It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

kidcat

Our kids have been out all day in the snow, riding their sledge (which has never been used although we have had it for about eight years!!) And they all agree this is gonna be the best Christmas ever its such a simple thing, but they are all off school now and they can simply enjoy the snow and take in the pleasure of Christmas and the simple stuff. They came in and enjoyed a hot chocolate (even my 5YO who will not drink anything other than water!!) and sat watching a Christmas movie.

It has helped to remind us of whats important about Christmas, we are all together we will have a good meal and that is so much more than others can say, we are truly lucky.

Its been an awful year and I pray that next year is better but if its not we will get thru it just like we have this year, one day at a time sometimes. Thanks in no small part to the people here and their encouragement and wise words.

mumoftwo

mardatha wrote: »

YAAAAY ! I do love a good revolt ! UP THE PEASANTS !!:beer:
And it's time we learned that ads are mainly designed to rob you of your hard earned money - I'd like to think most women have a brain of their own and can use it!
I just spent a lovely 2 hours in the kitchen and discovered a hidden unknown talent.... I CAN MAKE FABULOUS SWEETIES! WHOOHOO! :T Inspired by the Victorian Farm xmas

Care to share :j:j?

rosieben

mumoftwo wrote: »

Care to share :j:j?

what she said!

mardatha

share ??? ME? SHARE SWEETIES ?
NEVER !!

Hardup_Hester

I love the M&S advert, it's got Philip Glenister in it. Oh are we meant to go & buy stuff from M&S, that part slipped my notice, I'm too busy drooling.

rosieben

Hardup_Hester wrote: »

I love the M&S advert, it's got Philip Glenister in it. Oh are we meant to go & buy stuff from M&S, that part slipped my notice, I'm too busy drooling.

he is lush isnt he? :happyhear

the other sort of ad that riles me (see you got me started again Hester! ) is the sort designed to frighten people into buying their insurance, their noxious chemical products and all the other stupid scenarios that we have to witness daily - hands up anyone who's daughter didnt go to a party because of a stain on a dress??? no? thought not I've worked with admen and they were a lovely normal bunch so I'm not sure where they dig up these pathetic ideas from.....

anyay its christmas so I'm back off to watch for PG :happyhear on the next M&S ad

wigglebeena

It's nice that RATM got the Xmas number one. I'm not a big fan, but listening to the lyrics, it makes me feel quite cosy inside to know that a large proportion of Britons will not, in fact, do what you tell them i.e. go out and buy a manufactured pap record.

Next we march on Parliament.

ginnyknit

I agree Mardatha, we are revolting on here:) No fake Christmas's on MSE! You cannot buy Christmas, you make it. My soon to be Sil (the soldier) came home early from training camp and tho he was a chef before he absolutely devoured my corned beef hash and is now working through all the jobs my hubby and pregnant daughter cannot help with - priceless. My son texts me everyday and asks if we need anything and makes me laugh cos he is only 5 minutes away but is hibernating. My 80 year old Mum is becoming the Queen of the slow cooker and won't go to my brothers this year because they dont understand her new way of life and spend pots of money on throw away stuff. We may be poor but we certainly have a laugh!

Pitlanepiglet

Can I share something? I know there are other places but I feel at home here...my sister told me this week that her husband has had a drink problem for a few years and that she moved into a spare room this summer but recently he has been hospitalised with his problems and she has made the decision that the marriage is over. They have been together for over 30 years since she was 16 or 17, they live in mainland Europe so I don't get to actually see them very often.

I didn't know that there was a problem, she comes over twice a year but BiL often doesn't come as he is a teacher so if she comes out of holidays she comes alone . It wasn't very strange that her last few trips have been alone. We talk and email a lot but I had no idea that there were any problems, they have always seemed so stable and I assumed that they would be together forever.

I feel so sorry for her and so helpless that I can't do anything to help her. His mother was an alcoholic and my sister lived with that around them for years and I can't believe that this is now happening to her.

I feel so sad for her and for her (adult) children and also for my B-i-L as well, he's been part of my life since I was 8 as my sis is quite a bit older than me.

kidcat

Sending you hugs pitlanepiglet, its hard for you so far away, I am sure your sister knows how much you care and will rely on you as a shoulder to lean on. I remember when my friend arrived at my house two years ago and broke down as she had found out her husband had been having an affair, I was almost as shocked as she was, but as the days unfolded and she told the real story of her marriage I realised that I had never even begun to see how things really were. I think most people manage to keep up some sort of pretence in front of others - not to lie more as a survival mechanism - and any break up is usually a shock to those around.

Alcoholism is one of the most destructive things I know and it eats away at relationships until eventually there is nothing left. Hopefully your BIL will now get the help he needs and then be able to rebuild his life with the support of his children.

Meantime your sister has taken a brave step forward, and with the support of her family will too be able to move forward.

I wish you and your family all the strength and patience you will all need to get thru such a difficult time.