After a busy Christmas day, my previously clean house felt like it was overflowing with dirty dishes, empty cups and assorted trash. Boxes and bits of wrapping paper covered my floors and furniture, the result of the enthusiastic unwrapping from some excited kids. I spent the majority of my afternoon yesterday picking up, organizing and reestablishing order to the chaotic living room.
I was hoping to finish, but the I became too tired and lost interest. I realized that I was the only one in the house who was still working. After this revelation I decided that I also deserved a holiday. I'm tired of being the house maid. I sat down and picked up a book, transporting myself away from the chaotic scene with a fantastic story.
Today I will wrangle Scott, Robby and Timmy and involve them in the clean-up. Working together, we should be able to get everything put back in order in record time. Armed with an audio book to drown out the complaining, I'm ready for the challenge.
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Friday, December 27, 2019
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Christmas!
Merry (belated) Christmas!
Yesterday was a flurry of activity. From the moment I woke up until I collapsed into bed at night, I was in nonstop motion. I was exhausted, but it was a wonderful day and worth all the effort.
My Mom came down on Christmas Eve to help prep for Santa. To his absolute delight, she slept in Timmy's room. The plan was for her to keep him in bed until morning. (We didn't want him escaping to investigate in the middle of the night.) It turns out that she was needed to coax my scared little Hamlet out from under his covers.
In retrospect, I went overboard with the "you'd better watch your behavior because Santa won't come" approach to behavior management. Timmy was convinced that he was on the naughty list and had resigned himself to receiving no toys. Christmas morning, when my Mom tried to get him to look in the living room, Timmy climbed into the top bunk and pulled the covers over his head. He pleaded with Nana to go to the living room to check to see if there were presents because he was too nervous to look for himself.
After finally being convinced that Santa arrived, he came out to discover his tower of presents. It took him a few moments to get into the spirit, but once he felt confident that the gifts were toys and not coal, he got into the spirit. (Robby's pile wasn't nearly as big, but that is because little kid games cost considerably less than teen toys.)
Timmy's prized present turned out to be his new roller skates, which he wore at every opportunity throughout the day. I don't think it will take him long to get the hang of the skates, and soon he will be whizzing through the house at lightening speed. Robby was overwhelmed by his new electric bike and computer chair. (In all honesty, his electric bike is as much for my benefit as it was for him. I'm looking forward to going on long rides with him.)
My sister, the rest of the Cousin Crew and her boyfriend and his kids all came down for Christmas dinner. It was so much fun having a full house. It was definitely chaotic and busy, but it was the absolute perfect day.
Oh, and there was even a proposal! My sister's boyfriend dropped to one knee while everybody was in the living room. He is a great guy, and I'm very happy for them all.
The Cousin Crew stayed the night, so their giggles and mischief lasted long into the light. I'm glad that they stayed because it offered them the opportunity to decompress and to digest the question of the day. Life is about change, which can be hard for kids. But some things will never change and that includes Aunt Peggy and the Cousin Crew.
This morning everybody is tired but content. From start to end, it was a fantastic day.
Yesterday was a flurry of activity. From the moment I woke up until I collapsed into bed at night, I was in nonstop motion. I was exhausted, but it was a wonderful day and worth all the effort.
My Mom came down on Christmas Eve to help prep for Santa. To his absolute delight, she slept in Timmy's room. The plan was for her to keep him in bed until morning. (We didn't want him escaping to investigate in the middle of the night.) It turns out that she was needed to coax my scared little Hamlet out from under his covers.
In retrospect, I went overboard with the "you'd better watch your behavior because Santa won't come" approach to behavior management. Timmy was convinced that he was on the naughty list and had resigned himself to receiving no toys. Christmas morning, when my Mom tried to get him to look in the living room, Timmy climbed into the top bunk and pulled the covers over his head. He pleaded with Nana to go to the living room to check to see if there were presents because he was too nervous to look for himself.
After finally being convinced that Santa arrived, he came out to discover his tower of presents. It took him a few moments to get into the spirit, but once he felt confident that the gifts were toys and not coal, he got into the spirit. (Robby's pile wasn't nearly as big, but that is because little kid games cost considerably less than teen toys.)
Timmy's prized present turned out to be his new roller skates, which he wore at every opportunity throughout the day. I don't think it will take him long to get the hang of the skates, and soon he will be whizzing through the house at lightening speed. Robby was overwhelmed by his new electric bike and computer chair. (In all honesty, his electric bike is as much for my benefit as it was for him. I'm looking forward to going on long rides with him.)
My sister, the rest of the Cousin Crew and her boyfriend and his kids all came down for Christmas dinner. It was so much fun having a full house. It was definitely chaotic and busy, but it was the absolute perfect day.
