out of the sandwiches.

Here is a virtual cheers with a pear cider. Lovely

craftysewer · 11/04/2014 21:40

I always imagined days like this but according to DH this is just Craftys perfect world and I am being unreasonable to expect it. Sad. Maybe I might get a chance if any of my dc's ever give me grandchildren!

MoominMammasHandbag · 11/04/2014 21:41

The most idyllic picnic we have had just happened fairly spontaneously in a French garden, with a couple of baguettes and a wedge of squashy Brie. Eight assorted kids from 2 to 16 romping on the grass, and me DH and our best mates lying in the sun having one of those moments when you really realise how fortunate you are.

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