We had a crazy, wonderful week at the Polemeni-Hegarty abode. Things went along according to tradition. Here are some highlights:
1. I got so ill two days before Christmas that I had a to give last minute Christmas directives from my sick bed. This happens every year as we moms manage to get ourselves so run down leading up to the holidays. Luckily, I was able to self-diagnose my ailment and thus, self-medicate. Yes, I recognize this is a dumb thing to do, but hey, I’m better.
2. We managed to find all of the Italian delicacies necessary to create the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals and it only took trips to 12 different stores in two states. Success!!
3. Santa arrived on schedule and only one of the eight children started to cry that he did not get the one thing he absolutely wanted. He is four and happily, his grandparents brought the required present a few days later. More success!
4. The two cousins that don’t always get along perfectly did not have an altercation until yesterday. It involved a direct hit to the face with a Nerf gun and an unbelievably terrific dramatic performance by the shooter when threatened by the victim. It was pure entertainment for all!
5. There were 12-19 people staying and/or eating here for ten days. Everyone managed to get fed and the boys even managed to shower on occasion. Parenting at its finest!
6. None of the kids got to sleep much before midnight on any given night. Happily, there was enough sugar in the house to keep everyone happy and alert. Now we are in the running for parents of the year!
7. Despite being together for the above-mentioned ten days, we adults were unable to finish one conversation, keeping alive a family tradition that started 18 years ago with the birth of the first grandchild. We kept reminding ourselves that the holidays are indeed all about the children.
Tomorrow, everyone here will return to work and school. There will be some glum faces for sure. As the last bus leaves, I will sigh and then, I will dance and sing all the way down the driveway!
Happy New Year!