Peace, Happiness and a New Year

[mleigh4]

Merry Christmas all! I hope you were able to spend it in a happy place. Physically and mentally! As we all know that can be a real challenge for us these days.

So, overall I had a nice holiday, with sprinkles of MLC weirdness, as expected having H in the mix.

Christmas Eve I had to work. We were ridiculous crazy busy. We officially closed at noon but were not able to finish up and leave until 3. Son had to hang out in the office but was a really good sport about it. H was also busy at work and was off around the same time.

He came to pick up S around 6. The plan was they were going to grannies, which S was not happy about. I had my plans to visit my friends. I was beyond exhausted but felt it best to get myself out for a little bit instead of staying home by myself. H let me know I was invited to join them, he wanted to make sure I knew that, and assured me he wasn't staying long because he still had wrapping to do. I told him I appreciate the invite but passed.

We went our ways with the plan to meet back up at my house for the night. I had a wonderful time and an amazing meal! At about 10 I got a TM from H. He said they never made it to his mom's, that he had forgotten a present, had to run by his house, that S instantly curled up on the couch, that H joined him, and they ended up staying home and watching a movie. H said because of that, he still had tons of wrapping to do. He said he could drop S off, go back to his place and wrap, then come over, put presents under the tree and sleep until we all got up. I was shocked H didn't go! But felt really happy that he spent the evening doing what he really wanted to do. Good for him!

I was right down the street and ready to head home, so I let H know I could pick up S. Picked him up and we went home. S was crashed out, so I quickly stuffed the stockings for H, S, dog, cat and hamster too! Then went to bed. I didn't sleep much...was really distracted by H coming.

At 4:30 am, I hear H arrive. He rustled around, then went to lay with S. I just stayed in bed, was too tired to move.

S got up about 7:30, so I got up too. S wanted to let H sleep, said presents could wait. H got up about an hour later. It was comfortable, I made him a cup of coffee and we both laughed about getting no sleep, him going on about how long it took him to wrap everything and get over.

We spent the morning opening gifts and playing. Santa got S and I our matching shooters. Yes, H got me a skooter. Job, I hear you laughing! H was ecstatic when I rode it around.

The gifts worked out well, not too much and not too little. H also got me my favorite wines. The only awkward moment was when S passed out the stockings. Mine was empty! H forgot. So when S wasn't looking, H slipped something in there and asked S to check mine again. Lo and behold! There was a pack of gum for me! Whew, didn't know how I was going to explain why Santa didn't fill my stocking!

FIL stopped by briefly to do gifts. H had asked him for a skooter to match ours. We now have 3 matching shooters! H got a little crazy on his and wiped out, scraped up his arm.

H then wanted to run home, clean up and wash dog while I got our feast going. I expected such and was looking forward to the down time myself! H was gone about 2 hours, came back to a house smelling of food, all the Christmas lights on, and a roaring fire! We ate when he got back, it was delicious! We had a little time alone while S was in the bathroom, and sat by the fire chatting about work and stuff. Was nice.

One point, I had gotten a very expensive bottle of wine as a gift and opened it to enjoy. Rombauer for you fellow wine sippers! H wrinkled up his nose and insisted it tasted no different then a cheap bottle. Now, there was a time when H really appreciated and enjoyed good wine, it's totally been gone the last few years. I gotta tell you, this is something I truly miss...enjoying a good glass of wine with good company is a must have for me!!

One other thing. S skooter had some really fancy wrapping done with a banner across it with stickers that said To S From Santa.....my heart skipped a bit because my first thought was that H did not wrap that....so who did?.....

This morning we exchanged texts regarding S going with H today...in the mix I asked who did the fancy wrap job on the skooter. H says him, then added that is a trick question because it was actually Santa....not sure I believe that.....

I enjoyed the day, I think all 3 of us enjoyed being together as a family. I will take it for that and no more. I will step back, let H take it in and see if there are any changes...

A new year starts next week and I am ready! I am beyond tired. H is on his way to pick up S. Once gone, I need to go check on my friends cats, go by grocery store, then will come home and enjoy the rest of my Rombauer by myself!!!