Okay so I know this is very late in coming but life with 3 kids is crazy and it has taken me awhile to be able to process it all. In the run up to Christmas David's Dad came over from AZ to be with us. He was with us about a week before we loaded up headed to my Mum's place for Christmas and New Year. It was quite a stressful journey, with two excited, young kids and a 3 week old! The weather made the journey all the more difficult; the snow was unbelievable. The other problem was that I started to feel unwell on the road down and for most of the journey I was fevered. After feel unwell the next day, not being able to swallow saliva and noticing some nasty looking stuff at the back of my throat, I thought it best to see a doctor. So, on Christmas Eve, I saw a GP and was given antibiotics for tonsillitis. Thankfully they worked quickly and I was on the road to recovery, so I could enjoy all the Christmas fair!
David's brother Daniel joined us on Christmas eve. The girls were so excited, mostly Abby, with AJ feeding off of her sister's excitement. They went to bed without much trouble and they didn't wake up too early on Christmas day. Some of us, however, didn't get much sleep at all after playing Santa and preparing food for Christmas dinner. After having some breakfast and waiting for Great Grandad to be picked up, we headed into the living room. Abby went straight for the nearest present, which was not hers. As usual we started with stockings. Both girls were most excited about the apple and orange at the bottom. AJ couldn't wait and started eating her apple immediately. She got very upset if she couldn't find it. While they looked at their stuff the adults took turns doing their stockings. Then the real fun began as the girls started opening gifts. Abby was just excited to unwrap and wanted to go from one gift to the next. AJ struggled to keep up. They really loved all their gifts. Abby's big gift was a balance bike and AJ got a Diego Mega Blocks set. Aleah is going to get a special Teddy bear, when we find “the one”. I got a wormery compost unit and David a Kindle.
Then it was up to mum and me to cook Christmas dinner. I had always been really excited at the prospect of doing this but as the time drew near I became more nervous. If it hadn't been for my mum being there to help I don't think I could have done it. Even if I say so myself, it all turned out delicious and only 45 mins later than we had planned!
As much as we all enjoyed our Christmas, with the joy that young children bring, it must be said that it was the hardest Christmas that I/we have ever experienced. The reason being, of course, that my dad was not with us having died in October. What made it particularly difficult was the joy that my dad had at Christmas; he just loved it. Not just the gifts but the time spent together, the foods and treats, “candle light suppers” (family joke), movies, the Queen's Speech and extra-special meals around the table. He loved all of it, with one exception; putting lights on the Christmas tree! :) My dad loved all “holidays” and liked to make each one special – Rolling eggs down Arthurs Seat, making costumes, carving pumpkins. He became like a kid again and made the magic of each holiday shine for me. My dad always cooked the Christmas and boxing day dinners. The one thing I never really appreciated until I had to do it was the timing and preparations that it involves. I am so thankful that several years ago my dad wrote detailed instructions on making Christmas dinner for the guys (in the HOPE that they would carry on the tradition of the man cooking these meals). There was just a constant feeling of something missing, of not being complete. I know my mum felt the same. I could see it in her eyes. It pains me still to think of that. I always thought it corny when they would say things in movies like “you made their eyes come alive again” or “you brought the sparkle/laughter back to their eyes” but now I only hope and pray that the same will be true for my mum someday. My brother and his family spent Christmas in the States with his in-laws. We had a hard time without them there, but we got through it.
After an exhausting day we were all glad to get to bed that night. Daniel travelled home on Christmas day and David's dad left to return home on the 27th.
New Year was a quiet affair. Mum went out to the Church hogmany party but we stayed at her house to put the kids to bed. She came home before the bells and we had crackers, cheese, etc.. We saw in the new year together and watched the fireworks at Stirling Castle from the upstairs hall window. JA and family arrived home a couple of days later and we had a second Christmas with them. Which meant another late night and more excitement as the kids awoke to another morning of presents. We also had a repeat Christmas dinner, although it was just leftover turkey this time. The kids as always loved being together and were even more excited to have their Grannie with them. They all love their Grannie so much. We look forward to all being together again soon and I hope that Christmases get easier and the sparkle comes back to them.
I will put the pictures and videos in a separate post as this one is long enough!
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