Hang onto your hats; we're on the home straight, sprinting to the finish line! It's the Countdown to Christmas, thread 10!

[NoWordForFluffy]

Evening all! I'm not sure if this will be the last or the penultimate thread, but here goes!

Nero, O2 appears to be working now (conveniently now I'm home and don't need mobile data!).

I'm sat down with horrendous painful braxton hicks, DS3 who has finally caught the chickenpox is trying to climb on me, he doesn't understand why I'm off limits right now so I thought I'd take the chance to catch up on here.

I've only got a few things left to wrap, I do it sat on a cushion on the floor with a mug of hot chocolate and some mince pies.

It's sometime this week isn't it that frangelico has her baby!?!

wheels I can see why that would be scary to hear but try to keep it out of your mind as your doctor is right and they've probably just cross contaminated, big hugs. . I'm glad to hear your PCP is lovely and I'm very sorry to hear about your losses.

Acey I love that wrapping paper Those cakes are making me hungry. I'm so happy for you and Paddy becoming official! I hope your physio app goes well.

Wooly yay for blanket nearly being finished!

fluffy sorry to hear you're feeling under the weather, it's just that crappy time of year for germs. Wooohooo for one whole work day left!!!

mrsmad sorry to hear shaky's not been well, some cats are very sensitive to any change in their diet. I'm so glad to hear your little patient is doing better, I hope she keeps improving. Yay for new curtains!

Nero Happy Belated 1st birthday to your DD!

biddy I'm glad to hear your dd's report shows good improvement, it must be a relief to see. I hope your enjoyed your christmas lunch.

crazy I love the project you're working on it's lovely and festive.

fluffy Secret Santa are always so fun! I hope you have a blast!

Acey I know! 6 days!! It's crazy! Guess what? I discovered we have one of those crazy houses who puts their house lights to MUSIC! We are going tonight and I'll put it on youtube for you guys to see!!

I'm so fucking happy you and Paddy are official. Please excuse my language but OMG! I'm so so happy!!!

Mrs I hope your mum's hair appointment goes well. And please please let us know how your dad is doing? I don't even know him but I adore him already so much. Tell him his online daughter just adopted him and I hope he's well lol

Biddy - I'm not sure what a Draft Assessment is. I think if we have them they are called something else so could you explain? I hope it's ok to ask I'm just trying to figure out what you are talking about so I can support you

Crazy That scarf is amazing!! I love the little lights! But the little santa face is my favorite

acey I love your dad's flowers! You take such good care of his memory it astounds me and leaves me breathless.

I'm glad you found the PS4!!

PSB Ohhh a mushroom and cheese omelette sounds delicious!

Seafood Oh no! Another pox kid in your house!!

Miss Frange did have her baby!! She said he's healthy and they are home! Trying to relax! :)

I'm home from my appointment today! It went really well. The doctor said from his POV I've not improved and things are the same so I should continue getting benefits. Lets pray the gov sees it that way too.

Opened our door this morning and had TWO packages! My flamingo and my couch cover. So here's a photo of Mingo the Flamingo on the couch lol

Let me post again without the pic with our address in this time 😂
of Mingo the Flamingo on the couch lol

Today 17:51 AceyMac13

Sea - it’s fantastic isn’t it 😁 the pink princess paper arrived today, it’s so glittery and manly grin the cakes are so good, I had one then got paddy to put them on top of the cupboards so I don’t eat the whole lot 😂 physio went well thank you! Oh no, poor DS3 with chicken pox and poor you with Brixton hicks! flowers

Wheelie - first things first, oh my god the flamingo!! I love it!! I squealed when I saw the picture 😂 I really need one!
Whaaaaat, with music that’s hella cool! I can’t wait to see the video! Our house is the most festive on this miserable street, no one has any lights up or anything 😂 the people across the road did have lights up but they took them down!
Thank you, we are so happy too grin it took us long enough 😂
Aww thank you, I try my best to carry on his legacy and just keep his memory alive in any way I can ❤️

Paddy is wrapping my presents so I’m upstairs playing PlayStation with Mav on my knee grin
Addie was giving me some hella strong kicks earlier, like she was trying to break free 😂

Mav loves deliveries grin 📦 🚚 (excuse the scribble, there was an invoice in the box and you could see our address) 😂

I quite like this wrapping paper too, it’s like scrabble

Acey I wondered what on earth happened with your post! HAHA I was like 'she either typoed the whole thing horribly or the cat posted!

