The last 10 days have plumb worn me out and it has nothing to do with Christmas.
My in-laws live almost an hour away (that's practically next door for our rural lifestyle) and for 5 days, we left the house between 4:30-5 and headed that way. DH took his dad who is 88, hunting each day. They were unsuccessful, but honestly, this year, it was more about them spending time together and to get his dad out of the house and give him a break because my MIL is declining and isn't able to be alone for long anymore. And no, they will absolutely not accept any help coming in and that even includes us.
One day my MIL piped up, "They better get something today."
I replied, "That would be nice. We could use the meat, but if they come home empty-handed I'll be back tomorrow."
Her response: "Well son of a B!" 😂
So each day I packed ingredients and pots and pans for a meal and dessert. Yes, my MIL has those things, but the ingredients are out of date by many years and she won't let us throw anything out. I don't want a fight on my hands at this point as I'm just the DIL. So I just help as I can and will continue to do so as time goes on.
My SIL comes to visit for 2 days every 2-3 months so I leave the fighting to her. 😉 We both used to put leftovers in the freezer, but I told my SIL that no longer works because my MIL can no longer process that something needs to be taken out and defrosted and my FIL has never been allowed to set foot in the kitchen so even though there are 6 months worth of food in the freezer, they are living on sandwiches and frozen pizza. OYE. I thought about a meal delivery service, but they aren't open to trying new things, which I kind of get as we are set in our ways as we age.
So, after those 5 days, I spent 4 delightful days caring for our granddaughter at their home while her mommy & daddy took a short trip. E called it a 'field trip'. 😂
She had school function one evening called Christmas Around the World
I haven't set foot in a school in over 25 years and I was surprised, and delighted, to see this huge display of homemade nativity scenes
And the gingerbread houses were impressive
Gingerbread men were on hand for the festivities
As were Santa and Mrs. Claus
And playing on the playground
Is extra fun at night
One day was jammie day at school
And another day we went back to see Granny, drop off a poinsettia and make some Saltine toffee
Trying to cool it faster out on the deck
Which piece to try first?
Taste tester. 🥰
And on Sunday, after 9 days, I was finally home long enough to catch up and on Tuesday we finally made it out to cut a tree
Now I just need to muster up the energy to decorate it. Anyone able to spare a couple of elves? This one is knackered.
7 comments:
Fun post. Your little granddaughter's smile is wonderful, she looks like a very happy little girl. I love spending Christmas with young children. My youngest granddaughter just turned 18. Too old for that magic of Christmas that only comes with the very young. 🎄🎄 Merry Christmas.
You have been busy! How fun for you to spend time with your granddaughter. She is so cute!
You are a wonderful DIL. It’s hard enough taking care of one’s parents; in-laws are even harder. Glad you enjoyed your time with E. She’s a cutie. Hope you find time in your sewing room. You have earned it.
Your granddaughter is so adorable and how fun you get to spend field trip time with her :) I can relate to the stubborn in-laws and the expired food. And mountains of paper plates, empty yogurt containers, bread bags etc. Sorry I got start on that tangent. You are a good person for pitching in with taking care of others, regardless of age.
Kathy
Very difficult! Your MIL probably feels better seeing all that food in the freezer every time she opens it. Best Wishes on all fronts!
I bet you especially appreciate when your in laws come to your house for a couple of days. It’s not easy, but it must be easier to have them at your house. It’s such a difficult and sensitive situation. Thank you for sharing how you are managing it. How rewarding it must have been to end that week with time with your granddaughter! Those nativity scenes are precious! One day I was helping in the classroom and I remember being so surprised (and delighted) when my son’s second grade PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher said a blessing with her students before they went to the lunchroom.
Just smiling as I read this post. I can relate in so many ways. ♥️😊
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