Come one, come all ,to the countdown to Christmas 2019 Thread 1

[Mrsmadevans]

Welcome to the first thread for the 2019 Christmas countdown m'dears

I have sad news my little Shaky died at half 12 this afternoon.
I feel ok am in shock and can't believe it because he didn't even seem that ill. He walked out for a wee and had a drink and came back in as normal this morning. Poor baby , we will miss him so much . I am ok about it but l feel guilty and sad. I think having My parents so ill puts things into persepective with losing an animal , even though they are a much loved part of the family .
I will catch up with everyone in a bit , l am fine don't worry just ...you know

Fluffy Awww I'm glad your DS stayed in his own bed. I wonder why suddenly he's having issues again? Could it be just after holiday emotions and stuff?

Cathy I'm glad you are having a productive day so far! Please keep us updated on June!

Mrs Have a good day! Send my love to your parents!

Crazy I'm so sorry your Auntie has been ill. I'll send her good thoughts and prayers. I'm glad you have the all clear for work again!

I have a lot of decorations! More now since we bought more for outside for this need Christmas season. We have four inside trees, an outside tree, about 3 large totes of ornaments, a tote for stockings and garlands, my ceramic trees, and two huge totes full of outside lights now lol

I have woken up in agony as my AF has arrived. I want to stay in bed all day but I have a doctors appointment at 1 pm. Thankfully it's an easy appointment and nothing too crazy.

Joe is rearranging our room. We are looking into the cost of adding an addition onto our room and making a small den off the bedroom and a big closet off our room. It would make things like having our computer and stuff out of the bedroom but still close enough to use and such. Also it could be a good place to put my crafting stuff.

Oh Mrs I am so so sorry for the loss of little Shaky!!! I'm so sad :(

Well, another year is over, and a new one is begun. As the song says. ...

It was another busy season, and I didn't get my planned "sit beside the fire, reading with a glass of wine to sip" day(s), nor the walk up the mountains (DD had a sore foot), nor an outing to the cinema. Not even the completion of general tidying up around the place and getting things organized again before everything started up. And yet again, I never made my flower arrangement for the dinner table....

But.
We DID go out (and stay in) for some enjoyable times - with the neighbours (including a hangover inducing dinner on 22nd! My only bad morning of the season, and hosting on 26th which started late at 4pm but also finished late after midnight), and family (DAunt on Christmas Day for a drink, DAuntIL called just after Christmas, visiting around the country, and a large Christening yesterday).

We DID have a lovely moist turkey on Christmas Day.
We DID get mostly organized in some stuff.
We DID get the decorations we wanted up, and they looked nice.

And we are now mostly taken down, and tidied up, and somewhat ready for real life to get going again.

The freezer is FULL with leftovers, and I have half a ham to use up yet (but we only cooked that over the weekend).

The washing is pretty much up to date, although I still need to change the guest beds (but don't expect guests for a few weeks yet).
I have most of my homework done for my course tonight.
I have the paperwork I needed done for Scouts, and will have time to organize the rest before its needed at the weekend.

And there are some things moving forward with the sailing stuff I need to do.

All the decorations are down, most of them are back in storage.
And I managed to move quite a lot of things for going to other relatives (books and clothes for younger DCousins, things for DMIL to sell at car boot sale for charity, items to regift next year etc) down there at the same time, so that has freed up space at home. When I added what I brought from home (and actually looked in what was already there), I have enough for most of the extended family next year - and only need to worry about a few DCs and a couple of other adults. (And DH and DD of course).

How much décor stuff do we have? I think I have 6x40l boxes, and 2 large ornament boxes, as well as a few big bags of bits and pieces as well. And 2 trees (I will be giving one to a charity shop in Oct/Nov this year as it is still fine). I intend doing a cull of the decorations - but there wasn't time this season.

I'm not admitting how bad my crafts stash is....but there is at least 1 carton of wool, 2 of fabric, and various things hidden around the house where DH won't add them all up at once. Across knitting, sewing, cross stitch, papercraft, and "general" craft.

I did get a couple of hours to go through my application form with DH, so I will be sending that in tomorrow (family funeral on Wednesday so better to be early than not at all).

And I am spending today going through backlogs at work, and signing off things that my boss left behind when he went on a long holiday.....it will all get done, but I had my own list as well...

Sorry, I know that's a bit of a moan, but I will resume normal sunny service tomorrow. And catch up with the rest of you all.

Oh MrsMad, I missed that about Shaky, I am sorry to read that as I had enjoyed his little adventures. I hope you and DH have time to sit and enjoy nice memories of him in the coming days.

