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!).

Firefly Christmas excitement and acting out is definitely a thing. Why do you think the Elf on the shelf is so popular in classrooms? HAHA My friend is a teacher and all her kids have been mad!

I love RCat helping you out! What a good sport!

Here's Azrael's 9 month photo!!

The Polar Express will be on in about 15 minutes finally! Almost 8 pm. I'm playing some animal Jam right now haha

Addie just woke me up with a giant kick to the ribs! Aye thank you princess that’s grand

I am laughing so hard at Lilah in a shark! Need to stop before I wake paddy up 😂

Grand job Rcat

Happy 9 months Azrael!

15

Morning! Up in half an hour.

Morning!

I'm on the train to work. I feel rotten, so not sure I'll last the day. I'll see how I go though.

Firefly, DS has been a terror the last couple of weekends with a lack of listening and generally not doing as he's told. We've put it down to tiredness as it's a long half term together with them doing the nativity which takes it out of them, combined with general giddiness about Christmas. DD hasn't been great either, but he's worse! I can't wait for them to finish so they have a break.

We've decided not to travel to my parents after Christmas as I just can't face it. I'm knackered too. A 4 hour drive each way, plus two nights in a hotel with reduced sleep for them is the last thing we all need!

We'll go in the new year at some point.

I don't know if this will be a comfort or not but my DS (first year secondary) is the same. Tired, grumpy and a little uncooperative. It's been a long term and the dark mornings and dark evenings combined with pre Christmas activities don't help.

Get well soon Fluffy - better to have the cold now rather than in two weeks time. 🤧

Lovely cat photos everyone.

Morning!
Just on a quick break at work so thought I’d check in. This is our last week at work then we are off until 3rd jan, yay!
Get to see my Addie tomorrow, so excited

Hope you feel better soon fluffy!

Sorry to hear everyone’s kids are playing up due to excitement etc!

Have a grand day everyone!

2 weeks today is my birthday / Xmas eve 😁🎁🎉🎅🏼

Morning everyone
Off to do errands for the DP today. Hereford to take presents to my ex BIL and his Mum . I knew him since l was 8 and he was a lovely man, very kind to me as a child and l am very fond of him still. Very weak unfortunately and after 21 yrs of marriage to my Dsis (she ended it by having an affair and getting pregnant with a married Father, who is now her husband) they divorced and went their separate ways. He married again to a beautiful woman who had 2 DC from her first marriage but she has been diagnosed as suffering early onset dementia and is in a home now , Bless her and him. He has been through a really tough time lately and as you can imagine Mum and l love him and only want the best for him despite our torn loyalties . My Dsis ended up terminating the pregnancy because the child was suffering from Downs syndrome. This was very traumatic for her and we never talk about it but l have shared my DDS with her unconditionally and she worships them and they her. Funny that because she is absolutely wonderful to them and doesn't treat them badly at all, she keeps it all for me and Mum .
Wheelie l am going to get him a Menorah definitely , it is his birthday in Feb so l will get him one for that , love your pusscats , they have brilliant names lol
Firefly your DS l love Pusscat he is beautiful ,sounds as if he really enjoyed the panto bless him and he was very good there too , it is a long time for the littlies to sit still bless them, as for the DC being grumpy , it isn't just the littlies , my big DH is a bit on the grumpy Bah Humbug side too atm
Acey won't be long before you see Addie again , have a good day in work m;dear
Fluffy hope you feel ok my dear , you don't think it is the flu do you . Hope not sweetie take care
Anyway after all that confessin', l don't know why l do it, hope everyone is feeling better and has a wonderful day . Will see you ltr alligators

I am back from my surprise trip. It was brilliant - cold & christmassy. The Christmas market was beautiful - we went to it / walked through it several times each day buying a crepe or churros each time along with fitting in sightseeing and lots of food and drink.

Also made friends with a fascinating couple - he is a German scientist who worked in America, met an American woman and they've been together for 3 years. This was their first holiday (annual leave entitlement sucks in the USA) and they got engaged just outside the Christmas market. It was so romantic I cried and kept mine and DHs steak going - we have walked passed / through someone's wedding or engagement on every holiday we've ever been on

I have today off work so have done the washing and am now watching Fred Claus while writing Christmas cards. I'm fighting a cold (have been for the last 2 weeks) so a festive pj day is what I need.

Acey I'm jealous of your curly hair. Mine is poker straight - my hairdresser thinks it's made of something odd as it doesn't stay curly even when she does it
Your house sounds lovely and busy - perfect I think.

Wheels I've enjoyed your Chanukah candles. Thank you for posting your pics. I don't know anyone else who celebrates it.

Firefly My DH is also a teacher and has said it takes a lot of planning to find lessons which channel the excitement into something useful.

Wreck Your pics look amazing - and lots of snow!

Fluffy I hope you're feeling a little better.

