Holiday Festivities

Well, tomorrow is New Year's Day and I have managed to survive the holiday season! In spite of some crazy weather, we were able to take part in four different Christmas celebrations this year. The first was at Eric's step-father's sister's home. It takes approximately 2 hours to get there & another 2 hours to drive home, so that was a lot of time for Tony to spend in the car in one day. But he slept most of the car ride and in general behaved himself fairly well that day. Most of the other kids that were there are several years older than him, and he enjoyed the attention he got from the "big kids". We had a lot of good food and overall the day went off without a hitch.

Then on Christmas Day we went to two different gatherings. The first was with Eric's mother's family at her home. I felt bad for her because I knew she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown when she started freaking out over having forgotten to put the crescent rolls in the oven. Eric's cousin Oscar and I jumped in and took over that task for her in an effort to calm her down and keep the peace. I think she is alot like me in the respect that the overwhelming idea of hosting a party like that tends to stress her out. In any case, after the feast was over we relaxed and watched the kids open presents. Tony made out like a bandit! Eric's mom really spoils him since he is her only grandchild so far. Then we played the ornament exchange game. We do that at previous party that I mentioned as well, only this one was much more laid back. Fewer people play and it is far less competetive. I enjoyed it more than I do when we play at Eric's step-family's party.

Then on Christmas evening we went to Eric's step-sister's house. All of his step-siblings were there as well as their spouses, kids, and their mother. It was rather crowded and it was getting late so we didn't stay long. Eric's mom gave me a nativity scene (again) so I traded with Eric's step-niece for her snowman candle holder instead. Mindy really wanted a nativity and I already had one that I was given a couple of years ago, so it worked out well. We finally made it home and collapsed into bed. On the drive home though I got a call from my own mother. She wanted to let me know that she had spoken to my sister's ex-husband and wanted to make sure that it was okay that she had invited him to dinner at my house the following evening. I was fine with that. It turns out that he couldn't come anyway, but he is always cordial and I think it's nice that he brings my nieces and nephews over to visit occasionally. It sounds like he is winning the custody battle over the kids too. He told Mom that Laura physically attacked the child placement person, and now she is only allowed supervised visits with the kids. It is such a sad situation. I really think that my sister is having some mental issues and needs to get herself some help.

Friday, the 26th, Eric had to get up early and go to work. I asked him to take Tony to the sitter's that day so I could have some free time to cook and clean in preparation for my family to come over that evening. Everyone started showing up around 6:00 PM. Lisa called and said she and Frank both woke up with the flu so they would not be able to make it. But we still had plenty of people. Mom & Griff, Dane & Sue, Pat & Margaret, Tom & Holly, and Eric's dad were all still able to come over in spite of the awful fog that enveloped the landscape that night. Dane prepared an excellent ham that he brought with, Tom made deviled eggs, Holly made spinich and chipped beef dips, and Mom brought scalloped corn and a cheese tray. Then we had green bean casserole, potatoes & gravy, stuffing, baked beans, and home-made apple pie to go with that. It was a wonderful meal with good company! I probably gained 10 lbs. from eating so much that week. :)

So now I can relax a bit. I just have to decide what Eric and I should do for New Year's Eve tonight. We have a sitter for Tony; Holly's daughter is going to watch him for us. But we still have to figure out where we want to go or what we want to do. I think we should go out to dinner or something, but we'll see when I get home from work. :)