Busy, Busy, Busy - The Sequel

Yesterday was the Underhill Christmas Party. To my surprise it went over quite well. I mean, there were a lot of no-shows, but I think everyone that did attend had a good time. This year we had a lot of "firsts". It was the first time for the following: being in the Knights of Columbus Hall, having decorations and table cloths, etc..., any food and drink, Christmas Music, organized games for the children and the singing of Christmas Carols. Unfortunately for us, it was also the first time Santa Clause could not attend. Of all people, the guest of honor! But Santa was very busy with the Christmas Parade, so he couldn't make it. He did, however, drop off some presents for the children. In actuality, David, who has played Santa for the last two years, wasn't feeling good and Gary, who was our back-up, was home trying desperately to get water, which had been absent for over a week. The kids took the news quite well and really appeared to enjoy themselves.

Later, while waiting for the Santa Claus Parade to begin, Jason and I were trying to decide if we could make it to his work Christmas Party next Saturday night at the Rodd. Apparently, Gorman's taxi will be providing transportation to and from the party for all employees, with the mill footing the whole bill. Jason has to verify if that is only for people who live in the city limits, but he was talking to one guy who lives in Neguac, who said he is going to be using it. Also, anyone who attends, will have their names entered for a doorprize consisting of two nights stay at a resort in PEI. It's like fate speaking to me.

The only problem is that we are going to be in Moncton on Saturday, shopping all day. We'll just get home, see the kids, let Mom leave and then it will be time for Margaret and Gerdie to come and babysit while we go to the party. It seems a little selfish to leave the kids for the entire weekend. Not to mention how tired we will be after shopping and driving home from Moncton. But, on the other hand, how often does one get to go out dining and dancing at the Rodd? I told Jason that since we might get to go out for his work party, I wouldn't feel the need to go out as much on New Years. Jason wasn't too keen on going out for New Year's anyway. He'd rather just stay home, drink martinis and play games. Then I thought, why not have our own New Year's Eve party? If we could send the kids up to Jason's parent's house for the night, we could have a party here. They have never stayed up there before, but this summer they stayed over at Mom's while I threw Jason's birthday party, and they were fine. He has since asked his parents but haven't received a definite answer yet. It's funny how I was so stressed planning the Underhill Xmas Party, and then as soon as it is over, I'm like.......let's throw a New Year's Eve Party at our house!!! That wouldn't be stressful at all!! I'm sick.

Today we took the kids to party number two - Jason's work party for the children. It too was at the Rodd. The kids had a really good time. There was coloring pages and crafts for the kids to do, and face painting. Jules and Abby got their face painted but Samuel opted out. The lineup was too long and he didn't want to waste time getting to Santa Clause, who also had a pretty long lineup. There were cookies and icing, so each child could decorate their own. A long table was filled with coffee, orange and apple juice, lemonade and cookies. It was Samuel's first time drinking out of a wine glass. He enjoyed it a little too much. While waiting in line for Santa, you could munch on an assortment of chips and cheeses. There was also a huge screen that was continuously playing various children Christmas Movies. Samuel and Jules both sat beside Santa to get their present. Abby, not so much. She'd only go close enough to grab her gift out of his hand. Jules and Abby both got a My Little Pony and a bag of candy, and Samuel also got a bag of candy and a Thomas the Tank Engine toy. Outside there were free sleigh rides. We had dressed the kids up very warm in their snowsuits, so before leaving we took a ride on the sleigh. It traveled in a circle around Water Street and then back to the front of the Rodd. I cannot describe how cold it was. The wind almost literally blew Abby over! It was insane! The kids were dressed warm enough with their heads completely covered, but I'll be surprised if Jason and I do not get an ear infection. It took forever for my ears to thaw out. I didn't know anyone there, but all in all, I still had a nice time. Jason was really glad we went. I think it helps him a little to socialize with co-workers outside the mill.

Tomorrow night is party number three - Sunday School's St. Nicholas Party. It starts at 6pm and is in the basement of the church. Tuesday night I'm supposed to watch a DVD to review for http://www.breadnmolasses.com, which means I'll have to find time Wednesday to write my column. Thursday will probably be just catch up day - laundry, cleaning, spending time with the kids, etc... And then Friday afternoon, we're off to Moncton! Busy, busy, busy..........