Greeting cards have all been sent, the Christmas rush is through.
What an interesting Christmas it was! For the sake of looking neat I'll cut to the
Thursday
A work day, oh joy. The day did not become the least bit interesting until we left work - unless you count Belgium, but you can read about that in the other post. My mother had errands to run before heading home. There was jam to buy to replace the jars of fruity goodness that mysteriously disappeared from my house. There was stopping to buy my aunt and uncle a bottle of wine. There was stopping by a camera store to buy Rodney his Christmas present - which was not there and wouldn't arrive until the following afternoon. Then there was heading out to the boonies to fill the crappy little SUV she drives with gas.
Filling up the car with gas became hazardous. Upon filling her up I heard a noise much like running water. I looked up thinking someone was pouring something out and saw nothing. I looked at the ground and liquid was rushing from underneath the car. A couple of steps taken backward confirmed there was a hole in the gas tank that had not been there earlier. We drove a gas bomb home.
We arrived at my home far later than we ever have. There was my grandmother and grandfather... and Ryann, who was to spend the night. Grandmother had made fried chicken but I didn't feel like eating. I did later eat some kosher hot dogs though. ;) Ryann and I sat in Jon's bedroom and watched the last half of 'A Christmas Story', which in all her nine years Ryann had yet to watch. This was later remedied on Christmas day.
After hot doggie goodness and movie watching Ryann and I invaded the kitchen. I had rolo/pretzel thingers to bake, thumbprint cookies and gingerbread. While I baked the thumbprints (which are much harder than they appear) Ryann made the rolo/pretzel thingers. Then it was on to gingerbread.
I prepared the counter with flour. I quartered the chilled gingerbread dough, which had been in the fridge since the night before. I made Ryann wash her hands and get out the cookie cutters. I went back to the fridge to remove one of the hunks of dough, when I turned around it was to have a fist full of flour thrown at me. Thus started the Great Flour Battle of 2005. In the end both of us were coated head to toe in flour, my grandmother near had a stroke and there was no end to the giggling. Or the cleaning.
Gingerbread was eventually baked and Ryann insisted on naming the gingerpeople. Or at least two of them. These two she took home with her, she named them Lucy and Mr. Tumnus. Her intentions did not at all reflect childish innocence. I'm terribly frightened of the way nine-year-olds think sometimes.
Friday
As we both had stayed up well past midnight cleaning the kitchen Ryann and I slept in late on Friday. When we got up it was to find my grandmother running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Sherry was to arrive that evening and cleaning became the order of the day.
Ryann tackled dusting my brother's room and sweeping the sunroom. I (amazingly!) cleaned my bedroom (though you couldn't tell now). Then I was put to work scrubbing and dusting and decorating elsewhere. My grandmother disappeared for a time (Ryann and I thought that maybe she was cleaning bathrooms) and then reappeared with Edmunds happy meals. We were happy. :)
After eating I put Ryann in the bath. She asked in she had to wash her hair. Considering the massive amounts of flour in it... yeah. Kim came over and swept the kitchen and mopped all the tiled areas in the house. There is far more tile than carpet in my house. I put the finishing touches on the decorations. My grandmother actually managed to sit still for more than a minute. Showers were had by all!
Then it was off to run errands. We stopped by Irma's to pick up my dress, which was altered beautifully! The woman is a miracle worker! There was cable bill paying. Then there was Walmart.
I took Ryann and went in one direction while Kim and my grandmother went in another. I had bought something for Kim, but not Sherry, so Ryann and I spent considerable time looking for something for Sherry. Then for my grandmother and grandfather. And countless other last minute shopping needs. It was dark by the time we left and three cell phones went off at once. My grandmother's was my grandfather calling to say Sherry was there. Kim's was Leslie calling to let her know one of her dogs had thrown up. Mine was Sherry calling because she didn't know my grandfather was calling.
There was a quick trip to Kim's to put food in the fridge, clean up dog vomit and get Les. I was instructed to call my grandfather and 'sweet talk' him into going out for pizza with us. I succeeded and there was pizza for all.
Saturday
Christmas Eve. Phil had rescheduled the Chancel Choir so that we were not singing for the 4 and 7 services. The children on the other hand were singing. One song, right at the end of the nearly two hour service.