Mav is amazing! I love him! And yes!! I love Mingo! And he's sitting on my awesome couch cover so it's like extra bizarre kitschy photo!

And yes Their lights move to the music!! I cannot wait to get there and record it and share with you all. I think you'll love it too lol

My house is honestly the most festive on our street too. Our neighbors are so weird. They have some Christmas lights out....but have never lit them up. I'm like....what's the point then?

That wrapping paper is fabulous too!! I did decide to wrap stocking stuff! I'm going to do that this evening lol

Wheelie - LOL mav has a habit of kicking my phone when I’m trying to text! He’s also worked out how to turn the touch lamp on in the bedroom with his paw, I was not best pleased at 3am LOL.
Mingo is fabulous! I’m trying to get paddy to track one down no matter the cost 😂
Your couch cover is as fabulous as Mingo!

LOL I swear we have the same neighbours! Honestly what’s the point in putting them up but not turning them on 😂 there’s a house a couple of streets down that has a dancing Santa on the roof, I will have to get a pic when we go near it!

I’m hella excited to see it, I think I’ll love it

Yay for wrapping stocking presents! I know a lot of people don’t, it’s just been our tradition since we were little

My grandads presents are all wrapped, it’s just paddy’s now plus the deliveries I’m still waiting on! Honestly I’ve spoilt him so bad and I don’t even care

HAHAHA acey Mav sounds so much like Lilah. She has a baby that she plays with and will run through the whole house with this baby. So I wake up and find a wet baby sometimes under my hand when I get out of bed.

I don't know what's wrong with our neighbors but they are sad folks lol I would love to see the Santa on the roof!

I think you guys will love the Christmas house! I can't wait to go see it! lol I did a facebook poll about wrapping stocking presents. 20% say yes to wrapping stockings and 80% say no. 54 votes so far too lol

Heres Lilah running away with her baby. lol

Wheelie - those pics are adorable! You go Lilah, run off with your baby 😂
I have a fast asleep mav on my knee, Addis’s kicking him in the back but he doesn’t care 😂

They really are sad and very confusing lol! We will be going past Santa on the roof either tomorrow or Friday, so I will definitely get a picture

Haha, so the consensus is that most people don’t wrap stockings! I find other people’s traditions fascinating!

Acey Well location and age seems to have something to do with it. Most the people who voted they wrapped presents? Were grandparents or from Europe. It was very interesting. If I get more votes I'll update.

Mav is like 'who cares they are love taps I'm sleepy' My Balthazar Bengal cat is sleeping on my couch. He adores the couch cover lol.

Hubby is off to work. I am considering eating something but am not sure what to eat honestly.

My Calypso unicorn will finally be here tomorrow and I'm so ready!

Paddy just said Addie is precious cargo and I don’t know why but it made me cry 😂 it’s just so sweet how much he loves her 💙
I never dreamed I’d get this lucky ❤️

Wheelie - I wonder if it’s a European thing then? Everyone I know in Ireland wraps stocking presents (that makes me sound like I know every single person in Ireland LOL)

Mav got grumpy because I dared to move my legs, whoops! He’s now sat on the computer chair staring at me! Ah that’s so cute, I bet it’s all soft and fluffy for them! Mav loves the Santa throw on the bed, he pedals it whilst purring his wee head off!

Ooo decisions decisions! I wouldn’t be much help, all Addie seems to want is raw vegetables and cake 🤷🏻‍♀️
Yay for Calypso unicorn! I bet you can’t wait for it to arrive!

