Things were fast and furious around here the last couple of weeks. The kids vacation began 12/23.
I love the feeling that comes with knowing we are officially on no formal schedule. Sleep in my Babies, enjoy the comforts of home, prepare your beautiful minds for all the splendor of this Holiday Season.
The Hubs and I are always working on this goal: to be more prepared 'early' so we can actually ENJOY said Holiday Hoop-La, and not feel frenzied, distraught and overwhelmed. Seems like a simple concept, but one that manages to elude us, even after almost 14 years of this parent stuff!
I have to say, we did make time to enjoy. Enjoy the small moments, enjoy the moments that didn't go as planned, enjoy the fact that our kids really aren't expecting our version of 'perfect' and enjoy the fact that to them, it is ALL perfect, imperfections and all!
My little family went out without me and brought home the most lovely of Trees, very majestic. This was waaay ahead of schedule for us, so we felt....what's the word?.....productive! I love that my kids LOOOVE to decorate the tree. We go through each of their ornaments as they get hung, telling any interesting stories over and over for each, or making up one where no story existed, (whaaat?)
We spent the last weekend before Christmas in Philadelphia at our tiny dancers Irish School Winter Recital and Ceili (Irish party). While it stressed me initially, "who plans an all day event on the last of the days to actually get stuff done!!!!!" When I let that go, I let in the fun. The travel was fine as we left early. Got a great parking spot, and got the Wee one upstairs to her group to start practicing. It then became obvious, that since the event did not begin for another hour and a half, the facility had not turned on the heat! It was like sitting in a Meat Locker. All the Irish Dance families were asked to donate an appetizer/dessert type thingy, guess what I forgot? There was not going to be any formal food (for a five hour production?!?) But, in keeping with Irish tradition and custom, the Bar(cash) would be open. Can you guess where most of the Dad's were positioned? I guess it took the chill off :)
We were very fortunate that Mom & Dad McCay wanted to join us. I always feel a little bad asking people to come to such events for my kids, 1) for the travel involved 2) for the brief minute or two my child performs, then they being 'trapped' there to watch ALL the other performers! and 3) no REAL food.....Believe me, I get it.
But, I put it out there, and people can make up their own minds whether they want to come. I always feel I need to stress, "no obligation" so they know I am holding them to no contract :) But, these wonderful, loving Grandparents chose of their own accord to take part. They met us there, with a Veggie Tray Dad picked up for us, as it was one of those 'things' on my list that got over looked. We were lucky that Juls' group was at the very beginning of the program. Mom & Dad hung out for a bit more, then gave us a double blessing when they took our 'bored' 13 year old home with them. SCORE! Larry is always up for supporting his little sister. He clearly fulfilled his Brotherly obligations, and was ready to LEAVE! Jul was having soooo much fun running around with her friends in an amazing old building, The Commodore John Barry Irish Center, that we didn't want to pull her away from the excitement. The music was great, performed by Two Quid. And, the food, was actually, phenomenal! People brought so many variations of appies and desserts, you were left wanting for nothing. It was a beautiful experience for all of us.
Christmas Day we spent at our home as we always do. We have been very Blessed over the years to have both sets of parents join us for this day. Our parents truly adore each other, and we always have so much fun being together. The last few years I have invited my Aunt Dolly and her daughter and her grandchildren to join us. This year, they were all in attendance. My heart was a bit saddened when it became evident that my parents would not be joining us. My Mom rushed in to drop off gifts, and then she was rushing over to my brother's to drop off their gifts. My Dad was home in bed not feeling well, and she didn't want to leave him for too long. We missed them terribly. I was exhausted when all was said and done, but grateful for the happiness that took place under my roof.
My 'real' Christmas day, was December 26! The day I wanted, lingering in jammies all day, kids playing with their newly acquired Booty from Santa, grazing on all the leftovers, and not needing to cook due to all the leftovers. And not worrying about cleaning my house. Throw in a Snowstorm, and this day was hand-picked just for me, BLISS! Our dear friends, that live about 4-5 blocks away, CHOSE (without bribe) to walk over our house with their two children during to the Snowstorm, just to hang out with us. More food was brought out, and we all sat and watched hours of Candid Camera!!!! Thank You Christmas Gods!!!!!
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