Yes, it sure does feel good to have survived it all. And another Christmas - LOL!
Christmas was a whirlwind. We opened our gifts relatively quickly (although still one person at a time and after a nice breakfast). Lovely, thoughtful gifts - I really have very great kids!!! Even Ashley's boyfriend gave me the most well thought out gifts - he made dvds of all 5 seasons of a tv show I have been wanting to have AND he bought me dollhouse furniture. No one ever buys me dollhouse furniture (despite the fact it is my hobby and passion). WOW!
Josh took the kitties to Toronto with him while I drove to Niagara - we both spent half the day up north with the kids at our house. He didn't want the kitties to be alone. We spent Christmas dinner with our respective families. Ryan went into respite care although I'm sure it was fun and festive. He and his nurse wore Christmas pjs all day (I had bought them for the whole family). It won't be so bad for him as his own workers will visit each of the 4 days he is there.
We had dinner at my sister's house - she did a lovely job. We all bring food but she handles the turkey. I actually did the carving since I have cooked so many turkeys in my life but everyone pitched in. Afterwards we played a crazy party game with prizes that I started a few years ago. It was all fun!
Slept at Ashley's apt. She has learned a few good hostess tips over the years I guess (from me). Brandon slept on the couch and I had the guest room. Off to see a couple of close friends this morning - lunch at my longtime best friend's home where we exchange gifts and stockings. She started doing that after my ex left even though the kids do a wonderful stocking for me as well.
Off to dinner at Josh's sister's tonight. His parents are staying at his house. 3 nights there as his big 5 -0 party with his twin is on Friday night. His parents are hosting that at a restaurant.
On the DB side - I heard the kids phone their dad yesterday morning to wish him Merry Christmas. I also heard Brandon say to Ashley after he hung up. ("Merry Christmas Dad, nice knowing ya. Talk to you again next Christmas!"). In the car he brought up his relationship with his dad. How disappointed he is that his dad never "steps up to the plate". Most things are arranged by the kids - on his dad's terms. How dad wants him to accept maggot and come for dinner. And he says "no way I want anything to do with her". I talked to him a bit about getting past that and how I have moved on yet I totally understand how he feels. I can't forget that when he went to talk to his dad and she was there (right after he left) she got in his face and when he told her to let him talk to his dad alone she claims she felt threatened (my son is very passive) and she tried to take out a restraining order on him. Hard to get past that!
Anyway - onward. Hope the weather is ok as a storm is predicted. I will plan my day accordingly.