Oh, and there was even a proposal! My sister's boyfriend dropped to one knee while everybody was in the living room. He is a great guy, and I'm very happy for them all.
The Cousin Crew stayed the night, so their giggles and mischief lasted long into the light. I'm glad that they stayed because it offered them the opportunity to decompress and to digest the question of the day. Life is about change, which can be hard for kids. But some things will never change and that includes Aunt Peggy and the Cousin Crew.
This morning everybody is tired but content. From start to end, it was a fantastic day.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Christmas Eve Prep
Merry Christmas Eve!!
Yesterday our house was busting with excitement. As Scott kept the boys occupied with an energetic X Box tournament in the living room, I was downstairs working some Christmas magic. I assembled, wrapped and stashed all of the gifts in preparation for tonight's big delivery.
Assembling and wrapping is different since Mr. Bill moved away, and I missed his company as I was tangled up in torn paper and tape. I miss going to his house at night to wrap gifts. He would turn up his Greek music and regale me with stories of his boyhood Christmases. He always told me that I bought too much for the boys.
Each year he would sit with a sly smile and tell me about his strongest memory. He had coveted a toy gun that he saw in a small store window. All he wanted was the little cowboy pop gun. Instead of the gun he unwrapped a toy bow and arrow. Trying to accept it gracefully, he pulled back the arrow and let it fly. It flew right through his Mom's screen door, ripping a giant hole. His dad took the arrow and he never saw it again. He always looked sad during this part of the story as he would sigh and mutter, "That was all the Christmas I had that year. 30 seconds with a bow I didn't want. I never did get the popgun."
That story always made me sad, but I also realized that for some reason he needed to revisit that memory each year. He would quickly shake it off and start singing his music at the top of his lungs. I hate wrapping, but it was always more fun with Mr. Bill.
Yesterday our house was busting with excitement. As Scott kept the boys occupied with an energetic X Box tournament in the living room, I was downstairs working some Christmas magic. I assembled, wrapped and stashed all of the gifts in preparation for tonight's big delivery.
Assembling and wrapping is different since Mr. Bill moved away, and I missed his company as I was tangled up in torn paper and tape. I miss going to his house at night to wrap gifts. He would turn up his Greek music and regale me with stories of his boyhood Christmases. He always told me that I bought too much for the boys.
Each year he would sit with a sly smile and tell me about his strongest memory. He had coveted a toy gun that he saw in a small store window. All he wanted was the little cowboy pop gun. Instead of the gun he unwrapped a toy bow and arrow. Trying to accept it gracefully, he pulled back the arrow and let it fly. It flew right through his Mom's screen door, ripping a giant hole. His dad took the arrow and he never saw it again. He always looked sad during this part of the story as he would sigh and mutter, "That was all the Christmas I had that year. 30 seconds with a bow I didn't want. I never did get the popgun."
That story always made me sad, but I also realized that for some reason he needed to revisit that memory each year. He would quickly shake it off and start singing his music at the top of his lungs. I hate wrapping, but it was always more fun with Mr. Bill.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Hanukah
While I don't hold a religious affiliation, I love both Hanukah and Christmas. Both holidays fill my spirits to the brim with reflective appreciation and excitement for the future. I think Hanukah is special because of the connection with my Dad.
My Dad celebrated Robby's first Hanukah with him. I remember my Dad proudly holding his grandson, lighting the menorah and talking to him about the miracle of the lights. Every year, when I bring out the menorah that he gave us, I think of him. His absence is profoundly felt.
Last night was the first night of Hanukah. Robby and I participated in a community event where a large menorah was lit. The ceremony was beautiful. Looking up at Robby (he is now taller than me), I couldn't help but to become emotional. My goodness my Dad would have been proud of him. I wish that he was around to see both boys grow up.
I spent the rest of the evening feeling sad. Sometimes I think it is healthy to give yourself permission to miss those who have passed away. Today I'm feeling better, and the house is again being infused with the festive excitement of Christmas. Santa comes in a few days, so there is no time for tears!
My Dad celebrated Robby's first Hanukah with him. I remember my Dad proudly holding his grandson, lighting the menorah and talking to him about the miracle of the lights. Every year, when I bring out the menorah that he gave us, I think of him. His absence is profoundly felt.
Last night was the first night of Hanukah. Robby and I participated in a community event where a large menorah was lit. The ceremony was beautiful. Looking up at Robby (he is now taller than me), I couldn't help but to become emotional. My goodness my Dad would have been proud of him. I wish that he was around to see both boys grow up.
I spent the rest of the evening feeling sad. Sometimes I think it is healthy to give yourself permission to miss those who have passed away. Today I'm feeling better, and the house is again being infused with the festive excitement of Christmas. Santa comes in a few days, so there is no time for tears!
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