Oh Loretta, I am so sorry!! Did this happen this Christmas????

They are beautiful! Sometimes our kids only appreciate things 'down the road', when a certain amount of time has passed. Don't be discouraged. They are outstanding.

What a nice gift (free internet and phone service). You guys were very thoughtful to try to find something that she could use.

I enjoyed gift giving this year. I tried to find something that fit the person that I was buying for. I know that some of my gifts were not big or spectacular but they were gifts that were made with thought and love. I gave books that fit their lifestyle and I gave home made gifts (like a table runner and serging several fleece blankets).

Now here is the kicker. I decided before Christmas that I am not responsible for other people's happiness. When I bought something or made something, it was not done with the idea that this would be their favorite gift. It was not given with the idea that this item would make them happy. (Happiness comes from within the soul and no one can make another person happy.) The gifts I gave were gifts of love but it was up to the recepient on whether they would be happy or not.

Having that attitude really took the pressure off of gift-giving and when some of the recepients were luke-warm in appreciating the fleece blankets, that was okay. I knew I gave it out of the right motivation and it was up to them to receive it with the right motivation.

The gifts that were given to me were not spectacular (well one was) but I appreciated ALL of the gifts that were given, not just the spectacular one.

You are so cute! No marching for me, but she won't get any more quilts for sure. Terri

I love how the white sets off the stars as well as the secondary block and brings a unity to the whole quilt. Beautifully done :thumbup:

Loretta, your gift was thoughtful and generous and I just don't know what "is wrong" with your mother. She should be ashamed.

And, Terri, I would have to say the same for picky daughter.

Ultimately, though, as quilters we have to keep in mind that the joy of quilting is the actual work and giving of the completed gift. We have no control over how it is received. I would NEVER make anything else for picky daughter.

(it's also making me very nervous about the quilt I'm planning for my own picky daughter...... :hunf: )

I truly love every one of your Christmas quilts. I'm so sorry your gift was not well received. I have a feeling one day picky daughter will look back and wish she had more of your beautiful handwork. Some only learn in retrospect. It is not worth trying to please her with a quilt again, so move on and don't try.

Loretta, I'm sorry the gift for your mother didn't go well. It was thoughtful and caring, no matter what she said. If your mother has always been this way, it's not likely that she is going to change now, no matter what you give her. If she is getting older and changing, sometimes people's personalities alter with medication or the aging process, and, again, it is not a reflection on you. You may just have to say well, that's the way she is. You are not responsible for her happiness. You can only control how you respond. Don't let it eat you up and ruin your Christmas.