Paddy has found a 60cm / 23.6inch flamingo 😁😁😁

Awwww Addie is definitely precious cargo!

It MIGHT be a European thing? I'm stealing it no matter what it is hahaha.

I've decided to eat some scones and cheese and maybe some crisps. Look I said all this in your words so you know what I'm eating hahaha

YAY 23.6 inches is a good sized flamingo! You definitely need it!

She certainly is 😍 my beautiful wee princess
Hahaha it’s fascinating how people do things differently, I love it!
Hahaha, I’ve been to the states so I would have known what you meant! Plus I’m working my way through the American food box paddy got me! 😁
He’s ordered the flamingo, my hero

Addie is currently kicking my hip bones and giving me heartburn! Thanks baby girl

We were out of scones so are eating Christmas biscuits we made. They were pillsbury dough so we just baked them lol The bottoms got a little too brown but they taste ok! lol

You'll have to share the flamingo when you get it!

Evening everyone
Dad seems ever so slightly better , a tiny bit more energy and a little more interested in what is going on. He won't admit it to please us though the swine lol, l am feeling much happier and relieved l can tell you !
Nero, DD 1st birthday sounded as if it went really well , that is wonderful for you all l hope you all had a great time especially DD
Acey that is such a lovely thing to happen for you all, l am made up for you all l love a happy ending Congratulations !Did you make the Christmas cupcakes they are gorgeous to look at , l can only imagine how lovely they taste , have you found the PS4 yet?
Shaky is fine eaten a whole tin of tuna and seems to be unscathed by it , we however are knackered lol
Biddy ahh well done to your DD she is a little darling to pack all those choc bars bless her, You have done very well on the prep/list front too m'dear l am very impressed! Well done! sew the ends in quick and get them in the post , l didn't realise DD had an ed. psych., what is that for my dear? Do the DC have these in school now is it the norm ? I am so out of what happens in school these days. Hope everything is ok with her Biddy , from listening to what you say here she sounds absolutely fantastic very clever and bright and happy.
I love Ham . l bet it will taste divine , are you going to score it and cook it and bake it with honey, for Biddy and me hope Biddy gets the pat a cake ref or she will think l am truly mad
Crazy , you have been very busy ! Well done on the scarf , my DD2 is envious of you going to TGI's she loves it there lol she loves the cocktails lol!
That is a packed itinerary before Christmas Crazy but it sounds fantastic enjoy yourselves m'dear! Shaky the stray is much better now thank you sweetie
Acey just saw you found the pressies Yay , lovely wreath too , you are very busy as well everyone seems to be at full steam, l don't seem to be able to get myself shifting l need to give this house a damn good clean before l do anything! Glad you have been to the physio again hope the back is better too.
Biddy good luck with the job competition , are you sure you want it ? it sounds hell to me [lol]
PSB how many bags is this Hamper m'dear? Do you need a volunteer to help you eat it ? enjoy it m'dear!
Seafood , Frange had baby Lasxlo early he must be nearly a week old now sweetie, hope the Braxtons do one for you enjoy the mince pipes and the hot choc m;dear take it easy when you can sweetie , hope DS3 is alright bless him
Wheelie l love Mingo the Flamingo and the couch looks great! Am happy you should still get your benefits but boo that you are no better but you are no worse, so l suppose that is good ?
Dad is ever so slightly better adopted DD thank you sweetheart
Right l better go have been ages on here catching up but l lost a huge message l wrote as you do !
Night everyone, have a good nights sleep !

Acey I am - I have never been called a genius before lol. So glad you found the present.

Biddy would the new job mean just more money or potentially more flexibility so you could relax more?
We'll keep our fingers crossed for you regardless!

Seafood Thank you. I've handed over both Christmas scarves now. Just a little cactus and some peas to make (cactus is a desk ornament, peas are for 2 peas in a pod for newly engaged friends )

Wheelchair Thank you. The lights were a nightmare to put in but I really like it. Santa and the Christmas pudding are my faves too.

