We had our first Christmas of the season the Sunday before with my husband's father's family. It was nice. There was food, fun, and lots of kids playing. That's what it's all about. I could honestly care less if I actually received anything for Christmas so long as my boys have a good time and are thankful for the things they were given. The boys got these AMAZING chairs from Grandpa and Grandma S. They are called "Big Joe" chairs. They are glorified bean bag chairs, but dang comfy, in fact I am sitting in one now typing this. We got a solid blue one and a camo one. The boys love them. They also received blankets and pillow pets. Oh and this gathering brought out my famous chocolate chip cheesecake! It was inhaled in less than 10 minutes once it was set out!
The next family Christmas we took part in was for my husband's mother's family. It was great. Santa and Mrs. Claus came to visit and the boys were awestruck. They got a lot of toys. I didn't think a toy was out there that they didn't have, but our family sure did find it. Transformers. Rescue Bots, Dinosaurs, and trucks galore! It was then that I made the decision that some changes were in order when we got home. That change was an overhaul of the playroom.
The night cumulated in a power struggle between our oldest and his parents! He knew it was Christmas Eve and he knew Santa was going to be coming. He was overcome with excitement. No matter what we did, he would not sleep. He heard footsteps above him and KNEW that those had to be Santa's. He wanted to look but he knew better. I guess we taught him well. We FINALLY got him to sleep on the basement futon and we later retreated to our basement futon. I was JUST about to sleep when I remembered Santa's plate for Cookies. How could I have forgotten to get that out. A mad, yet quiet, dash was made up the stairs and out of the house to the car to get the "Cookies for Santa" plate. I made it back in and set it on the table and prayed my husband's mother would see it and set some cookies out on it! I discovered the next morning that she remembered the plate roughly at the same time as me and walked out of her room to find the plate sitting there in all its cookie glory. It just so happened she was having a cookie and milk craving too, so it was perfect. We slept by the fire and waited for morning. Our oldest pounced on us shouting "Santa Came!" We made it upstairs to discover our youngest was also awake. Let the glorious mess begin. There were presents galore! How was this even possible, where did this all come from!
Presents were opened. Clothes, toys, color books. You name it, they got it. We saved the best two presents for last. What were those gifts you may ask. Only Batbot and a Ninja Turtle Power Wheel Jeep! It was a warm day so we let them take a spin on it. I have never seen a happier child! Oh and Jason got me Laser Hair Removal! WOOT WOOT!!
We made it home and made room for the new toys! We then made preparations for my father's family Christmas. I worked the night before (New Years Eve) and had to also work New Years Day night, but I was willing to sacrifice some sleep to spend time with family that I love. I was looking forward to seeing my cousin who had been ill for the last month with some heart issues, but he seemed to be on the mend. Around 11 Am I started receiving phone calls from my brother. I was sleeping and wasn't planning on waking for another 2 hours. He called again and then his wife text me to call him. I wasn't sure what was wrong, but I had a gut feeling something was wrong. He told me Christmas was cancelled and I could tell in his voice that something wasn't right. I asked him, not truly wanting to hear the answer. Then he said the words that stabbed me right in the gut "Michael is dead." What? How could this be? He's only 27, he can't be dead. His heart issue was supposed to be manageable with medications. He had just been released from the hospital days prior. We were closer than most of our family knew. He would call, text, facebook message me at any time of the day. We had some deep conversations concerning life and his lifestyle. Was I okay with the lifestyle he chose, not totally and that is because of my Catholic upbringing. Did I still love him? You bet your life I loved him and cared about him. I supported him and was an ear for him to talk to. I listened to him talk about the American Idol Auditions he took part in. After 7 or so auditions, he was told he made the second cut with his audition. He wasn't sure what he wanted to sing, but I think he was leaning toward Lady Gaga, but I could be mistaken. Its been 4 weeks now. We still have no answers. Hopefully time will heal our wounds. People have speculated as to what they believe happen, but the truth of the matter is, we don't know. We won't know for several weeks, and I may never know. All I can do is think of the good times and remember those. I can also take solace in knowing that his ashes were spread at the feet of his big brother's grave. His brother. Chris, passed away about 15 years ago after a valiant fight with Cancer. I know that they are hanging out with grandpa up there checking out deer or whatever else it was that they hunted. All I know is that I will miss him and our family gatherings will not be the same without him.
The holidays ended with my family having Christmas at our house. At our new house. Apparently when we bought our first house it became tradition to have Christmas in the new house. So good luck Whit, Y'all are up next year! My niece got lots of stuff for her play kitchen. My son got his very own tablet. He was given a samsund tab 3 lite. The hope is for my cousin, who is a SPED teacher, and an amazing one at that, to help us put some apps on to assist in his therapy for his SPD. We haven't seen her yet so the tab still sits empty. He plays his leap pad and innotab so at least he is getting something there!
Jason planned a surprise 30th birthday party for me. It was fun. I had a great time spending time with my family and Jason's friends that have become my friends, but I was saddened at the same time. I realized what I truly meant to my "Friends." I had one friend, that isn't a mutual marriage friend, my sister in law who is one of my best friends, and 1, yes ONE, person from my work. It hurt that I didn't mean enough to them to come after they told my husband they were coming. Where were they? They "forgot." It hurt to know that I could just be forgotten like that. I had fun anyway, but having some of MY friends at MY birthday party would have been nice. I am very appreciative of those that took time out of their night to come make my day special!
So I was selected by #Influenster to test the new Reese's Peanut Butter Cup spread at no cost to me and write a review. It was good! It tasted just like a Reese's and wasn't overpowering. I put it on toast and it perfectly satisfied my raging sweet tooth!
So now I get back to planning my son's 2nd birthday. I can't believe he is going to be two already! Is it bad that I don't want my baby to grow up. He still sleeps in his crib. He is content. He doesn't try to climb out. I am in NO hurry to potty train him. That means the end of having a baby and accepting I now have a toddler. I'm just going to have to give in and let him grow.
I hope everyone is feeling better by this weekend for the birthday party and Super Bowl Party. I'm home taking care of a sick husband, sick 4 year old, and sick myself. This needs to pass quickly! If there is anything I can fault our youngest for, it's that I am almost certain this came from him. I love how he learned to share. I also love zofran and the new oTC version of zofran! Its a wonder drug! And with that I will close. It's 3 AM and I need to try to sleep before the zoo, also known as my house starts going crazy!
