Mother's Day Mayhem

It's almost Mother's Day. I'm not sure what that means anymore. You would think that it would be a day to honor your mother and show her how much you appreciate what she does for you - but it's not. Somehow it has become another one of those holidays that I tend to approach with caution. It's all about who is going to show up and what are they going to bring and why did you bring me this when you should have known that I wanted that? That's not even taking into consideration that I, myself, am a mother and I get to run around all day like a chicken with my head cut off trying to please the unpleasable. Is it called Mother-In-Law's Day? No, it is not. I'm all for the obligatory flowers and the card sent from far, far away, but when did it become a day you have to spend with your extended, extended family? Once you have your own kids shouldn't you be able to decide what Mother's Day should mean for you? If you enjoy running from house to house then by all means do it, but I do not enjoy the running and believe I should have the option not to. A nice day at home with my kids without fighting - now that would be a wonderful gift. A little breakfast in bed, a few extra chores done without the scream factor, that would be perfect. All any mom ever wants for their children is for them to be happy. I don't think behaving for one day a year is all that much to ask. A little pampering wouldn't hurt, but there I go slipping into my little dream world again. I suppose I could lead by example and make sure the children do something special for Father's Day, but where would be the fun in that? Maybe it is a yin-yang thing. Karma can be a bitch. Anyway, every year I hold out hope for a nice, relaxing, stress-free day and every year I get the rude awakening that my fantasy of a perfect family is so very far from reality it isn't even funny. I should just thank my lucky stars that we are not on Dr. Phil or something. Who knows the way things have been going lately that might be our next stop.