Sugarpants’ Weird and Funny Holiday Comforts

November 17, 2011 Clever Girls Collective,I Love My Family,Sugarpants Family,Wow I'm a Tool

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Christmas is fast approaching and with nursing school dominating my life, I’ve had to set Christmas on the back burner. Now usually, I do all the decorating, shopping, arranging and other such craziness. This year, I’m in exams right up until December 16th and I think the week after that, I’ll be able to get everything done.

I made a wish list last night that included all the toys for my boys and the million-hundredy kids in my family. The adults draw names, so that makes it a bit easier on the budget for everyone.

Despite all the insanity that is the commercial-y part of Christmas, there are some things I absolutely treasure about our Christmas traditions that I can’t ever ever ever give up.

The Tree

We always get a real tree. Even when the kids were little, we taught them not to destroy the tree.  Even though people say “how can you stand all the pine needles tracked all through your house?” I quite enjoy getting stabbed in the foot at 11:30 at night as I make the rounds to shut down the 89,000 lights we put up. And even though I have to kneel on the hardwood to water that tree every single night and my knees feel like they are going to shatter like two dollar store shot glasses, I can’t NOT water the tree because I won’t be able to sleep for fear of it spontaneously combusting — I cannot have anything but a real tree in this house at Christmas. IT’S THE CRAZY IN ME.

(aren’t they just so sweet?)

Christmas Eve

Every Christmas Eve, the kids and I bake homemade cinnamon rolls (these ones to be exact) and stuff them into as many tin trays as possible, and hand deliver them to our neighbours.  Last year we skipped it, but the year before we made 9 trays and delivered 8. The other tray? Oh I should have just stuffed it in my pants because it ended up there anyway.

Christmas morning

One of my teachers (who also has kids) asked our class if they needed coffee to function in the mornings. About half the class agreed that yes, we cannot function without our Cuppa Joe (this was all lesson related, I swear). He then posed the question about Christmas morning, and asked if we make our children wait for that first cup of coffee to be brewed. He couldn’t believe anyone would be so cruel. I was too ashamed to raise my hand and say, “yup, my kids open their stockings and then sit and wait while Mommy and Daddy brew a cup. WITH BAILEYS.” Of course, the teacher admitted he can’t let the kids open their presents without standing over them with the garbage bag for the wrapping paper so WHO IS SCREWING THEIR KIDS UP MORE? I mean, really.  Hrmmph.

A New (and Hilarious) Tradition

We are starting a new holiday tradition this year – the ugly sweater contest, inspired by Emily and her Etsy shop. $10 buys you in, my completely unaware Granny votes. Seriously, we haven’t told her – and she is BRUTALLY honest, so she will be floored and vocal about the fact that everyone in the family is showing up in hideous sweaters. I can’t wait.
 

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

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October 23, 2011 I Love My Family,I'm A STUNDENT.,Sugarpants Family,Sugarpants Goes to School

I have no title for this post and I make no aplogies for not posting for the last month.

Because – I’ve been getting A’s. high 80′s to mid-90′s in allllll my classes. Aww yeah.

Some things have been slipping away from my grip though.

Running.  Exercise. Eating healthy.

Diet Coke has crept into my life and flirted with me 3-4 times a week (sometimes less).

My toilets are in major need of a scrub.

My family is getting used to not having me join them at a restaurant or for dinners with extended family.

I miss my kids. A lot.

Last night the 7 year old and I were the only ones home because my oldest went out to Dad’s hockey game with him to hang with the men.

I planned a movie date night with the 7 year old. We pushed the couches together. I made him a grilled cheese and a glass of milk, and made myself a tea. I let him pick the movie.

I woke up at 11:19 p.m., on the couch, my back a pretzel, and him? Playing Angry Birds on my iPhone.

I STILL feel guilty.

Sigh.

It’s only two years. It’s only two years. It’s only two years.

I wonder if I can suppress those awful, bone-crushing guilty feelings that long.

Creepy Old Hospital Tour

September 19, 2011 I Take Pictures,Sugarpants Family

The kids and I had a busy weekend, but I captured some cool shots at the Open Doors London event where we got to tour South Street Hospital, which is closing. There are still some areas that are occupied, so lots was blocked off, but we got to see the morgue, ER, Cardiac Cath Lab and lots more. We loved it!