Cwtches for you MrsMad 🐱💐

Thank you all so much
Poor Shaky was only with us for 2/3 years, he was a stray/ferral and used to shiver on the doorstep soaking wet until my DH managed to persuade him to come in. He had a wonderful life with us he was worshipped and spoilt so much we absolutely adored him, he was like a baby . He was such an ugly bugly boy but so vulnerable with the sweetest little mouth you ever saw. So velvety.
My horrible sister has been crying too she loved him so we have healed the break, although it doesn't alter anything really she is still vile and everything l said l still stand by . It is so confusing this losing him, it is like you are looking for something that is no longer there. Thank you all so much for being so kind

I am going to move on a little and catch up with you all
I really appreciate you bearing with me and being here for me, for all of us.

Mrs So sorry about Shaky

June’s got swollen tonsils again and they think her adenoids are enlarged. They want us to keep a little diary on how she is, how she sleeps, how she’s breathing etc. If it doesn’t get better they’re considering a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Mrs, I'm so very sorry to hear about Shaky. I'm glad you've kind of healed the rift with your sister, though I know you'll be on your guard with her now.

I've had a stupidly busy day today. I'm guessing that everyone was back at work and raring to go! Nightmare day. I'll catch up one day, I imagine!

My trial settled at the doorstep of the Court on Friday. Yay! Not quite a trial win, but almost!

Cathy, June must be really bad as I know people who had to have recurring tonsillitis more than 10 times (as young kids) before they'd consider removal. Maybe times have changed (for the better). I hope she's better soon.

Biddy, always so busy. I've no idea how you do it!

Crazy, but you can crochet, a skill I certainly don't possess! We all have our strengths. 😁

Oh storage wise we have 2 x 90 litre boxes, the two trees and a wreath in their boxes, a wooden lot tree in a box which is too long for the other boxes. We then keep Christmas clothing in our wardrobes etc and the towels / tea towels with the other ones, as there's room for them there.

Fluffy It isn’t just tonsillitis. Her adenoids are swollen so it’s causing her recurrrent earache and difficulties sleeping, we just never associated that with her adenoids and she’s had it since she was really little. So they want to see if it goes down when he tonsils go down or if this is going to continue and if they don’t she will need them taken out. It took me ages to get mine taken out when I was little

Nero l am sure that jumper is lovely , l am glad you got yourself a treat and you didn't get a shock to the system today too
Seafood have referred Dad to the District Nurses to get them to dress it for him hopefully , fingers crossed , hope the school run wasn't too bad
Wheelie l am so happy for you all that you had a good birthday for your DD, love the pic thank you for showing us and you are perfectly right to ask for their permission , respect to you my dear for treating them as they should be treated but knowing what l do of you here l wouldn't expect anything less of you Thank goodness your Dad will be able to see you all ok if the Tokens are not valid for some reason. I so hope things alter there for you all.
PSB yah boo sucks to back to school today
Fluffy great job getting back on the cross trainer you really must have felt like doing that [not] well done to DS for sticking it out bless him Think your great prep and conscientiousness and covering of any avenue must have influenced the agreement of the trial so l think it is a win for you ! Yes to the row with DSis l will be very guarded from now on , all false and sweetness and light (not) GRRRR, it is very difficult to be at loggerheads with her and him, when we have my Parents and my DDS in the mix , I will not be forgetting this ever though . Their behaviour is absolutely shocking. They are just impossible Thank you for understanding the situation , it is not easy
Cathy hope June is better and the Dr has reassured you , she sounds as if she needs them done really , l know you have to be really ill to have them removed but it sounds as if she is really suffering bless her and you
Crazy , hope your Darling Auntie is much better and doing well . I think the amount of storage you had for your Christmas decs sounds about right tbh espesh including the Christmas clothes as well , God knows my duvet covers alone fill the one airing cupboard shelf and it is a massive shelf!!
Biddy such a very busy Christmas for you all but it sounds very enjoyable too, well done on the sorting of everything too , presents nearly done for next year is just brilliant ! Thank you for the condolences for Shaky such a dear little boy
Woolly thank you for the Woolly hug m'dear
I have been so comforted by all your words thank you so much l am so thankful for you all here

Ah, I see, Cathy. Poor kid.

mrs so sorry for your loss.

It was my DD's first day at preschool today. It suprises me how emotional I was. She was with a childminder since she was 6 months old so it's not as if I'm not used to not being with her. Honestly though I was a sobbing mess going to work this morning.

