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12/26/2005 Archived Entry: "'tis over"

A lovely holiday was had by all in the Anc house. I spent all of Christmas Eve day cooking while Chris did cleaning and children wrangling. We went to my in-laws that evening as usual. The children had a good time with all the people oohing and ahhing over them. The four of us left in the middle of the party as usual to drive around and look at Christmas lights. It had been over 80 degrees that day so we weren't even running the heater in the car while we drove. Daisy dozed a bit, which was good for a recharge, while Chris, Tabitha and I sang Christmas carols. Turns out we don't know quite as many as we should, but the ones we do, we know all the verses so it's a balance :) We went back to the party and finally left just before midnight.
Once home, Tabitha was allowed to open her Christmas Eve gift of pjs (we didn't wrap Daisy's just put them on her before coming home) and then both kids were off to their visions of sugarplums. This of course, is where me being relaxed cam back and bit me in the behind. We needed to wrap and didn't end up getting to bed until 3am. Ugh.
Next thing I know, Tabitha is standing next to my bed telling me to get up and Daisy was standing in her crib bouncing. How the two of them managed to sync themselves to wake at the same time, I don't know, but I'm glad they did so we didn't have to wake anyone before they were ready.
Santa left each girl a rocking chair with her name on it plus a personalized big and little sister doll as evidenced in my previous entry. Both girls loved it and sat down immediately in their chairs. Tabi's a little big, but she doesn't care and is positively delighted. The stockings were then opened and the girls seemed pleased with the little haul.
Next was breakfast for all of us which is traditionally cinnamon rolls but Tabitha wanted cereal and Daisy doesnt' care for bread so she had a banana. Chris and I had the rolls, but I made the mistake of buying grocery store bakery variety and they just weren't that good. I won't make that mistake again.
On to the gifts! Daisy actually understood the concept of tearing the paper but that task lost it's appeal pretty early on in the game. She did seem to really like the toys we gave her and various things were opened immediately (curse you Amy Coe and all your twist ties around the wheels!). Tabitha had no such issues as tiring out and loved everything. I got the gifts I asked for, a rake and warm around the house socks. I'm very pleased with both and yes, I know those are bizarre choices but the only things I ever want are practical or gift cards and I don't want gift cards from my husband because I already take all his money, lol.
After presents were done it was time for Daisy's nap. I did food prep for our upcoming guests and Chris did more cleaning. My mil, fil and bil came over just past 12:30 which was when Daisy was awaking so the timing was perfect. She often wakes up out of sorts and this was one of those times so she took a minute to warm up. She liked her gifts being in gift bags and really enjoyed taking the paper out of them. If I had realized that would be more fun to her than tearing wrapping I could have saved myself quite a bit of time. Tabitha got quite the haul and there were many squeals of delight. Chris and I made out like bandits as well. I got the best gift though (for me anyway), cash and gift cards to go shopping for Daisy! Yay! Baby Gap, Babystyle and Naartjie, here I come. Chris had asked for, and received, a Jamba Juice gift card and then they gave one to Tabi as well, lol. That's a gift for both of them because now Chris doesn't have to share his card with her.
After presents we had lunch; sandwiches, spreads, bread, crackers, tortellini salad, all good. It was perfect, so easy for me and filling and tasty for everyone else. My mom and sister came over about this time so we did some visiting while they nibbled on various dishes. My in-laws took their leave and then we opened gifts with my mom. The special thing I ordered for her did not arrive so I had to tell her she'll be getting a New Year's gift. She did have something from Tabitha so she had something to open at least. My mom gave Tabitha a Winnie the Pooh Game Cube game and a Care Bears PC game and those were definitely the favored gifts with her. Chris and I recieved flannel sheets as we requested an gift cards that we will enjoy spending. Daisy was the recipient of some very cute outfits.
At this point Daisy went down for her second nap, Chris, Tabitha and my sister played Karaoke Revolution in the living room and my mom and I talked for a long time in the dining room. I think our little party broke up around 6:30. At that point Tabitha played her Winnie the Pooh game, Daisy watched utterly fascinated and Chris and I did various tasks related to getting our house back into shape. We failed :)
Today we have errands and sales and a Kings game. Tomorrow Chris starts his new job.