I'm back home and jumped right in with getting ready for Christmas. I'd put up the pre-lit tree that I ordered, so when I got home Saturday evening, and I'd forgotten that we'd agreed to babysit that night, I let E unwrap ornaments and deck the tree. Very cute--she decked it very deliberately all around the bottom foot of the tree, but couldn't reach any higher (our tree is on a piece of furniture). DH came to her rescue and held her up while she put the others on. Funny, I've been very territorial about being the one to decorate the tree and decide where things went, but I was quite happy, this time, to cede the responsibility to E (& DH). While she was thus happily engaged, little J sat in his chair at the kitchen table and played with the new (to him) Fisher Price Nativity scene. I used the time to make dinner and reflect on my many blessings.
I can't say that I've been at all "on program" this past 10 days or so, but I haven't gone "hog wild" either. Today at my WI I gained .2 After last week's 2.4 loss, I'm okay with that. I really want to hop back into the new WW plan and did pretty well today. I got out to run yesterday (dressed for the low 20s complete with ear muffs, scarf, mittens and layers). Back to the gym tomorrow and easing back into my routine.
My sister seems to be improving, but we've changed our plans and will rendezvous with my TX brother in GA and spend our Christmas together. That will be good for us all, I think, in this first holiday season without our Dad. We've found a lovely big rental house (thanks, Sharon, for the idea! ) and I'll cart food down there so we can do our own meals instead of eating out.
Oh, another Christmas thing I did with the kiddos when they were here yesterday was making a gingerbread house. I bought one of those kits from Michael's (I think) for less than $10. What a deal--everything you need is in the box. I put the house together the night before and, while J was taking his morning nap (that was his contribution to the effort--napping!), E decorated the house. She was very precise and loved it. It didn't tempt me a bit (though I did toss the leftover candy in the trash as soon as we finished) and I sent the house home with her at the end of the day. Here are some pix:
E has a "thing" about having her photograph taken, so I had to take sneak pictures while she was otherwise occupied. You can see how carefully she was putting the decorations on, though and the last shot captures her satisfied smile when she saw it sitting under the Christmas tree.
I'm weeks behind with my shopping, but my near and dear know I love them. I'll try to have presents for the little ones, but am making no promises about cards or cookies for the neighbors. I am holding together pretty well, but a couple of times a day something will make me realize how much I'm going to miss my Dad and I'll get a little teary. I guess that's okay. I'm keeping tissues in my pocket at all times.
Once again, I'm not doing a lot of blogging, but will get back to it soon because I MISS you all.
Good to hear from you Tish. Sounds like you are pacing yourself just right.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Tish! That Gingerbread house sure looks like alot of fun, great way to spend the day together!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to leave you a little note about Christmas and that I know exactly what you are going through.
My first Christmas 2 years ago was the worst Christmas ever. It was the first one without my dad, I am going on #3 this year and it really doesn't get easier, but I have found a few things that I like to do in his memory.
First off, my dad loved birds, I swear they surround me every where I go ;-). Each year I buy a bird ornament and place it on the dinner table. I set a place for him and put the bird on the plate, it's my way of having him "there" with me.
Once Christmas is over, I put the bird away and the year following it goes on my tree.
Another thing I do that I have found has helped is I try to do something for the less fortunate. I always pick a homeless person in our city and grant their wish for the holiday. I try to pick someone who maybe has the same name as my dad or has some type of characteristic as him. This year I picked someone from the same nationality and his wish was for a backpack filled with goodies.
It's the little things that help me get through the holidays, I've kind of started traditions of my own, to help me in the healing.
I know what you are going through and my heart goes out to you Tish
xoxo
Syl
I love all the pics (and memories) you are making with those precious children!! Such special moments especially here at the holidays! Merry Christmas!:)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back. I've been praying for you and your family. What cute pics and how much fun. I keep meaning to pick up one of those kits. Maybe I will today.
ReplyDeleteThe first Thanksgiving without my dear Dad, our family rented a cabin in the mountains for the long weekend. It was just the ticket for us. I pray that you will find the same healing as we did.
ReplyDeleteGrief is a long road to travel, but it looks like you are making the best of the situation. The children are precious and a blessed distraction too.
Lori
Love the pics of the kids. We used to make those gingerbread kits here when my boys were little too. I suspect this will be a bittersweet Christmas for you. Hugs.
ReplyDeletePrecious memories...all of them. Even the ones that cause a sniffle or three.
ReplyDeleteReflecting is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteLovely gingerbread house, and lovely little elf decorating it!