Most of the morning was spent wrapping presents, talking to Tyffany about Santa and sneaking around to prepare the presents Santa was bringing. Kim came over around 2:30 and we all ran back to Walmart. I went because I had forgotten cat litter. They went to purchase a deli tray for Christmas Eve dinner. Ryann and Tyffany went because, hey, its Walmart!
We rushed home, Kim and Ryann ran to get ready for the 4pm service and the rest of us prepared for dinner. There was a large deli tray (which we still have most of), a cheese ball, cream cheese with raspberry chipotle, cheese dip - we really like cheese. :)) Sherry and I discovered you should never allow Les into the kitchen. He turned the cheese dip into one hard lump of cheese. Sherry and I couldn't salvage it.
At 4:20 my grandmother began her 'they'll be here any minute' campaign. Kim and Ryann left right after the children sang - they arrived at the house at 5:30. We had sandwiches and cheese of all kinds. After eating I made Ryann come to my room to practice our song for Christmas day service. One more time became ten more times. Then I asked those in our house who knew a thing or two about music to come, listen and give advice. By the time this was finished it was time to go to the 7pm service. This time we all went. Or at least Kim, Sherry, Ryann, Tyffany, Nana and myself.
I was seated with the children's choir (Ryann on one side and Tyffany on the other). The three soloists were sat nearby and Emily decided she was going to go and sit with Phil's kids. This was not such a good thing. During children's time the kids were all asked to pass out little chocolates to the congregation. Somehow I ended up with ten little chocolates. They children's choir did well with their song, then scattered to sit with their families. When it came time to do the candlelight part of the service Traci brought the four little Frederics over. Grayson was signing the song - yes signing, not singing - and Traci asked me to keep an eye on Parker, Scarlett and the one whose name I always have trouble remembering. Parker was without candle, good. Name-I-can't-remember was beside me and Scarlett beside him. Both with candles. Well, Nameless had hot wax drip on his little finger. I suddenly had three lit candles in my hands. Kim took Nameless to rinse his finger off in the water fountain and then Scarlett started trying to touch the fire. Her candle was promptly blown out and she began to cry. The Frederics were in fine form. This is nothing to say of Kim, Sherry and Nana, who giggled all through the service.
After service we took Nana to McDonalds for ice cream. She can't eat it like she likes with her chemo, so we took her while she was up to it. Tyffany was getting tired so I made the mistake of picking her up. Ryann became insanely jealous. A threat to call Santa worked however, and both are now amazed that I have Santa on speed dial.
There were cookies left out, letters to Santa finished, tracking Santa on NORAD and watching of Rudolph on TV. Eventually we all were able to go to bed.
Sunday
If I ever have a child I hope they are like Tyffany. The girl sleeps in on Christmas morning. I'm floored.
I got up at the not-so-bad hour of 8 to take a quick shower, then proceeded to rush to fix my hair, paint my toenails, put on makeup and slip on my dress. Phil wanted Ryann and I there at a quarter til 10 so we could warm up. There were difficulties tearing Ryann away from her presents. Why Kim thought they could open presents and get ready in time I'll never know. And not just one or two - all the presents.
We arrived late and rushed through a warm up. Then I rushed off to the choir room to warm up with the choir. Phil told me when to go up to the mic to sing, so then I had to run back to tell Ryann when to come up. Then run back to file in with the choir. There was lots of running. In heels even.
Right after singing 'O Come All Ye Faithful' I made my way to the mics and Ryann came up to stand with me. Don stood to give the Welcome - and promptly decided to spontaneously rearrange the order of the service. Ryann and I stood awkwardly for a moment while the congregation did their little thing, then we sang.
It is well known that even if you give an almost flawless performance you're still going to think it was horrid. Or close to horrid. I noticed the two or three wobbly notes. Ryann noticed the notes that weren't sustained as they should have been. The entire congregation noticed nothing. According to everyone who made it difficult for me to leave after service it was the 'most beautiful song they've ever heard' and we 'have the most angelic voices'. I think they were just being nice. I've since listened to a recording of us and am hard pressed to find the flaws, but I know where to look. I think it is safe to say that we did very well though.
