Janet come here you need a hug..
. I think like Diana and Debbie mentioned we all had similar upbringings. My parents were giving, we didn't have much growing up. My mother was a very holy woman and always gave to the needy and helped family members who were down or sick. One thing I do remember was that my mother was not an appreciative person at least she didn't show you that, why I don't know to this day.She didn't believe in birthdays as we were growing up, later on she gave us a cake. Maybe she didn't know the traditon coming from Italy when she was younger. She spoiled me I have to say she would do away with buying herself and buy for me. She was a kind hearted woman and I know that she is in Heaven watching down on my family.
Kat good post, I did most of those things with my kids.