My life is my family. If I'm putting my kids at the center of my universe, that's my business, isn't it?
What is so wrong with giving a child, a person, a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a parent (you get the idea

) ONE day to celebrate who they are?!? That is what a birthday is in my opinion. To me, it was very sad that my IL's chose to go to the casino instead of spending DD's actual birthday with her. Does she realize this at age 2? No, of course not. Do I realize that this is shallow and self-centered? At age 31, YES I DO. Is it my opinion? YES, but DH shares the opinion. If you don't, that is your opinion. I don't have to agree with you and you don't have to agree with me.
But I think it is very sad when a parent doesn't let their child feel important/special (i.e. CENTER OF THEIR UNIVERSE) at least for one day of the year. When you were in labor with these children were you thinking, "Geez, I'd rather be getting a pedicure than creating this BEAUTIFUL MIRACLE???!???!?" I look at my children each and every day and tell them I love them, smother them with hugs and kisses and let them know just how important they are to me. They are the center of my universe! I LOVE THEM MORE THAN ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!! DH feels the same way. Our kids are amazing individuals and it is such a blessing to watch them grow!!!
It totally makes me angry that our society is so worried about creating little spoiled brats with this "my kids are not the center of my universe." My kids know they are loved. They are very giving, loving children in return. This is a gift I've given them that they are giving me right back. Not a day goes by when my DS doesn't go "Mom? I love you!" Wow - how awesome is that??? DH and I taught them that expressing our love for each other is a beautiful thing. My own parents AND my DH grew up NOT being able to express this. How sad.
It sounds like a lot of posters here don't believe in saying "I love you." No, you didn't SAY that, but from things some of you have posted, it sure sounds like you're a bit uptight to say these beautiful words to your children. I sure hope I'm wrong. Love is not a bad thing. Kids being the center of your universe isn't a bad thing. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. But if you don't feel this way, then you can't comment on my original post because obviously previous plans are previous plans and NO child is worth changing plans for - to some of you.