Ahhh Cish your baby going to preschool, bless you we have all been through it sweetie. I cried every new school, every concert , every Christingle service and if they were chosen to read OMG it was a downpour lol . You are totally normal , it is pride, love and happiness, tinged with a little bit of sadness that your baby is growing a little older
Thank you for Shaky flowers too , it means a lot

Christmas storage eek

I have in the garage:
1 tree in its original box
2 trees in storage bags
A curver box with my wreath, my garland and my outside lights
4 plastic boxes with lids with baubles (some in the original boxes, some in ice cream tubs)
1 box with a lid with my other lounge decorations - including a garland, a stag, a Santa and some card holder stands.
In the house:
A drawer with my table linen, tea towels, tree skirt and advent calendar.
2 wrapping paper bags full of paper bought in the sales.
A vacuum bag with cushions and bed linen - this lives in the ottoman storage under my bed.
A box in the sideboard with my napkin rings and napkins.
A cupboard in the kitchen with my Christmas china and charger plates.

My name is Woolly and I'm a Christmas-a-holic

MrsMad I am so sorry about Shaky 💐 It always amazes me how our pets get under our skin and become family.
Thank your your good thoughts for my auntie. She is not far from you (NH) so hopefully your good wishes will reach her.

Wheels Thank you for your prayers for my auntie. She is in ICU and doctors are baffled trying to work out the cause of her illness.

Also thank you for making me feel less guilty about the amount of decs I have! I am still scouting around for a ceramic tree but haven't found one yet at a reasonable price!

Welcome back Biddy Your holidays sounded busy as ever! Always feel free to moan here - I know I do!

When I said about my Christmas decs, I didn't include my craft stash (except the big bag with a spare wreath, a plain wreath, a wreath wire and random crocheted Christmas bits). My craft stash isn't too bad, a giant washing basket full of wool / yarn, a gift bag with various buttons / ribbon etc in and a bag of fabric and half finished projects hidden everywhere
Woolly your list has definitely eased my guilt but also made me want to buy more stuff

Woolly No worries! I'm quickly becoming that way too! I've ordered some kits for embroidery ornaments and beaded embroidery to do while I'm in the hospital. LOL I'm already starting my Christmas gifts for this year!

I'm back from the doctors and working backwards on the thread to catch up! All the kitties are swarming and we're making some more muffins as they set well with my stomach and I love them lol

It started raining again! It looked like we would have some sun earlier but nope here's all the rain.

cish Awww bless you! I remember my kid's first day and I was a mess. A bit sobbing wreck! They grow up so fast

Mrs I'm all about being sensitive to what your kids want you to post. Mine are teens so before terrible long they'll be online themselves and I don't want them to be horrified by things and photos I've posted. lol They do LOVE their baby photos being shared though (I never took any embarrassing ones) so they've given me free range to share their baby photos when I want haha.

Cathy A diary sounds good! Make sure you note if she does any weird breathing hitches while she sleeps sometimes too just because that's important to watch out for with sleep apnea.

Biddy Wow! You are like a busy bee! I don't know how you do all that you do do!

Mrs Shaky might have been with you for a short time but he passed knowing he was warm and wouldn't be hurting a meal. He knew he was oh so loved and that my dear is the greatest thing you ever could have given him

crazy Your poor auntie! I hope they figure out what's wrong soon!

I will keep an eye out for a tree for you! If I can find one not too big I can ship it to you!

Had halloumi etc for breakfast, sweet potato and butternut squash enchiladas for supper, DD was in bed by 7.15 as she has her reading booster tomorrow, DS2 was in bed by 7.40. 😋🍳😋😴📚😴

I'm so sorry Mrs.

Crazy, I missed the bit about your auntie. I hope she's better soon.

Oh, I forgot to add that I have two boxes of Christmas wrapping paper on my bookcase and part of my wardrobe with cushions and blankets in. Plus a container in the kitchen with the table cloth, mats, tea pot and butter dish in.

Mrs I'm so sorry about Shaky.

Wheelie you are such a comforting kind darling girl , you know your words have really made me feel and think really warm about Shaky Thank you sweetie . He was absolutely adored by us all and spoilt rotten but he was very special. I cannot imagine anther cat as special as him but then l think about Percy and Cholly and they were wonderful characters too, just that Shaky was so vulnerable and we just loved the whiskers off him
PSB thank you my dear re Shaky
Your poor DD having to get up so early bless her she is so good to do that!
Crazy thank you my dear that is so kind of you to think of me with Shaky when your poor Darling Aunt is in ICU. If it is any comfort to you l do know how excellent the care is in ICU , honestly they go above and beyond. If it is in their power to make her well again then l am sure they will
I am sure you don't feel half as 'Crazy' now about your Christmas storage stuff when you read abut all of ours lol
Fluffy whispers you have a Christmas butter dish?

All the confessin' over the Christmas storage stashes has made me realise l truly have found my people