So glad your appointment went well. I'm not sure how the benefits system works there - is it quite clear that if you medically cannot work then you're entitled to them? Here it can be very hit and miss.

MrsMad So glad our DDad is feeling a little better.
Tell DD2 there were no cocktails for me today sadly as I was driving!

I managed to do a shop in Aldi on the way home so that's one less thing for tomorrow.

Now I have a question. A very good friend of mine has had a horrible year, her H just decided in the spring he wanted to be single and left out of the blue. They have a DS and my friend is heartbroken.
She mentioned a few weeks ago about Christmas and how strange it would be not to have a stocking as her H always did hers. So I've made her one - just chicks, sweets, a water bottle, note pad, diary, nail varnish, wine etc. It seemed like a good idea at the time but now I'm worried I may have overstepped. I haven't handed it over yet. What do you think?

Crazy that is so very kind of you . l can't see anything wrong with it at all but if you are concerned then can you do the stocking for her DS to give her?
DD2 said they do a mean steak too lol
Thank you for the well wishes re my Dad and l have to say you have really done well on the prep front, well done! Crazy will go to the ball weekend away

Mrs I'm glad dad is feeling a little better at least!
Sleep tight lovely lady!!

Crazy Our benefits is very bizarre. A lot of it depends on the person who's reading your notes and if they think you are disabled enough. The doctor today didn't think I would be losing benefits and the lady I saw Monday said the same. I cannot walk at all, I cannot drive, I need help keeping up my home. I have severe anxiety and depression as well as I can barely eat well and have malnutrition. So like......under what type of job could I even work!?

I think making a stocking for your friend is really sweet and a great idea! I think she'll be so happy!

5

Morning! It's my last day at work. Wooooo!

Mrs, I'm glad your dad feels better, even if he's too bloody-minded to tell you! And I'm also glad Shaky seems better.

Crazy, I think the stocking is a lovely idea. I'm sure your friend will be touched.

Seafood, I hope the BH died down. I got some ferocious ones with DS. Not many with DD though.

Wheelie, it sounds like you have complex needs. It's the same here re the person who sees you decides how bad you are. And it's rather hit and miss.

Best go, got to go out in the rain to get to the station!

Morning everyone
Fluffy marvellous last day at work whoo woo!
Thank you for the well wishes for Dad and Shaky , have a brilliant last day at work and secret Santa Yay!
Wheelie thank you so much , Dad & l would love to adopt you hee hee
So sorry to hear you have all these problems my sweetie, yet you are so upbeat and kind
Shaky woke us at 06.15 with loose pooh but it is much better than before and he seems absolutely tickety boo , no more new fangled cat food Mother!
Off to Cwmbran this morning to finish off what l meant to do on Monday when Dad had to go in straight away, must make a list !
Am totally obsessed with Kirstie's handmade Christmas watched 2 this morning already
Have a great day everyone not long now!

Morning!
5 days wooohoooo!

I woke up in absolutely agony this morning with my back and the pain was all down my hip too. Paddy helped me get out of bed and get downstairs which has helped a wee bit!
Today we need to go to paddy’s house and start packing up his things as he needs to hand his keys back in January.
We also need to post presents to friends from uni, we usually meet up but there’s just no time this year for any of us! Last posting day is today so will get that done ASAP before anything else!

Wheelie - I will definitely share a pic of the flamingo when it arrives! Hope you are having a nice sleep! Sorry to hear of all your health troubles bless you

Mrs - thank you my dear, we are thrilled and I sure do love a happy ending too glad to hear shaky is a wee bit better and your dad too, yay!
I wish I made the cupcakes, they are so delicious though
Aye I found the PS4, I’ve told paddy next year we are writing down where we hide presents as i always end up losing them 😂
I like that paddy knows me so well that he didn’t even question how I managed to lose a PS4 😂
It’s strange you say we are busy, because whilst written down it does look a lot. After all the chaos of my dads funeral and clearing his flat etc, this all feels so chilled and laid back whereas that was manic! Sorry, just a random train of thought there haha!
Have a lovely time in Cwmbran my dear, I hope it’s not too busy! Lists are key, I’d be lost without mine

Crazy - what a wonderful thing to do, I don’t think that’s overstepping the mark at all. What a kind and generous person you are! You are definitely a genius with the wrapping on the ironing board too, I am converted

Got a very active Addie again today, yay!