MrsMad it's very sweet of you to stay in touch with your ex BIL.
Enjoy the drive to Hereford - there are a lot of houses with bay windows on the way which should be filled with Christmas trees to look at

Have seen a small discussion about the Polar Express. I'm in the minority I think - the lifelike animation freaks me out so I've never watched it to the end.

Mrs, it is touching how you've kept in touch with your ex-BiL. We're in touch with ours too (DH's sister's ex-H), but that's not over as many years as you!

Crazy, we stare hair. Mine won't hold a curl at all. I struggle to even get it to stayed pinned up. It's does its own straight thing!

And awwww re the engagement. I'd have cried too! Sounds like a lovely trip.

I've given in and am on the way home ill. I'm exhausted and fuzzy-headed, so have taken the afternoon off to wear pyjamas and recover!

Paddy just came home with the most adorable clothes I’ve ever seen for Addie! She’s going to look so cute, I can’t wait to see her tomorrow and to finally meet my wee princess who stole my heart 😍❤️

Mrs - it’s lovely that your still in contact with ex BIL! Your sister really does sound like a nightmare! Hope you have a lovely trip to Hereford my dear!

Crazy - sounds like you had a wonderful time! oooo churros now I’m craving them big time I’m jealous of your straight hair; mine won’t stay straight no matter what I do 😂 your hairdresser sounds awesome! Ah, thank you! I think it’s perfect too

Second coat of the hallway done, and I managed not to give myself a black eye this time so, so excited to see Addie tomorrow

Have ordered some beautiful artificial flowers that I will take to my dads grave on the 23rd. He was born on April 1st, Addie is due 26th March, so there’s a very good chance she could be born on his birthday!

I think domino wants to help decorate

Afternoon everyone
Crazy your trip sounded just wonderful , so romantic
Must do my Christmas cards thank you for reminding me !
Glad you have the day off sweetie , rest up and recover hope the cold does one!! we had a lovely drive to Herford, loads of trees up very festive and we stopped in Tesco outside Belmont and had a lovely cuppa and a look around, bought a few things and then came home . Ex Bil not well bless him , he has polymyalgia and is on steroids for it , his Mum however was in great health , she is 95 on Weds and l loved seeing her. It took me back to when l was little and she used to cook me chipolata sausages, mash & gravy and it was delicious . She always made room for me no matter when we went there. I want to cry now and l don't know why. Get a grip Mrs!
I am a wuss , l would cry too at the engagement Crazy you are in good company here
Fluffy l am glad you are going home and you need to think about whether you should go in tomorrow too m;dear , have a rest the work will wait till Weds . You never go sick sweetie , l would love straight hair
Acey well done re the hall painting, Paddy will be bankrupt at this rate mwahahahaha , the heart wreath looks just lovely . Bless you , how is it you all have such beautiful cats and mine is like a filthy black monster with a bent nose and a bald spot on his head , l kid you not! We love him anyway , a face only a mother could love
Best go do the cards , see you all ltr

This time next week i’ll Be getting everything ready to meet our little one. Feeling rubbish today, so tired and have really bad acid reflux. I know it won’t be long until I miss it, but right now I just want this pregnancy over. I’m 100% sure we’re having a little girl but DH thinks it’s a little boy, can’t wait to find out!

Fluffy I'm so sorry you are under the weather and that your kiddo is acting out. Mine are being wild too. Today is their last day of Chanukah break and I'm hoping getting back to schooling in the day will calm them down a bit

Acey I can't wait to see Addie's scans tomorrow! Also YAY for a very long work break! Where do you work?

My husband will likely only get Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day off.

Mrs Sending good thoughts to your Ex BIL and Mum. Your family drama sounds on par to mine. LOL. We've got some crazy family drama going on right now and I'm not sure I'll get to see the baby nieces for Christmas :( About 6 months ago my SIL cheated on my brother with his best friend who was also married. They broke up. Brother got with an old flame who is AMAZING and I'd love for them to be together forever. SIL is kind of a mean wife. So her and this other guy have been together but now he slept with his own almost ex wife and now they broke up and SIL is guilting my brother to come back. We're all saying NO NO stay away! It's a crazy mess and there is a 5 and 2 year old in the mix too. :(

Crazy Awwww Sounds like a nice couple to be friends with! I'm glad you had a great time on your trip!

I need some festive PJs I think. I don't really have any.

Acey Those flowers for your dad are very sweet. They melted my heart today. I love the little lovie for Addie too.

Is Domino the crazy mom? LOL

Mrs I'm a bit sad that I sent about 58 Christmas cards and have only gotten 2 so far. I'm hoping to get more. I don't send them to get them but I adore getting them lol

Fluffy That's how mine and my youngest kid's hair is. Will not hold a curl at all! Meanwhile oldest's kid's hair curls naturally and I'm jealous lol

Frange Feeling over it when you are this close is 100% normal and I'd be sick of it too!! I am so glad you'll get to meet your sweet baby soon.