After service there was returning home and stripping off of the dress and heels. Jeans are so much more comfy. There was waiting for Kim, Les, Ryann and Tyffany (for she had gone home with them after church). Then there was dinner. Oh yummy turkey stuffed with cranberries and all sorts of good herbs. Sweet potatoes with marshmellows. Deviled eggs and stuffing. Pumpkin pie. Sherry and I then took charge of passing out the presents. When everyone had a their pile the living room became a flurry of shredded paper and cries of 'Don't throw that bow away! Recycle it!'
Ryann was not as disappointed as I thought she might be. She was more than pleased with her set of make up brushes (she does wear makeup when she sings, dances and whatnot). Tyffany loved her porcelain Cinderella doll and Hello Kitty purse. Everyone was tickled with their 'you're going to Houston!' present.
There will be a second Christmas of sorts tonight or sometime this week. My mother returns from the land of Chattanooga tonight. For now I have managed to rack up more candy than I'll ever eat, a really nice dusty green laptop bag from Eddie Bauer, a beaded green purse in the same color, a little sparkly coin purse and a beautiful angel sculpture.
After presents Sherry, Dewayne and Tyffany were off for Tulsa. Sherry left with the mysterious message 'See you really soon!' She left food behind. How soon is soon? Kim and Nana tackled the kitchen, Les and Poppa fell asleep and Ryann and I found a 24 hour 'A Christmas Story' marathon. Ryann is cured!
Some time later Kim, Ry and Les went home to clean up their mess, Nana and I watched movies and Poppa continued to sleep. Just as we were getting into a really weird Christmas movie Kim called. Half an hour later we were all headed for North Little Rock. Kim and Nana went to see 'The Family Stone', I took Ryann and went to see 'Narnia'. *has finally seen the movie*
Ryann had to stuff her fist in her mouth to keep for giggling any time Lucy and Mr. Tumnus were on the screen. I kept punching her in the arm. Where did she get this? *shakes head* We both enjoyed the movie very much and to be completely honest I have no complaints. I'm very glad I didn't reread the book before going however.
And on that bright and happy note my holiday ended. Yes, I was off Monday, but I spent the day curled up with books and didn't do much else. I'm back at work now, and far more bored than I've ever been in my life!!
Thursday
A work day, oh joy. The day did not become the least bit interesting until we left work - unless you count Belgium, but you can read about that in the other post. My mother had errands to run before heading home. There was jam to buy to replace the jars of fruity goodness that mysteriously disappeared from my house. There was stopping to buy my aunt and uncle a bottle of wine. There was stopping by a camera store to buy Rodney his Christmas present - which was not there and wouldn't arrive until the following afternoon. Then there was heading out to the boonies to fill the crappy little SUV she drives with gas.
Filling up the car with gas became hazardous. Upon filling her up I heard a noise much like running water. I looked up thinking someone was pouring something out and saw nothing. I looked at the ground and liquid was rushing from underneath the car. A couple of steps taken backward confirmed there was a hole in the gas tank that had not been there earlier. We drove a gas bomb home.
We arrived at my home far later than we ever have. There was my grandmother and grandfather... and Ryann, who was to spend the night. Grandmother had made fried chicken but I didn't feel like eating. I did later eat some kosher hot dogs though. ;) Ryann and I sat in Jon's bedroom and watched the last half of 'A Christmas Story', which in all her nine years Ryann had yet to watch. This was later remedied on Christmas day.
After hot doggie goodness and movie watching Ryann and I invaded the kitchen. I had rolo/pretzel thingers to bake, thumbprint cookies and gingerbread. While I baked the thumbprints (which are much harder than they appear) Ryann made the rolo/pretzel thingers. Then it was on to gingerbread.
I prepared the counter with flour. I quartered the chilled gingerbread dough, which had been in the fridge since the night before. I made Ryann wash her hands and get out the cookie cutters. I went back to the fridge to remove one of the hunks of dough, when I turned around it was to have a fist full of flour thrown at me. Thus started the Great Flour Battle of 2005. In the end both of us were coated head to toe in flour, my grandmother near had a stroke and there was no end to the giggling. Or the cleaning.
Gingerbread was eventually baked and Ryann insisted on naming the gingerpeople. Or at least two of them. These two she took home with her, she named them Lucy and Mr. Tumnus. Her intentions did not at all reflect childish innocence. I'm terribly frightened of the way nine-year-olds think sometimes.
