Joyeux Noël!!

[JJJ]

Well I'm really late but I do hope you had a wonderful time.

[Lindsey]

Well Christmas at the cabin in my head wasn't quite the same as reality! On Christmas eve, my brother and his girlfriend and the kids didn't get there until 1 am and we stayed awake until then because I was set up to sleep in the front porch right beside the door, and my parents were sleeping almost right beside in the middle of the living room floor. Anyways, after they arrived they still stayed up another couple of hours visiting I tried to sleep but it was just too loud.

On Christmas morning, the girls got TONS of stuff. I mean, it was a ridiculous amount! They had two huge plastic tubs full of toys alone after they were done unwrapping. I was so excited for them to open my presents and I know they're just kids but it hurt my feelings when they pushed the books away saying "No thank you" because there was a more exciting toy over there. They had so much stuff that two days later they were still discovering new things in those bins that they forgot about after unwrapping them.

The next day I was so glad when they all went fishing so my grandma and my mom and I could relax in peace. They came back and it was hectic again! I was supposed to get a ride home with my brother but he made comments like they don't have room for Layla's crate, they can't take their presents home if they take me, they'll have to put the other seat up... blah blah blah so I decided I'd come home early with my grandma. So on Monday that's what I did. The night before, I was awake until 5 am from my dad's snoring and I just couldn't wait to get out of there.

I also missed Scott terribly. I felt like the outsider with my own family. We were playing cards, and my brother knows I don't play poker but when I got up for the bathroom I heard him complaining about how he wants to play poker and can't I just learn something so they can play something fun... so when I went back out I just grabbed my drink and said I'd sit out for awhile and I just didn't feel like playing. They played poker then for the next few hours and never went back to the games I would be able to play. I was trying to watch movies on tv but they were so loud I couldn't hear a thing. I just wanted someone to talk to and I really wanted Scott there I also felt like whenever I would open my mouth, my brother or his girlfriend would make fun of what I said or turn it around some way. His girlfriend also made fun of my mom's decor in the cabin saying "No offense, but I wasn't sure if it was just some weird Christmas thing you do or if those ugly gnomes and things stay out year round"

I am very happy to be home!

[JJJ]

There's nothing like being in your home sweet home.

Kids will be kids but I'm sure one of these day's they will be happy curl up somewhere reading your books.

As far as your brother, well sometimes people don't grow up.

[Marilyn]

Awwww, Lindsey, it sounds like your brother is a bit full of himself. That's really sad for him and his family. His children are being spoiled and not seeing a good example to emulate either. I know he's your brother and you love him, so hope he realizes and makes some changes. His girlfriend doesn't sound very nice either.

So glad you had a nice home to come back to!!!!