Must dash, need coffee before we do anything today 😂🤰🏻

I'm not going to answer that one Crazy, as I often get it wrong. Someone who understands people better will know.

Brought home a shopping trolleyful from the hamper, that's the last of it, bought Christmas cupcakes for DD's Christmas party and juice for DS2's, that's tomorrow, they've got FC coming today, looked at Christmassy things, having halloumi etc, a banana and a coffee, Gaudete by Steeleye Span in the background.🎄🎅🎄🎅🎅🎄🎅😋🍳🍌☕

The not eating on its own Wheelie, I'm guessing you take lots of naps. DS1 has cystic fibrosis and hardly eating plus poor saturation means that he's too tired to work and sleeps much of the day.

Morning all,
Great news from school, they have already, even before the final assessment report is issued, agreed to drop Irish for DD and give her resource time instead (so 4 classes a week!) - that will be SUCH a relief to her. It's an updated assessment of her diagnosis, needs, educational attainment etc, and we got a draft version, before the final version issues this week, in case anything needed to be changed. It's not the norm exactly, but she has ADHD and Aspergers' Syndrome (now called Autistic Spectrum Disorder), and there is so little support for these in the public health and education system that we paid for the original assessment 6 years ago, and have to pay for this one as well - or she'd be unlikely to see anyone until she actually left school altogether at 18, despite being flagged in Montessori before even going into primary school!

Yes, she is great. Just wearing at times. But great once you get her back on an even keel!! (I am going to Lush for more bath bombs at lunch - just so we have them for the weekend and next week, as water is a great relaxer for her when she gets overwhelmed).

Acey I hope you did find the PS4, I'm impressed that Paddie was not phased by you losing it! I hope you got all the wrapping done in the end.

Wheelie good luck with the end of the paperwork going your way, that does sound a bit daft about the benefits system.

Fluffy enjoy today, and I hope there are no curve balls to distract you getting out that door!

Woolly congrats on resigning, I hope you enjoy the freedom (and find that choir). I'm glad to see that the funeral went well for your DM.

Chips I know you're not posting these days, but I hope that things have eased somewhat for you and that you are having a peaceful season, and getting things sorted out.

MrsMad I hope you got a few minutes of pamper time somewhere, while your DM got her hair done. It's nice to see that your DF is getting his energy back, even if he won't let on that he is! I'll happily be your baker man, I'll bake you a cake, wrapped up with my ham

Crazy your schedule sounds as crazy as mine, can I be a pot and call your kettle black? I do love the sound of your cactus and peas though, I hope they turned out well.

Happy Birthday to your DD Nero, I hope you all had a lovely day.

And welcome to the world Frange's new DC. I hope that the kicks and BHs ease off soon for both Acey and Seafood! They will be worth it though.

I am intrigued by the sounds of your hamper PSB, I hope everyone enjoys it in your house.

There's sure some amount of talk about animals these days, lots of cats all over, but especially Acey and Wheelie with their DoDo's and Flamingos!!

I haven't seen 70s either for a while - I hope DS's birthday went well and that you are getting ready too for a nice seasonal break. I want to hear about the Piggies and their festive hats annual photo soon!

I think that's everyone. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone - [waves] to anyone I have unintentionally left out.

The new job? Yes I would like it, if I got it. Then again, yes, it would add yet more complexity to the little hamster wheel that is my life - but my Nav course finishes by Easter, and I am not likely to stay on the new Committee for long as there is, apparently, someone else lined up to take over in 4 months time.