Friday
As we both had stayed up well past midnight cleaning the kitchen Ryann and I slept in late on Friday. When we got up it was to find my grandmother running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Sherry was to arrive that evening and cleaning became the order of the day.
Ryann tackled dusting my brother's room and sweeping the sunroom. I (amazingly!) cleaned my bedroom (though you couldn't tell now). Then I was put to work scrubbing and dusting and decorating elsewhere. My grandmother disappeared for a time (Ryann and I thought that maybe she was cleaning bathrooms) and then reappeared with Edmunds happy meals. We were happy. :)
After eating I put Ryann in the bath. She asked in she had to wash her hair. Considering the massive amounts of flour in it... yeah. Kim came over and swept the kitchen and mopped all the tiled areas in the house. There is far more tile than carpet in my house. I put the finishing touches on the decorations. My grandmother actually managed to sit still for more than a minute. Showers were had by all!
Then it was off to run errands. We stopped by Irma's to pick up my dress, which was altered beautifully! The woman is a miracle worker! There was cable bill paying. Then there was Walmart.
I took Ryann and went in one direction while Kim and my grandmother went in another. I had bought something for Kim, but not Sherry, so Ryann and I spent considerable time looking for something for Sherry. Then for my grandmother and grandfather. And countless other last minute shopping needs. It was dark by the time we left and three cell phones went off at once. My grandmother's was my grandfather calling to say Sherry was there. Kim's was Leslie calling to let her know one of her dogs had thrown up. Mine was Sherry calling because she didn't know my grandfather was calling.
There was a quick trip to Kim's to put food in the fridge, clean up dog vomit and get Les. I was instructed to call my grandfather and 'sweet talk' him into going out for pizza with us. I succeeded and there was pizza for all.
Saturday
Christmas Eve. Phil had rescheduled the Chancel Choir so that we were not singing for the 4 and 7 services. The children on the other hand were singing. One song, right at the end of the nearly two hour service.
Most of the morning was spent wrapping presents, talking to Tyffany about Santa and sneaking around to prepare the presents Santa was bringing. Kim came over around 2:30 and we all ran back to Walmart. I went because I had forgotten cat litter. They went to purchase a deli tray for Christmas Eve dinner. Ryann and Tyffany went because, hey, its Walmart!
We rushed home, Kim and Ryann ran to get ready for the 4pm service and the rest of us prepared for dinner. There was a large deli tray (which we still have most of), a cheese ball, cream cheese with raspberry chipotle, cheese dip - we really like cheese. :)) Sherry and I discovered you should never allow Les into the kitchen. He turned the cheese dip into one hard lump of cheese. Sherry and I couldn't salvage it.
At 4:20 my grandmother began her 'they'll be here any minute' campaign. Kim and Ryann left right after the children sang - they arrived at the house at 5:30. We had sandwiches and cheese of all kinds. After eating I made Ryann come to my room to practice our song for Christmas day service. One more time became ten more times. Then I asked those in our house who knew a thing or two about music to come, listen and give advice. By the time this was finished it was time to go to the 7pm service. This time we all went. Or at least Kim, Sherry, Ryann, Tyffany, Nana and myself.
I was seated with the children's choir (Ryann on one side and Tyffany on the other). The three soloists were sat nearby and Emily decided she was going to go and sit with Phil's kids. This was not such a good thing. During children's time the kids were all asked to pass out little chocolates to the congregation. Somehow I ended up with ten little chocolates. They children's choir did well with their song, then scattered to sit with their families. When it came time to do the candlelight part of the service Traci brought the four little Frederics over. Grayson was signing the song - yes signing, not singing - and Traci asked me to keep an eye on Parker, Scarlett and the one whose name I always have trouble remembering. Parker was without candle, good. Name-I-can't-remember was beside me and Scarlett beside him. Both with candles. Well, Nameless had hot wax drip on his little finger. I suddenly had three lit candles in my hands. Kim took Nameless to rinse his finger off in the water fountain and then Scarlett started trying to touch the fire. Her candle was promptly blown out and she began to cry. The Frederics were in fine form. This is nothing to say of Kim, Sherry and Nana, who giggled all through the service.
