Merry (After) Christmas!

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

I thought the Midlife Referee was going to get a break for Christmas, but I should have known better.  Especially after the events of the past week.

Brother #2 ended up going to visit his girlfriend and staying there for Christmas.  He told my mom that "nobody cared" if he was here with the family or not anyway.  Not true, but if he wants to be that way, then he doesn't need to be here.  I can do without his drama, and none of us wanted to watch him sit in a chair and pout, which he has done before. To his credit, he did call and wish each of us a Merry Christmas. 

Brother #1 and Wife were fighting.  Wife called me on Christmas Eve day to ask if I'd heard from him.  She said she'd come to stay with her mom and he refused to come with her (they live 3 hours from the rest of us). Her phone quit working and she was trying to reach him but couldn't.  I had already been on Facebook - anticipating problems with them - and he had deactivated his account.  Several of us had sent him emails and texts, and had left voice messages.  Finally on Christmas morning, he replied to let us know he wasn't coming.  Mom and dad kind of laid a guilt trip on him and he ended up driving down.  He was mad at the world and it took him a while to calm down, but in the end, I think he did relax a little and try to enjoy the family.  At least I hope he did.

The rest of our day was filled with laughter and too much food.  Mom shared her fudge recipe with Sister #1 and I, and since I don't normally cook, they had a good laugh at my expense as I tried to understand exactly what Mom was telling me.  Even Hubby got into the act.  We decided he would have to cook the fudge, since I will probably destroy it.  Mom said I better be sure she is available to walk me through it.  It's nice to know they have so much confidence in my abilities.  Then again, there is a reason I stick to No-Bake Cookies!

In spite of the family drama, it was a good Christmas.  I'm thankful to have a large family to share it with - they certainly make things interesting!

Before I go, I want to share my favorite gift this year, one I received at the office.  My very own Boss Voo-doo Doll!  He's adorable and I can't wait to display him in a place of prominence in my office.

And next year. . . I'm going to ask for my very own FAMILY Voo-doo Doll!!!