Wow, I read your description of the woman who wears herself out providing the “magical experience” for family who don’t lift a hand to my wife. She asked with twinkle in her eyes who I was thinking of as I read the description to her 😉 It is eerily similar to her decades of experience with her own extended family. The first Christmas after we began dating (2010) was an eye opener for me as I saw the insanity and lack of help. It was also an eye opener for her.l as I pitched in with dishes, clearing tables, setting tables, etc (I was a dishwasher, busboy, and server at the local Country Club during college)...
So, this year we hope to be signing to buy a new house just after Christmas and the packing will begin in earnest before then in our rental apartment where the hoards will descend on December 23rd... at least this year I will not be working at a church (hooray for early retirement!) and that will make the schedule less chaotic (fingers crossed).
Blessings on you and your family as the season continues 💖
At my age now (83) I am no longer expected to be a hostess extraordinaire, thank God. I used to get so cranky, and that's putting it mildly, when I had to play hostess to my 3 kids their SO's or spouses, and my six grandchildren, for a huge Christmas (or other holiday meal), even when they all got old enough to share the burdens of cooking. Now, II am treated to lovely meals cooked by my grandchildren, who are developing into terrific cooks. I can sit back and relax, popping appetizers, and drinking whatever I am offered. I put in my time for many years, and I am more than happy to let them take over.
Thanks so much for the picture of you and your daughter. She is lovely and so much like you. I knew what you looked like and feel now like I know you both. You're very kind to share so much of your life!
Is your older daughter interested in a day or part of day by herself with each sibling? Just to get out of the house, walk down to the playground, shop for what’s on your grocery list, shop for other people in the family, go somewhere they’ve never been, within reason? If they decide on it together, could be fun.
This is a great point, not just for Caroline but all of us. With the five of us, plus three grandparents, there's a lot of opportunity for one-on-one and triads. Thank you Sally!
Wow, I read your description of the woman who wears herself out providing the “magical experience” for family who don’t lift a hand to my wife. She asked with twinkle in her eyes who I was thinking of as I read the description to her 😉 It is eerily similar to her decades of experience with her own extended family. The first Christmas after we began dating (2010) was an eye opener for me as I saw the insanity and lack of help. It was also an eye opener for her.l as I pitched in with dishes, clearing tables, setting tables, etc (I was a dishwasher, busboy, and server at the local Country Club during college)...
So, this year we hope to be signing to buy a new house just after Christmas and the packing will begin in earnest before then in our rental apartment where the hoards will descend on December 23rd... at least this year I will not be working at a church (hooray for early retirement!) and that will make the schedule less chaotic (fingers crossed).
Blessings on you and your family as the season continues 💖
To you too... and I wasn't too worried about my friend being identified by my description because the dynamic is SO common...
At my age now (83) I am no longer expected to be a hostess extraordinaire, thank God. I used to get so cranky, and that's putting it mildly, when I had to play hostess to my 3 kids their SO's or spouses, and my six grandchildren, for a huge Christmas (or other holiday meal), even when they all got old enough to share the burdens of cooking. Now, II am treated to lovely meals cooked by my grandchildren, who are developing into terrific cooks. I can sit back and relax, popping appetizers, and drinking whatever I am offered. I put in my time for many years, and I am more than happy to let them take over.
Good for you! May Christmas 2023 be another season of being waited on hand and foot, as you deserve.
Thanks so much for the picture of you and your daughter. She is lovely and so much like you. I knew what you looked like and feel now like I know you both. You're very kind to share so much of your life!
Thank you! Someone else said Caroline looks like me, which I take as a high compliment!
Is your older daughter interested in a day or part of day by herself with each sibling? Just to get out of the house, walk down to the playground, shop for what’s on your grocery list, shop for other people in the family, go somewhere they’ve never been, within reason? If they decide on it together, could be fun.
This is a great point, not just for Caroline but all of us. With the five of us, plus three grandparents, there's a lot of opportunity for one-on-one and triads. Thank you Sally!