My kids are at the dentist. They are very anxious about it and I tell them that's why you need to brush your teeth well! Limits your appointments haha

I got a really cool little fountain on my game and I figure I'll share it even though most people don't care. But it looks so festive. Every day in this game in December you get a free gift. I'm like I wish real life did that too!

Frange it won't be long sweetie , just think how wonderful the feeling you will have when they put your beautiful baby in your arms
Wheelie your family sounds just as complicated as mine! I so hope your DB stays well away from poisonous SIL. I hope you get to see the Dn , it is always the DC who bear the fallout . Thank you for the good wishes for my ex inlaws.... bless them. They have been through hell lately. If my DSIS knew l went to see them let alone give them pressies and cards she would never speak to me again would that be so bad l have to ask myself
Anyway better shift and do tea, LATERS!

Wheelie don't be sad re the cards l am sure there will be loads coming to your door very soon

Frange - not long now, so exciting!

Wheelie - I’m so excited to see my wee princess, I bet time will go sooooo slow tomorrow I work at a local law firm we usually work until close of day on my birthday (Xmas eve) but this year they’ve decided to give us more time off, hoooray
Sorry to hear your hubby won’t have many days off, that sucks for sure!
LOL yep domino is the crazy mom / devil cat / destroyer 😂 she drives me up the wall on a daily basis and makes me question my sanity on an hourly basis 😂😂
Thank you, I love the flowers too 😁

Sorry to hear you haven’t got many Xmas cards, bless you! I’m sure they’ll be coming your way soon 😁

Mrs - glad to hear you had a lovely time! Although I am sorry to hear that he’s not in the best of health bless him! They sound wonderful though and how nice it brings back happy memories
Paddy and I joke that the money he’s saving on rent moving in with me is all going on Addie 😂😁
She may be beautiful but she’s a walking disaster 😂 your cat is gorgeous though, all cats are gorgeous

We are debating whether to go out for dinner or order takeaway, considering we’ve not moved off the sofa for the past hour, I think it will be takeaway 😂

Thank you both, I really do hate the final stretch. Wasn’t feeling well so asked DH to cook tonight, came home with chips!. Would be annoyed because I was fancying a nice dinner but he did buy me mushy peas and I love them. I don’t think I’m going to be able to catch up but will catch up from this point onwards. Hope you’re all doing well!

Mrs The family situation is a mess. Is this the same Dsis who freaked out at your mom sending money with her cards?
I understand on not knowing if it would be good if you never talked to her again. Family is so complicated lol

Acey Domino might be evil but she's very pretty! I am so chuffed to see Addie! Like I feel like a proud Auntie haha I might have to find her something nice from the USA and send it to her. Would that be creepy? I have no babies to spoil lol

Frange I love mushy peas. LOL I'm so weird

Mrs I do hope I get some cards soon!

I have packages coming today guys! Three. Two of them are from Amazon but the third is a mystery packages. I'm kind of excited to see what comes. I ordered some magnets for my needle minders, a fountain pen because I really want to practice fancy writing, and some more buttons to make fabric needle minders! Lots of fun stuff.

The kids are back from the dentist and they have zero cavities. I cried in relief. They aren't always the best with brushing and with our genetic condition teeth can become a mess quickly. So I'm so relieved. 5 1/2 hours until my appointment which is late this evening. LOL

I am laughing so hard right now 😂 paddy thought he had ordered one single pack of biscuits, but it’s just been delivered and he’s ordered a whole box full 😂 shoulda read the small print 😂

I’ve just been dancing round the room as the food is on its way, and paddy said ‘Jesus you’ll probably self combust on your birthday and Xmas day when you can open your presents’ 😂

Wheelie - she is very pretty and also very evil, she is both the calm before the storm and the storm itself 😁 hopefully they get some grand pics of Addie tomorrow! I’ve had 4 scans so far, and at every single one she wouldn’t play ball 😂 it took them well over an hour to do my 20 week one!
That would be hella cool if she had something from the USA! She is my first and I’m soooo excited to spoil her

Yay for packages and zero cavities, fantastic news all round

Forgot to attach the pic of said box 😂

Acey Holy crap! That's a LOT of biscuits!! hahahaha I'm rolling

I'm also totally on the hunt for something for Addie from the USA! LOL maybe I'll get her a few little outfits. It's not illegal to send Baby Clothes to other countries right? lol

Still no post for the day. It's making me crazy lol

I’m still laughing now! How on earth did he not read where it said a box and not a pack 😂
I’m listening to Macklemore and Addie is kicking away; my girls got good taste 😁😍❤️
Haha, no, not illegal at all! It will be hella cool to tell her she has something all the way from the USA!

I have no patience, so I feel your pain when waiting for deliveries!

Addie no longer likes chicken and we ordered a primarily chicken takeaway 🤢

Ah, mav has worn himself out and is sleeping with his paw on my bump 😍