After service we took Nana to McDonalds for ice cream. She can't eat it like she likes with her chemo, so we took her while she was up to it. Tyffany was getting tired so I made the mistake of picking her up. Ryann became insanely jealous. A threat to call Santa worked however, and both are now amazed that I have Santa on speed dial.
There were cookies left out, letters to Santa finished, tracking Santa on NORAD and watching of Rudolph on TV. Eventually we all were able to go to bed.
Sunday
If I ever have a child I hope they are like Tyffany. The girl sleeps in on Christmas morning. I'm floored.
I got up at the not-so-bad hour of 8 to take a quick shower, then proceeded to rush to fix my hair, paint my toenails, put on makeup and slip on my dress. Phil wanted Ryann and I there at a quarter til 10 so we could warm up. There were difficulties tearing Ryann away from her presents. Why Kim thought they could open presents and get ready in time I'll never know. And not just one or two - all the presents.
We arrived late and rushed through a warm up. Then I rushed off to the choir room to warm up with the choir. Phil told me when to go up to the mic to sing, so then I had to run back to tell Ryann when to come up. Then run back to file in with the choir. There was lots of running. In heels even.
Right after singing 'O Come All Ye Faithful' I made my way to the mics and Ryann came up to stand with me. Don stood to give the Welcome - and promptly decided to spontaneously rearrange the order of the service. Ryann and I stood awkwardly for a moment while the congregation did their little thing, then we sang.
It is well known that even if you give an almost flawless performance you're still going to think it was horrid. Or close to horrid. I noticed the two or three wobbly notes. Ryann noticed the notes that weren't sustained as they should have been. The entire congregation noticed nothing. According to everyone who made it difficult for me to leave after service it was the 'most beautiful song they've ever heard' and we 'have the most angelic voices'. I think they were just being nice. I've since listened to a recording of us and am hard pressed to find the flaws, but I know where to look. I think it is safe to say that we did very well though.
After service there was returning home and stripping off of the dress and heels. Jeans are so much more comfy. There was waiting for Kim, Les, Ryann and Tyffany (for she had gone home with them after church). Then there was dinner. Oh yummy turkey stuffed with cranberries and all sorts of good herbs. Sweet potatoes with marshmellows. Deviled eggs and stuffing. Pumpkin pie. Sherry and I then took charge of passing out the presents. When everyone had a their pile the living room became a flurry of shredded paper and cries of 'Don't throw that bow away! Recycle it!'
Ryann was not as disappointed as I thought she might be. She was more than pleased with her set of make up brushes (she does wear makeup when she sings, dances and whatnot). Tyffany loved her porcelain Cinderella doll and Hello Kitty purse. Everyone was tickled with their 'you're going to Houston!' present.
There will be a second Christmas of sorts tonight or sometime this week. My mother returns from the land of Chattanooga tonight. For now I have managed to rack up more candy than I'll ever eat, a really nice dusty green laptop bag from Eddie Bauer, a beaded green purse in the same color, a little sparkly coin purse and a beautiful angel sculpture.
After presents Sherry, Dewayne and Tyffany were off for Tulsa. Sherry left with the mysterious message 'See you really soon!' She left food behind. How soon is soon? Kim and Nana tackled the kitchen, Les and Poppa fell asleep and Ryann and I found a 24 hour 'A Christmas Story' marathon. Ryann is cured!
Some time later Kim, Ry and Les went home to clean up their mess, Nana and I watched movies and Poppa continued to sleep. Just as we were getting into a really weird Christmas movie Kim called. Half an hour later we were all headed for North Little Rock. Kim and Nana went to see 'The Family Stone', I took Ryann and went to see 'Narnia'. *has finally seen the movie*
Ryann had to stuff her fist in her mouth to keep for giggling any time Lucy and Mr. Tumnus were on the screen. I kept punching her in the arm. Where did she get this? *shakes head* We both enjoyed the movie very much and to be completely honest I have no complaints. I'm very glad I didn't reread the book before going however.
And on that bright and happy note my holiday ended. Yes, I was off Monday, but I spent the day curled up with books and didn't do much else. I'm back at work now, and far more bored than I've ever been in my life!!